Best Alternative
Medicine Schools
When it comes to choosing between the best alternative medicine schools, the first step is to determine what type of credentials you want to come out of your program with.
There are many different alternative medicine degrees, depending on if you are interested in acupuncture, nutrition, naturopathic medicine, or another holistic healthcare practice.
The first and most important factor to consider is what natural medicine degrees the schools you are considering offer. Do you want to come out of your education with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine? Add in a second degree like Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Nutrition or Acupuncture? Determine exactly what degree is compatible with your interests and desired career trajectory and narrow down your options from there.
How to Choose Between Alternative Medicine Schools
When choosing the best alternative medicine school for you, it is important to consider the following factors and think about how each one fits into your life.
Degrees Offered
The first and most important factor to consider is what degrees the schools you are considering offer. Do you want to come out of your education with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine? A Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology? Determine exactly what degree is compatible with your interests and desired career trajectory and narrow down your options from there.
Location
Look into the clinical opportunities available to students at the schools you are considering. What are the clinics and labs like on campus? Do they align with your research interests? Is there the opportunity to work in local clinics off campus? Keep in mind that the clinical experience that you gain during your education will be just as important as the academic experience.
Clinical Opportunities
Think about if you are willing to relocate for your education and, if so, how far you would be able to move. Do some research on the cities where the schools you are considering are located and think about whether you can see yourself living there. Take into account factors such as weather, cost of living, and opportunities available to other family members if you are relocating with a family.
The following is a basic summary of every
AANMC school.
For more information on campus features, including laboratories, clinics, and research being conducted, visit each school’s individual website.
Bastyr University
San Diego Campus
Bastyr University has a long standing reputation and has been producing industry leaders for more than 40 years. Bastyr’s California campus is known as a leader in research with a rigorous curriculum and offers multiple degree programs.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Science in Nutrition for Wellness
Campus Features:
- Botanical Medicine Lab
- Cadaver Anatomy lab
- Dry Lab
- Histology lab
- Hydrotherapy Lab
- Kitchen Lab
- Research Lab
- Soft Tissue Manipulation Lab
Bastyr University
Seattle Campus
Bastyr University offers multiple degree programs and an exceptional education that integrates health, science and nature.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
- Doctor of Acupuncture
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Arts in Maternal-Child Health Systems
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Acupuncture
- Master of Science in Acupuncture and Asian Medicine
- Master of Science in Midwifery
- Master of Science in Nutrition
- Master of Science in Nutrition / Didactic Program in Dietetics
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (Dual-Track Program)
- Master of Science in Nutrition for Wellness and Health Coaching
Campus Features:
- Center for Health Policy Leadership
- Center for Social Justice & Diversity
- Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations
- Research Institute
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Vancouver Campus
Vancouver’s CCNM Boucher Campus offers small class sizes, a broad scope of modalities and practice, as well as mentorship-forward education and culture. CCNM Boucher is an alternative medicine school with an exceptional academic reputation, with students consistently ranking excellently on naturopathic doctor licensing board examinations.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Campus Features:
- Research Education Program
- Naturopathic Medical Clinic
- Student-centered groups, clubs, & committees
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Toronto Campus
With over 40 years of naturopathic medicine education, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine’s Toronto campus is home of North America’s largest naturopathic teaching clinic as well as the only naturopathic teaching clinic in a hospital setting in North America.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Naturopathy
Campus Features:
- Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic
- Brampton Civic Hospital
- 202-room on-site residence
- Easy access by subway
National University of Health Sciences
Chicago, Illinois
With a steadfast commitment to integrative medicine and a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere, NUHS has set a standard of educational excellence in health career education since 1906. NUHS is proud to offer the only naturopathic medicine degree program in the midwest US.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Master of Science in Acupuncture
- Master of Science in Asian Medicine
- Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Master of Science in Diagnostic Imaging
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
Campus Features:
- Whole Health Center
- Clinical rotations available
- Learning Resource Center
- 35-acre campus
National University of Natural Medicine
Portland, Oregon
NUNM is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical university in North America, established in 1956. NUNM students are given the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations and gain practical experience working in community clinics.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization
- Master of Science in Global Health
- Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research
- Master of Science in Nutrition
- Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization
- Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Campus Features:
- Helfgott Research Institute
- Multiple health centers
- Office of Equity & Inclusion
Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Phoenix, Arizona
Sonoran University is an alternative medicine school that uses a progressive educational model based upon proven, effective methods used by the world’s most prestigious medical schools. This includes early clinical experiences, team-based learning, and a body-systems approach for teaching the basic sciences.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
- Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership
Campus Features:
- Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine
- Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research (coming soon)
- LEED Platinum Community Commons
Have Questions for a Particular Alternative Medicine School?
The brief overview above is meant to provide you with a basic guide to alternative medicine schools. For your more in-depth questions, get in touch and we will be happy to answer your questions and give you the information you are looking for.
To find out more about specific AANMC schools, fill out our form here, selecting your particular school of interest, and we will provide you with further information.
