What Certifications Do I Need To Practice Holistic Health?
While licenses are almost always required for traditional Western healthcare positions like nursing, they aren’t always required for holistic health-focused vocations.
However, though many holistic health jobs still don’t have set licensure or certification requirements, others have strict state and national standards you’ll need to meet.
Thus, exploring holistic health practitioner certification and licensing requirements could be an important step to take before you start your journey.
Holistic Health Certification Requirements by Job Type
National and state certification requirements for holistic health practitioners vary depending on the type of job, the state in which you practice, and other variables.
Certifications required: Most states require that you take the NCCAOM examination in acupuncture to earn the commission’s acupuncture certification.
Optional certifications: Some acupuncturists are also certified in traditional Asian medicine or Chinese herbology, especially acupuncturists who study at a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) college. Certifications in both areas are available from NCCAOM.
Ayurvedic Practitioner
National or state licensing requirements: No formal state or national requirements
Certifications required: None
Optional certifications: You can earn certification from the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board. You’ll need to be a graduate of an association-approved school to take the certification exam.
Energy Healer
National or state licensing requirements: No formal state or national requirements
Certifications required: None
Optional certifications: Multiple optional certifications are available. Your school or program can help you find a certification that matches your education and career goals.
Herbalist
National or state licensing requirements: No formal state or national requirements
Certifications required: None
Optional certifications: Multiple optional certifications are available. Your school or program can help you find a certification that matches your education and career goals.
Life Coach
National or state licensing requirements: No formal state or national requirements
Certifications required: None
Optional certifications: Multiple optional certifications are available. Your school or program can help you find a certification that matches your education and career goals.
Massage Therapist
National or state licensing requirements: Massage therapy requirements vary by state. In most, you’ll need to complete a state-approved massage therapy training program. However, in some states, there are no formal requirements at all.
Optional certifications: The Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork through the NCBTMB is considered the “gold standard” for massage therapists and can boost your career. It’s a good idea to pursue it even if your state doesn’t require it. Once you’re board-certified, you can look into some of the specialty certifications offered by NCBTMB. These certifications are focused on specific massage techniques.
Midwife
National or state licensing requirements: The requirements to be a midwife depend not just on your state but on the type of midwife you want to be. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have also completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Certified midwives (CMs) don’t need to be nurses, but they do need to have a master’s degree. You also have the option to work as a certified professional midwife (CPM) in 31 states. You can work as a CPM with a certificate from an approved school.
Certifications required: Depends on your midwifery career
CNMs and CMs: Certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
CPMs: The Certified Professional Midwife credential from The North American Registry of Midwives
Optional certifications: None
Naturopath
National or state licensing requirements: Twenty-two states require naturopaths to be licensed and follow the guidelines of the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). NABNE requires that you graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school with a doctoral degree before obtaining certification in holistic medicine.
Certifications required: Board certification as a naturopathic doctor through NABNE.
Certifications required: In most of the country, certification isn’t required. When it is, the most common requirement is the Certified Nutrition Specialist from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). You’ll need a master’s degree to take this exam and earn this certification.
Optional certifications: A Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN) is available if you want to focus on holistic nutrition. You’ll need to have completed a board-approved program to qualify for this exam and certification.
What Education Do I Need?
Since holistic health-focused careers are so varied, the education you need depends on the field you want to pursue. You may spend as little as a few weeks pursuing a certificate or as long as several years earning a doctoral degree.
One thing you will need to enter just about any holistic program is a high school diploma or GED. From there, your education will depend on the career and program that works best for you.
What Can I Earn as a Holistic Health Provider?
Just like the education you’ll need, the salary you could earn as a holistic health practitioner will depend on the career you choose. Beyond that, your education, certification, and experience can all also make a big difference in the money you earn.
Many holistic health careers such as acupuncture and massage therapy are perfect pathways for people interested in opening their own practice. With that, comes additional costs such as rent, supplies, and marketing. However, sole proprietorship also gives you the freedom to set your own hours and charge the rates you want.
