HEALTH Specialization

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support

Only 9 colleges in the country offer Alternative and Complementary Medical Support, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $36,371.

About Alternative and Complementary Medical Support

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $36,371 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 9 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 136 students complete this program each year. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.


Median Earnings · 4yr
$36,371
Colleges Offering
9
Graduates / Year
136
Avg Net Price / yr
$12,896

How Much Do Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Graduates Earn?

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates earn $36,371 four years out, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $22,618 and $54,965.

$36,371
4-Year National Median

Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.


Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.


Is the Cost Worth It?

At median 4-year earnings of $36,371 and an estimated $51,584 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 8.1 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 1 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 136 students who complete Alternative and Complementary Medical Support programs each year, the majority (33%) earn a post-bacc cert. degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Post-Bacc Cert. 33%
Master's 29%
Bachelor's 18%

What Can You Do With an Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Degree?

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Cardiologist leads at $496,010/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +4.1%
$496,010
$274K $610K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 600 openings/yr 17K employed nationally
↗ +2.7%
$420,860
$217K $506K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 800 openings/yr 27K employed nationally
↗ +3.2%
$391,490
$207K $491K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,300 openings/yr 39K employed nationally
↗ +4.1%
$358,550
$181K $531K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 400 openings/yr 14K employed nationally
↗ +2.7%
$335,550
$185K $419K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 33K employed nationally
↗ +6.4%
$328,730
$140K $452K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 400 openings/yr 11K employed nationally
↗ +4.2%
$312,400
$186K $373K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 400 openings/yr 11K employed nationally
↗ +4.3%
$300,080
$174K $422K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 300 openings/yr 9K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support

Only 1 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI · Public 17 Open $12,896 $43,470

Ranked by Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Alternative and Complementary Medical Support program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Degree: Pros & Cons

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 2 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS
  • Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +6.4% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
  • Flexible credential paths Programs are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
  • Below-average earnings Four-year median of $36,371 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
  • Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
  • Long earnings breakeven At median salary and average net price, recovering education costs versus a baseline wage takes roughly 8.1 years.
  • High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($22,618) and 75th ($54,965) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates earn?
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates earn a national median of $36,371 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $22,618 and $54,965. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What jobs can you get with a Alternative and Complementary Medical Support degree?
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support degree holders pursue careers including Cardiologist, which pays a median of $496,010/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Alternative and Complementary Medical Support program take?
Post-baccalaureate Alternative and Complementary Medical Support certificates are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and typically take one to two years to complete.
How many colleges offer Alternative and Complementary Medical Support?
9 colleges and universities in the United States offer Alternative and Complementary Medical Support programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Alternative and Complementary Medical Support degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $36,371 and an average net price of roughly $12,896/yr, a Alternative and Complementary Medical Support degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Alternative and Complementary Medical Support and Health?
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Alternative and Complementary Medical Support-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates?
Employers hiring Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates?
The job outlook for Alternative and Complementary Medical Support graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Dermatologists is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.4%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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