Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Alternative and Complementary Medicine programs explore non-conventional approaches to health and wellness that integrate traditional, holistic, and evidence-informed practices. These programs prepare students to understand, evaluate, and apply diverse healing systems that support conventional medical care, emphasizing patient-centered, integrative health strategies.
- Herbal Medicine: The study of plant-based remedies and their therapeutic applications, including preparation, pharmacology, and safety considerations.
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Exploration of energy flow (Qi), meridian systems, and the use of needles, herbs, and lifestyle practices to restore balance and health.
- Homeopathy: A system based on the principle of "like cures like," utilizing highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
- Mind-Body Interventions: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and guided imagery to enhance psychological and physiological well-being.
- Nutritional and Dietary Therapies: The role of food, supplements, and metabolic balance in preventing disease and supporting recovery.
- Energy Healing Modalities: Practices like Reiki, therapeutic touch, and qigong that focus on manipulating subtle energy fields to promote healing.
- Integrative Health Frameworks: The synthesis of complementary practices with conventional medicine to create comprehensive, individualized care plans.
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Alternative and Complementary Medicine degrees, including Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 30,870 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other 29-1299 | $113,730 | $65,210 - $194,000 | 30,870 | $54.68 |
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $66,950 in South Carolina to $160,560 in Maryland—a 140% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 30,870 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Alternative and Complementary Medicine by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Alternative and Complementary Medicine programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Alternative and Complementary Medicine is found at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) (29 graduates), Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) (28 graduates), Stautzenberger College, Maumee (13 graduates), Stautzenberger College, Rockford Career College (11 graduates), and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) (10 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 107 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Denver, Colorado | Public | msudenver.edu |
| Stautzenberger College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Maumee, Ohio | Private | sctoday.edu |
| Stautzenberger College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Rockford, Illinois | Private | rockfordcareercollege.edu |
| Northern Essex Community College (NECC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Haverhill, Massachusetts | Public | necc.mass.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
10 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Alternative and Complementary Medicine programs
How much can I earn with a Alternative and Complementary Medicine degree?
Salaries for Alternative and Complementary Medicine graduates vary by role and location. Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other earn a median of $113,730 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maryland average $160,560 compared to $66,950 in South Carolina. Approximately 30,870 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Alternative and Complementary Medicine programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Alternative and Complementary Medicine degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) (29 graduates), Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) (28 graduates), and Stautzenberger College, Maumee (13 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Alternative and Complementary Medicine growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 89 in 2010 to 107 in 2023-24. This represents a 20% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Alternative and Complementary Medicine degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 30,870 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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