Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Holistic Care
Majors Overview March 19, 2015Get information about bachelor’s degree programs in holistic care and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Holistic Care
Coursework in bachelor’s degree programs in holistic care cover theory from all areas of exercise science, holistic nutrition, and holistic health, in addition to traditional medicine. The field includes numerous bachelor’s degree programs and choices for advanced study.
Individuals seeking careers in holistic health may opt for a bachelor’s degree in holistic care, including the Bachelor of Health Science (B.H.S.) in Asian Holistic Health or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Holistic Nutrition. Students enrolled in majority of the programs are provided with rudimentary education in the major areas of weight management, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, human anatomy, and digestion.
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in holistic care are also taught about the interaction between vitamins, herbs, drugs, and food. In many programs, students become adept at working with professionals in traditional medicine for the promotion of general health and prevention of disease through a combination of the two diverse yet related disciplines.
Coursework in most programs is also devised to teach students about forms of alternative medicine, including hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and naturopathy. Common specialty or concentration areas include biofeedback, Ayurveda, yoga, and Chinese medicine. Graduates may choose from popular career choices such as yoga instructor and acupuncturist.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Preference is often given to applicants with work or educational experience in related areas, such as biology, anatomy, exercise science, and nutrition.
Coursework
Each specialty within a bachelor’s degree program in holistic health could cover different coursework; however, training in exercise science and nutrition may be included in most courses of study. Entrepreneurial training is often covered to facilitate holistic health practitioners that wish to start a practice on their own. Core coursework may commonly include the following:
•Holistic lifestyles and education
•Aromatherapy
•Mind and body connection
•Community health
•Yoga
•Vitamins and minerals
•Holistic health counseling
•Veganism
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek entry-level careers in various industries. They can choose from popular career options such as:
•Entrepreneur
•Nutrition consultant
•Yoga instructor
•Acupuncturist
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rates of 13% have been predicted for fitness trainers and instructors in general, while dietitians and nutritionists, for whom licensure and certification are mandatory in the majority of states, are expected to see a job growth rate of 21% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, fitness trainers and instructors brought home an average annual wage of $31,720, while dietitians and nutritionists earned $55,240 over the same period (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
While a bachelor’s degree would suffice to obtain work in the field, those who complete a bachelor’s degree program can seek continuing education and enhanced career prospects by earning master’s or doctoral degrees offered by schools in several holistic care areas, such as exercise care, dietetics, and holistic medicine. These include a Master of Science (M.S.) in Holistic Nutrition and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Holistic Nutrition.
