About Online Degrees in Homeopathic Medicine

Online degrees in homeopathic medicine are making the alternative science of homeopathy accessible to people of all walks of life. A handful of accredited universities offer online degrees in homeopathic medicine, and with sales of homeopathic drugs increasing by 12 percent to 15 percent per year, there are likely to be more online course offerings to come.

History

• The word homeopathy was first used in print in 1807.

  Homeopathy is the brainchild of Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and scientist in the 18th century. He began writing essays about his theories dealing with homeopathy in 1796, but the word homeopathy did not appear in print until 1807. The first homeopathic school was founded by a group of Hahnemann's students in the early 19th century. Today many universities offer alternative health degree programs that include courses in homeopathy. Even though homeopathic medicine has its roots in early Western medical research, it is considered an alternative medicine and is much debated within the scientific community.

Features

• Online degree programs in homeopathy are organized at the discretion of the institution. Some schools offer a regular class schedule; others allow students an accelerated completion of one class at a time. An example would be Everglades University, which allows undergraduate students to finish one class per month and graduate students two classes per month before moving on to the next course.

Function

• Online degrees in homeopathy can be a convenient alternative for working adults.

  Careers available for homeopathic medicine online degree holders may include: professor, nutritionist, chef, massage therapist, rehabilitation counselor and alternative medicine practitioner. Studying homeopathy online is a convenient alternative for working adults who are interested in changing careers, or simply refining their skills.

Types

• Online institutions offer both undergraduate and graduate programs in homeopathy; some also offer online courses without a declared degree. Everglades University supplies a Bachelor of Science degree in alternative medicine, which includes courses in homeopathy. The Institute of Classical Homeopathy serves students by offering continuing education courses researching the writings of Dr. Hahnemann in-depth. They also explore the philosophy behind homeopathy and the the work of other classic practitioners using homeopathy.

Time Frame

• A degree in homeopathic medicine is often combined with an alternative medicine degree. Most degree-granting programs offer traditional four-year programs. At the completion of the program students are eligible to apply for certification through the Council for Homeopathic Certification. The process of certification is involved, requiring an application, two exams and an oral interview. Some states have Health Freedom laws that allow homeopaths to practice without a license. Check with your state government to find out where your state stands.