Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other.: The DTI for this program is 54.1%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $40302) to the average debt ($21789) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 54.1%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($40302) against the typical student debt ($21789), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $40302, and the average student debt is $21789, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.54—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 136 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other (CIP 51.3499) is a holistic, support-focused health services degree category designed for programs that train professionals to assist, administer, and deliver services within alternative and complementary healthcare systems. Unlike practitioner-focused alternative medicine degrees, this CIP code emphasizes the support roles that keep integrative and holistic health practices operating safely, ethically, and effectively.
This field is centered on helping clients, practitioners, and organizations navigate non-traditional healthcare environments. Students learn how to support wellness, prevention, and integrative care through education, coordination, client interaction, and operational assistance. These roles are essential in alternative health settings where trust, continuity, and individualized care are critical.
As demand for complementary and integrative health services continues to grow—particularly in areas like wellness, stress management, chronic condition support, and lifestyle medicine—professionals trained under CIP 51.3499 play an increasingly important role in bridging holistic practices with professional standards and client needs.
What Is an Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other Degree?
A degree or certificate classified under CIP 51.3499 represents non-traditional, interdisciplinary programs focused on support roles within alternative and complementary medicine. Schools use this category when a program prepares students to work alongside holistic health practitioners rather than becoming licensed practitioners themselves.
Programs in this category may combine training in:
- Client support and wellness assistance
- Administrative and operational support for alternative clinics
- Health education and client communication
- Lifestyle and wellness program coordination
- Ethical and professional standards in complementary care
- Basic understanding of alternative and integrative therapies
- Recordkeeping, scheduling, and client documentation
- Community outreach and wellness programming
The emphasis is on practical skills, professionalism, and client-centered service within integrative and complementary health environments.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other is well-suited for students who:
- Are interested in holistic or alternative health fields
- Want to support wellness without becoming a licensed practitioner
- Enjoy working directly with clients in supportive roles
- Prefer service-oriented, people-focused careers
- Want faster entry into health and wellness environments
This degree often appeals to individuals who value holistic health philosophies and want to contribute to wellness-focused care through organization, communication, and support.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 51.3499 programs learn how alternative and complementary health services operate on a day-to-day basis. Coursework emphasizes client interaction, ethical boundaries, operational support, and wellness education.
You will gain an understanding of how holistic health services are delivered, how clients are supported before and after sessions, and how support staff contribute to safe, effective, and positive care experiences.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Supporting clients in wellness and holistic care settings
- Communicating clearly and compassionately with diverse populations
- Assisting with scheduling, records, and client intake
- Understanding basic principles of alternative and integrative therapies
- Maintaining ethical boundaries and client confidentiality
- Coordinating wellness programs and services
- Supporting lifestyle and behavior change initiatives
- Working collaboratively with practitioners and wellness teams
These skills are essential in environments where trust, consistency, and client comfort are central to care.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework may include subjects such as:
- Foundations of alternative and complementary medicine
- Wellness and lifestyle support services
- Client communication and education
- Ethics and scope of practice in complementary care
- Cultural competence and holistic health traditions
- Stress management and self-care concepts
- Basic anatomy and health terminology
- Administrative practices in wellness settings
- Community wellness outreach and programming
Programs often emphasize applied learning and real-world scenarios over advanced biomedical science.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
An Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other degree prepares graduates for a range of support and coordination roles within holistic and integrative health environments.
Common career paths include:
- Wellness Support Specialist
- Holistic Health Assistant
- Integrative Health Clinic Support Staff
- Client Care or Intake Coordinator
- Wellness Program Assistant
- Complementary Medicine Office Assistant
- Lifestyle or Wellness Services Coordinator
- Community Wellness Support Worker
These roles focus on enhancing client experience, supporting practitioners, and ensuring smooth daily operations.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly work in:
- Integrative and holistic health clinics
- Alternative medicine practices
- Wellness and lifestyle centers
- Yoga, meditation, or mind-body studios
- Community health and prevention programs
- Corporate or workplace wellness initiatives
- Retreats and residential wellness facilities
- Private practices and small wellness businesses
This degree aligns with settings that prioritize preventative care, personalization, and holistic well-being.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, location, and setting, but support roles offer accessible entry points into the wellness field.
Typical pay ranges include:
- Entry-level support roles: $30,000–$38,000 annually
- Experienced wellness support staff: $38,000–$48,000+
- Program coordination or supervisory roles may earn more
While not among the highest-paying healthcare careers, these positions often offer meaningful work, flexible environments, and growth opportunities.
Is This Degree Hard?
Academically, this degree is generally accessible and practical. The main challenge lies in interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ethical responsibility. Students must be comfortable working closely with clients and respecting boundaries within non-traditional healthcare settings.
Success depends on empathy, reliability, communication skills, and a genuine interest in wellness and holistic care.
Who Should Choose CIP 51.3499 Specifically?
This CIP code may be a strong match if you:
- Want to work in alternative or integrative health settings
- Prefer support and coordination roles over clinical practice
- Enjoy helping others in wellness-focused environments
- Want a flexible, people-centered career
- Are interested in holistic health philosophies
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in this field should:
- Take health or biology courses
- Develop strong communication and organizational skills
- Volunteer in wellness, community, or support roles
- Learn about different cultural approaches to health
- Practice professionalism and empathy in group activities
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other represents a meaningful pathway for students who want to support holistic health and wellness through service, coordination, and compassionate client care—playing a vital role in integrative healthcare systems without becoming a licensed practitioner.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor