Alternative medicine has experienced increased popularity in recent years, leading to a rise in the number of practitioners. Similar to conventional medicine, proficiency in alternative medicine demands training and education.
However, for numerous individuals, the cost of obtaining this education is prohibitive.
Fortunately, numerous institutions and organizations presently provide scholarships for students keen on delving into the realm of alternative medicine such as acupuncture. Corporations specializing in health products associated with acupuncture extend grants and scholarships to foster growth in the profession.
Moreover, associations comprising practitioners of alternative medicine offer assistance to students aspiring to delve into their craft, thereby bolstering their community.
Scholarships For Students Interested In Alternative Medicine
The Academic Achievement Award Scholarship:
The Academic Achievement Award Scholarship, provided by the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, is available to new students for their first three terms of study. Selection is based on application letters and essays.
Additionally, the college offers the $3000 Founders Scholarship to students demonstrating leadership, notable community service, and above-average academic performance. Furthermore, students in their third or fourth year who exhibit outstanding academic excellence may receive the $1000 Wise Woman Herbals Scholarship.
The Yo San Scholarship:
The Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles, California, provides a couple of scholarship opportunities. Firstly, there’s the Yo San Scholarship, valued at $1,500, aimed at full-time new students holding a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
Secondly, the Master Ni Scholarship is available for students displaying excellence both at the university and in previous academic endeavors. Additionally, recipients must demonstrate a passion for advancing the field of holistic medicine.
Scholarship By Dr. Michael And Marlene Nissenblat:
The Dr. Michael and Marlene Nissenblatt Scholarship is available to first or second-year students pursuing studies in acupuncture, herbology, traditional Chinese medicine, and related fields. Applicants are required to demonstrate a commitment to integrating a personalized and compassionate approach into their future professional practice in order to be eligible for this scholarship opportunity.
The Herbal Time Scholarship:
The Herbal Time Scholarship is granted to exceptional students enrolled in the Master of Science program in Traditional Oriental Medicine. Annually, a deserving student receives a $1,500 award.
Grants From Federal And State:
While not exclusively designated for acupuncture studies, federal grants such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant are applicable to nearly any accredited program. These grants operate on a needs-based system, meaning they are awarded based on financial need. Since federal and state grants tend to offer the most substantial support, it is advisable to apply to ascertain if you qualify for funding.
The process is straightforward: complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is also utilized by state agencies to assess eligibility for state grants.
Scholarship Opportunities Are Available For Students Pursuing Studies In Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, And Other Holistic Practices.
While traditional medical education remains popular, the field of Alternative and Holistic Medicine is thriving, offering non-traditional therapies for various health conditions. Several specialized colleges provide degree and training programs in these alternative treatment practices, attracting dedicated students who, like their counterparts in traditional medicine, seek financial support through scholarships.
Scholarship By The National College Of Natural Medicine:
The National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon offers various degree programs in Naturopathy and Chinese Medicine, making it the oldest accredited institution in the U.S. providing these educational opportunities. The college extends several scholarships to its students:
- The Brant Ashton Memorial Scholarship targets students interested in pursuing studies in Natural Medicine, encompassing homeopathy and alternative treatments for AIDS or HIV-related conditions.
- The Wise Woman Herbals Scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, are awarded to third and fourth-year students at the National College of Natural Medicine based on their academic excellence.
- The The Founders Scholarship, valued at $3,000 per recipient, is bestowed upon multiple students annually for their outstanding individual merit. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled at the college and demonstrate leadership qualities, community service involvement, dedication to Natural Medicine, and academic achievement during the application process.
The AHNA Scholarship:
The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) offers assistance to students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs with a passion for Holistic Medicine. Through the Charlotte McGuire Scholarship Program, two scholarships are awarded annually to students pursuing studies in Holistic Nursing.
Eligible applicants must uphold a minimum grade point average of “B” and hold AHNA membership for at least one year before applying. The scholarship amounts fluctuate annually depending on contributions from AHNA members and supporters.
Students studying veterinary medicine with a dedication to holistic approaches have scholarship opportunities available.
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
Provides various scholarships for eligible students enrolled in accredited veterinary programs. Among these are the Dr. Richard Kearns Scholarship and the Dr. Pedro Rivera Scholarship. Applicants are selected based on written essays addressing topics like the advocacy for holistic therapies in animal care. Additionally, there are numerous other scholarship options from various sources within the veterinary field.
Requirements For Formatting Essays
To apply for multiple scholarships, complete a single application and indicate the relevant scholarships by checking the appropriate boxes. Only select scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria. Even if the essay prompts are identical or similar, you must submit a separate essay for each scholarship you’re applying to.
All essays, unless stated otherwise, should range from 470 to 500 words and must be uploaded in Word format. Save the document using the scholarship name as the filename (e.g., “Peterson Family.doc”), unless instructed otherwise.
To ensure anonymity in the review process, refrain from including your name in the document filename, essay title, or body. Although your name and email address will be collected during the upload, they will be separated from the essay before committee review.
Format your essays with double-spacing, Times New Roman font, 12-point size. Place the scholarship name and essay question at the top of each essay. Additionally, include the total word count of the essay using the Word Count feature, positioned below the title and essay question. Exclude the title, question, and any references from the word count.
Conclusion:
Every year, numerous students enroll in traditional medical education programs, yet there are alternative paths to healthcare beyond the standard approach. Alternative and Holistic Medicine, which encompasses various therapies for different ailments, is gaining momentum. Several colleges focus on alternative treatment methods and provide degree and training options in holistic medicine. Similar to their counterparts in traditional medicine, committed students pursuing degrees and training in Alternative and Holistic Medicine actively seek scholarships.
Scholarship and grant opportunities in this particular field have significantly contributed to motivating individuals to pursue careers in holistic medicine and traditional Oriental medicine within the United States. Consequently, there has been a notable rise in the number of qualified professionals in these fields, leading to a growing interest in natural treatment methods among the populace.
