Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Holistic Health
Majors Overview August 29, 2014Receive information about the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Holistic Health and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Program in Holistic Health
While few schools, if any, offer Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs specifically in holistic health, many schools offer degree programs focused on individual areas within holistic health. An enrolled student can select degree options according to their interests, such as holistic care nursing or massage therapy. For admission to some programs, prerequisite coursework may be required, and students within the program can find specializations.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. In the absence of any particular recommended course of study, students are expected to have a background in biology and chemistry. A minimum SAT or ACT score may be needed by applicants, in addition to meeting minimum requirements to be admitted to the program.
Coursework
The program will cover a wide range of topic areas. A specialization in nutrition may require the study of the use of diet or herbs in the treatment of illness. Students who pursue holistic nursing may learn different forms of massage therapy; these may include tui na (recommended pronunciation: ‘tway na’) or the use of the body’s energy systems in healing the patient.
Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Sexuality
•Spirituality
•Fitness
•Massage techniques
•Vegetarianism
•Lifestyle choices’ impact on wellness
•Nutrition’s influence on health
•Substance abuse
•Anatomy
•Physiology
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may choose from a wide array of entry-level careers. Some seek independent consultant positions in corporate wellness programs or with individuals. Others pursue occupations requiring them to design health conscience menus and products for food service organizations. New forms of healing may be brought to patients by those currently in careers in the medical field; these may include meditation or dietary changes, among others. Individual state regulations may serve to limit the number of job titles that are available to those who have earned their bachelor’s degree in holistic health. For instance, the job title of ‘dietician’ may not be allowed to be used by the holder of a degree in holistic nutrition. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Lifestyle and wellness coach
•Massage therapist
•Product developer
•Holistic nutrition educator
•Holistic nurse
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 37% have been predicted for health educators in general (including holistic nutrition educators). During the same period, registered nurses, in general, and massage therapists are expected to see respective job growth rates of 26% and 20% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, health educators brought home an average annual wage of $41,830, while registered nurses in general and massage therapists earned wages of $65,470 and $35,970 respectively, over the same period (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
While a bachelor’s degree in an area of holistic health would suffice to obtain work in the field, those who complete a bachelor’s degree program can seek continued education by earning master’s or doctoral degrees offered by schools in several holistic health topic areas.
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