📚 Degree Overview:
The Associate Degree in Applied Alternative Medicine is a two-year academic program designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in a range of alternative and complementary healing practices. This degree blends scientific principles with holistic health approaches, preparing students for careers in wellness, integrative health, and therapeutic support roles.
🎯 Program Objectives:
Understand the foundational principles of alternative and complementary medicine systems.
Gain practical skills in herbalism, massage therapy, energy healing, aromatherapy, and nutrition.
Learn to assess and support client wellness holistically.
Prepare for entry-level employment or further study in naturopathy, acupuncture, or integrative health.
📅 Duration:
2 years (4 semesters) – Full-time
Total Credit Hours: 60
🧭 Year 1 Curriculum
🧪 Semester 1:
Introduction to Alternative Medicine
An overview of alternative and complementary therapies, their philosophies, history, and current applications.
Modules:
History and Evolution of Natural Healing
Western vs Eastern Approaches
WHO and CAM Standards
Role in Modern Healthcare
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Covers body systems and how they relate to holistic practices.
Modules:
Skeletal and Muscular Systems
Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
Digestive and Excretory Systems
Case Studies in Holistic Assessment
Holistic Health and Wellness
Focuses on the integration of body, mind, and spirit.
Modules:
Concepts of Wellness
Mind-Body Medicine
Lifestyle Counseling
Spiritual and Emotional Health
Basic Herbal Medicine
Explores medicinal plants, their uses, and applications.
Modules:
Introduction to Botany
Herbal Materia Medica
Herbal Preparation Methods
Safety and Regulation
🧬 Semester 2:
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Continuation of A&P I with more complex systems and applications.
Modules:
Nervous and Endocrine Systems
Immune and Lymphatic Systems
Reproductive and Urinary Systems
Integrating Anatomy in Practice
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
A foundational understanding of Chinese diagnostic and healing techniques.
Modules:
Yin-Yang and Five Elements Theory
Meridians and Qi
Acupressure Techniques
TCM Diagnostics
Introduction to Energy Medicine
Focuses on biofields, chakras, and subtle energy systems.
Modules:
Energy Anatomy
Reiki and Healing Touch
Chakra Assessment
Ethics and Practitioner Boundaries
Nutrition for Healing
Basic nutrition with a focus on natural and therapeutic diets.
Modules:
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Detox and Cleansing Diets
Food Energetics
Creating Healing Meal Plans
🌿 Year 2 Curriculum
🌟 Semester 3:
Massage Therapy Fundamentals
Techniques and theory of therapeutic touch.
Modules:
Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage
Anatomy for Massage
Contraindications and Safety
Hands-on Lab Practice
Aromatherapy
The study of essential oils and their healing properties.
Modules:
History and Chemistry of Essential Oils
Blending Techniques
Application Methods
Therapeutic Use Cases
Homeopathy and Natural Remedies
Explores homeopathic theory and applications.
Modules:
Hahnemann’s Principles
Potency and Dilutions
Remedy Repertory
Case Management
Ethics and Legal Aspects of CAM
Ethical practice, licensing, client consent, and professional responsibility.
Modules:
CAM Regulation
Professional Ethics
Confidentiality and Consent
Business Practices
🔬 Semester 4: