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What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Medicine?

A bachelor’s degree in holistic medicine isn’t your typical health sciences program. While you'll still cover some gen ed courses, this degree takes a more integrative approach. It combines traditional science with alternative therapies that focus on treating the body, mind, and spirit.

What You'll Study in a Holistic Medicine Program

In a holistic medicine program, you’ll take classes in human biology, nutrition, and psychology. You’ll also explore courses in holistic health.

Here are some alternative health courses  you might dive into:

These courses work together to show you how physical, emotional, and environmental factors all play a role in health.

Choosing a Concentration

Many holistic medicine degree programs offer concentrations, so you can tailor your education to your interests and career goals. For example, Arizona State University—the most popular online school hosting an online holistic medicine degree—offers a bachelor's in integrative health with a nursing and general health track or a pre-health professional graduate school track.

Other common concentrations include:

Accreditation and Certification: Why They Matter

When you're entering the holistic health field, your passion and personal story are important, but so is credibility. Accreditation and certification help show the world (and potential employers or clients) that you’ve done the work and know your stuff.

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation means your school or program meets established standards of quality. If your holistic health classes are part of an accredited program, your education is more likely to be respected by employers, certification boards, and licensing agencies. It can also open doors to financial aid and make it easier to pursue additional credentials later on. 

As you research programs, you can use the searchable databases of accredited colleges available on the and the websites. Be cautious of schools that mention "alternative accreditation" without a clear, reputable source behind it.

Certification: Your Next Step After the Degree

Certification comes after your degree and helps you specialize or add new skills. It’s not the same as a license, but it can go a long way in building trust and expanding your career options. For example, you might get certified in holistic nutrition, holistic health coaching, alternative health practices, or life coaching.

Getting certified can help you stand out if you're planning to run your own business, join a wellness center, or work in an integrative clinic. It also shows clients and employers that you're committed to professionalism and continuing your growth. With holistic medicine certifications, you can often charge higher rates and join professional associations.

Benefits of Earning a Holistic Medicine Degree Online

If you’re looking for flexibility, more schools are offering online holistic medicine degrees. Unlike traditional programs that often require relocating or attending full-time, taking accredited holistic courses online gives you the freedom to learn on your schedule, whether you're working, caregiving, or living far from campus. They break down barriers to access by offering:

• Flexible schedules: 
  Many classes are asynchronous, so you can complete them when it works for you.

• Self-paced learning:
  Some programs let you adjust your pace based on your goals and current situation.

• Anywhere access:
  As long as you’ve got internet, you’re good to go.

• Lower costs:
  Online programs usually cost less, since you’re not paying for housing, meals, or transportation.

This kind of flexibility has made it possible for many people to go after a degree in holistic medicine on their own terms.

Choosing the Right Online Program

Once you’ve decided to take your alternative medicine classes online, the real challenge is finding a program that fits your life and the kind of work you want to do. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in websites and brochures. The right program should feel like a match for your values, your schedule, and your goals.

You’ve already read about the importance of accreditation, so keep that in mind as a non-negotiable. From there, the goal is to find a program that sets you up to do work that matters to you and to the people you hope to help.

Career Opportunities and Earning Potential

With a holistic medicine degree, you can pursue careers in private practice, spa and wellness centers, corporate wellness, or community health. Private practice gives you flexibility and control over your income, while spa or retreat settings may be ideal if you focus on modalities like aromatherapy or breathwork. Some graduates also work as educators or consultants.

No matter which path you take, your bachelor degree in holistic medicine can be the starting point for a career that feels purposeful, personal, and rooted in real impact.

Your income as a holistic health practitioner can vary based on your specialty, experience, and whether you choose to work independently or within an organization. Entry-level positions per year, but with experience and a solid client base, you can earn much more.​

While salary is an important consideration, many pursue the holistic health field because they find deep satisfaction in their work.

Is a Bachelor’s in Holistic Medicine Right for You?

A degree in holistic medicine can open the door to meaningful, flexible work, but it’s not the right path for everyone. If it is right for you, there's a good chance you already know. As our expert, Abdullah, puts it when discussing his own journey, "Holistic health offers more than a career—it offers a calling."

Rehab Clinic Founder

Founder & CEO of The Balance RehabClinic. I’ve earned degrees in Psychology, Integrative Health & Medicine, Nutrition & Food, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Mindfulness, Life Coaching, and Addiction Treatment, equipping me to guide transformative care. Beyond health, I hold two master’s from the University of St. Gallen.

My studies in Integrative Health and Medicine were not simply academic—they were a continuation of a lifelong journey toward understanding the intricate relationship between the body, mind, and spirit.

What brings me the most meaning in my work is witnessing transformation—not just in the physical sense, but in the way individuals reconnect with themselves, uncover resilience, and begin to live consciously. The integrative approach we practice at allows for this depth.

My background in integrative medicine has been instrumental in shaping this perspective. It has taught me to see the individual not as a patient with symptoms, but as a whole being with a story. Every modality I apply—from nutrition and mindfulness to spiritual healing—is rooted in this holistic understanding. We are not fragmented beings; rather, our physical, mental, social, and spiritual health are interconnected pillars.

Holistic health offers more than a career—it offers a calling. And in my experience, meaning comes when you align your professional path with your authentic self.

A holistic medicine degree might be right for you if:

• You value whole-person wellness.
  If you see health as more than managing symptoms, holistic medicine offers a deeper, more connected approach focused on mind, body, and lifestyle.

• You want diverse career options.
  With this degree, you can start a private practice, teach workshops or retreats, or work in corporate wellness, integrative clinics, or community health programs.

• You need flexibility.
  Many programs are fully online, so you can study without relocating or putting your life on pause.

• You’re entrepreneurial or creative.
  This field gives you room to design your own schedule, services, and professional identity. You’re not boxed into a single role.

• You’re looking for purpose.
  Holistic health careers often offer work that feels meaningful for the people you help and for your own personal fulfillment.

A holistic medicine degree might be challenging if:

• You want a universally recognized practice.
  While holistic health is gaining credibility, it’s still not fully accepted in all circles. Some employers and clients may prefer conventionally licensed providers.

• You need a clear regulatory system.
  Holistic medicine doesn’t follow a standardized licensure system, and state laws vary. Your scope of practice, ability to bill insurance, or advertise services may depend on where you live.

• You prefer a career path with fewer variables.
  There’s no single route to becoming a holistic practitioner. You may need to seek out additional certifications or specialized training along the way.

• You need immediate income stability.
  Building a client base takes time if you’re launching your own business. Earnings can fluctuate, particularly in the early stages.

Before committing, take time to research your state’s regulations and ry to find holistic health professionals you can speak to who are already working in a field you're interested in. This can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to tailor your path to your goals.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Future

If you’re looking for work that blends purpose, flexibility, and integrative care, this path might be the right fit. For some, a bachelor’s degree in holistic medicine is the start of a meaningful career helping others feel better in their bodies and lives. For others, it’s a stepping stone toward building a business or pursuing more advanced training.

What’s clear is that more people are seeking care that looks at the whole person. If that resonates with you, a degree in holistic medicine could be a solid and rewarding step forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)