What Can I Do With a Wellness and Alternative Medicine Major?

Description of the Major

This liberal arts and pre-professional interdisciplinary program is designed for both seekers of knowledge in the science behind mind-body medicine, also called psychneuroimmunology, and for those pursuing the undergraduate requirements to go on to professional alternative medical careers as naturopaths, acupuncturists, chiropractors or physician assistants.

Students take core courses in the behavioral, physical and health sciences and then select one of three concentrations. If you are passionate, bright, creative, and adventurous about becoming part of a pioneering movement that is changing the face of health care in America, WAM is for you.

This program is among the first of its kind in the country to offer a science-based education in wellness and alternative medicine. This cutting edge field of study will expose you to new scientific knowledge about the critical role of the mind and body in health, offer opportunities to be a part of research into alternative health care practices and provides internships for those wanting practical experience in alternative health care.

Career Areas

Massage
Acupuncture
Yoga
Meditation
Reiki
Polarity
Social service
Insurance
Herbal and pharmaceutical agencies

Sample Job Titles*

Wellness Program Assistant
Health Spa Personnel
Holistic Practitioner
Herbal Product Manufacturing
Counselor
Acupuncturist
Chiropractor
Naturopath
Meditation Instructor
Yoga Instructor
Homeopathic and Ayurvedic Consultant
*Some careers require additional study or an advanced degree

What recent Johnson State College WAM graduates are doing

Nursing Student
Chiropractic Assistant
Sales Consultant

Click here to see complete Graduate Survey Report


Skills ls and personality traits representative of WAM majors

Students who major in the Wellness and Alternative Medicine program are curious about the mind/body connection and are concerned about social and environmental health issues. WAM students are patient, people oriented, and interested in natural methods of healing. They are also interested in to designing and implementing rehabilitative programs for future patients.

Links for Wellness and Alternative Medicine

American Association of Oriental Medicine

Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

The Ayurvedic Institute

National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine

American College of Nurse-Midwives

Midwives Alliance of North America

American Chiropractic Association

International Chiropractors Association

National Center for Homeopathy

Homeopathic Educational Services

American Massage Therapy Association

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians