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Developing the complementary and alternative medicine education infrastructure: baccalaureate programs in the United
Adam Burke1, Erik Peper, Kenn Burrows
1Institute for Holistic Healing Studies, Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA. aburke@sfsu.edu
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 2005
Summary
This study found five U.S. baccalaureate programs in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and holistic health. Increased integration of CAM education at the undergraduate level is crucial for a competent healthcare workforce.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Healthcare Education
- Holistic Health Studies
Background:
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) education infrastructure development has primarily focused on graduate and professional levels.
- There is a growing need to understand the landscape of undergraduate CAM and holistic health training in the United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence and characteristics of baccalaureate programs offering training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and holistic health.
- To identify existing undergraduate programs in the United States that meet specific criteria for CAM and holistic health education.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature and website search was conducted to identify relevant educational institutions.
- Inclusion criteria specified accredited undergraduate programs leading to a minor, Associate of Arts (AA), or Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BS) degree.
- Effective search terms included "holistic health," "minor," "certificate," and "undergraduate."
Main Results:
- Traditional health and education databases yielded limited results for baccalaureate CAM programs.
- Internet searches proved highly effective in identifying relevant undergraduate programs.
- Five U.S. institutions were identified offering baccalaureate programs in CAM or holistic health: Arizona State University East, Bastyr University, San Francisco State University, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and Georgian Court College.
Conclusions:
- Integrating CAM education across all higher education levels is essential for preparing future healthcare professionals.
- Baccalaureate preparation is increasingly necessary to develop a competent workforce of CAM-practitioners and allied health professionals.
- Campus, state, and national-level curriculum discussions are needed to advance CAM education.