What type of higher education is needed to pursue a career in alternative medicine?

I live in dallas tx and i just graduated high school. I want to pursue a career in alternative medicine such as herbology and such, but i don't know where to start. if anyone lives in dallas and knows a great way in which to begin my studies or just knows, your feedback is greatly appreciated. In college, what type of major would Alternative medicine fall under? is only universities or community colleges too, or is there a special alt. med. college. thanx everyone!

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Wes.

I doubt any higher education is required since it is not sanctioned profession.

To be certified, I am sure classes, often offered around town, will give you a cert. Do a google search for your local. Study the field, as I am sure there are many con artists involved. I saw an episode of Bullshit with Penn and Teller on Showtime that made them all look like crooks.

I have worked in medicine for years, and i would say do yourself a favor, spend a couple of years in college say in nursing school or some other medical profession, then branch out. It will all be easier and make more sense to you with a real education on the human body. I am not saying it is bogus, just that have a basis to grow from.

A lot of nurses go into home alternative medicine especially with hospice and pain management. They usually do well. But the lady on the corner that waves her hands over you and charges a lot of money usually doesnt last.

Hi, what would be a good start for you is to actually contact some healers in your area and learn from them. There is no school for alternative medicine. The AMA actually discourages and is threatened by natural and alternative medicine. There is no money in it for them and it will actually take money away from them. When you can be cured using inexpensive herbs, minerals, and vitamins the big pharm companies won't make any money. So be careful where you go, be prepared to be scoffed at, be sure of what you want and believe in and you will be able to find your way. Go to seminars and other places where like minded people would gather. You will have to weed out the fakes from the real deal. Starting with some reflexology, massage, acupuncture, and any eastern medicines would also be good. Good luck in your quest, it won't be found on the well worn path.

Dont listen to the two first idiots. There are actually 4 schools where you can pursue a degree in alternative medicne. All of them are legitimite four year medical schools and you can get a license to practice medicine in certain states. Go to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website and you can learn all about it.

My naturopathic physician is a medical doctor. She went to medical school in Arizona. Herbology can be learned in a few courses. I've heard of a place in Vermont where you can spend a month with an herbologist for training. But if you want to practice actual alternative medicine, then you'll technically be going to medical school.