Integrative Medicine School in Iowa - IA

Programs in alternative medicine may be offered by current practitioners or wellness centers as well as community colleges and universities. By choosing which field you want to specialize in, you are able to create a unique set of skills to offer patients. Because integrative medicine includes factors from traditional Western medicine, nurses, physicians assistants, physicians and other currently licensed medical personnel already have the basic information needed.

For those who currently have a certificate or training in one or more complementary and alternative medicine therapies, adding traditional medicine courses would round out your education. Licensed medical personnel are eligible to receive the designation of BCIM (Board Certified in Integrative Medicine) as long as they fulfill the other qualifications. Those who already are educated in an alternative medicine field can apply to become Board Certified in Integrative Health (BCIH). Both designations are obtained by fulfilling all the necessary requirements as listed by the American Association of Integrative Medicine (www.aaimedicine.com).

An important factor to consider when deciding which type of integrative medicine school to attend is whether or not it is accredited. Accreditation simply means that the school meets the standards set by experts in the industry and provides a good education to its students. This kind of education, whether it is for massage therapy, acupuncture, or the other complementary and alternative medicine modalities, will provide students with the necessary information to begin or expand their career in integrative medicine.