Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore a dynamic field dedicated to advancing holistic health through non-traditional therapeutic practices and supportive care systems. This program equips learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in integrative health modalities, preparing them for roles that complement conventional medical approaches.
- Herbal Medicine and Botanical Therapeutics – Study the use of plant-based remedies and natural compounds for promoting wellness, preventing illness, and supporting conventional treatments.
- Energy Healing and Biofield Therapies – Examine practices such as Reiki, therapeutic touch, and qi gong that focus on balancing the body’s energy systems to enhance physical and emotional health.
- Mind-Body Integration Techniques – Investigate methods like meditation, breathwork, and guided visualization that strengthen the connection between mental state and physical well-being.
- Nutritional and Dietary Support Systems – Learn how targeted dietary planning and nutritional supplementation contribute to disease prevention, recovery, and long-term vitality.
- Manual and Physical Therapeutic Modalities – Gain insight into hands-on techniques such as massage therapy, myofascial release, and structural alignment practices that support musculoskeletal health.
- Integrative Care Coordination – Develop skills in collaborating with conventional healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans that incorporate complementary approaches.
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services 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 Medical Support Services 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 Medical Support Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services 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 Medical Support Services is found at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) (52 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 52 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52 | Laurel, Maryland | Private | muih.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services programs
How much can I earn with a Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services degree?
Salaries for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services 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 Medical Support Services programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) (52 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 Medical Support Services growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 12 in 2010 to a peak of 120 in 2020, before declining slightly to 52 in 2023-24. This represents a 333% 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 Medical Support Services 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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