Expert: jessalyn - 4/6/2002

Question
jessalyn hi,
My name is Regina,I live in Israel and I'm 21.
I would like to get information about 5 or 10 colleges in u.s that are considered the best in the field of Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on Herbal Medicine.
I was looking in the internet but all I could find is colleges that offer small posibilities and even a homestudy programs which are not suitable.
Also I  can neer find the costs of the education + staying in the us (living in the university).
I thank you very much in advance and hopeful to recieve the answers i was looking for.
With respect, Regina.

Answer
Hi Regina
Unfortunately, alternative medicine isn't a subject usually taught in major colleges and universities across the United States.  Independent schools devoted to alternative medicine are usually the place to go, from what I have read in my search. There isn't any official ranking of top schools in this department, but here are some good schools specializing in herbal medicine that I obtained from a web site called www.naturalhealers.com. These are schools that are not home-study programs, and there are very few of them. Some schools to check out:

American University of Complementary Medicine
11543 Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: (310) 914-4116
Fax: 310-479-3376
www.acum.org

School of Healing Arts
1001 Garnet Ave.
Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 581-9429
www.schoolofhealingarts.com

New York College
for Wholistic Health
Education & Research
6801 Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, NY 11791-4413
Phone: (800) 922-7337
Fax: (516) 364-0989
www.nycollege.edu

North American College
of Botanical Medicine
1104 Park Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 873-8107
Fax: (505) 873-4530
www.swcp.com/botanicalmedicine

Blue Heron Academy
of Herbal Medicine
2040 Raybrook SE
Suite 104
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616) 285-9999
www.blueheronacademy.com

Natural Health Institute
209 10th Ave. S.
Cummins Station Suite 212
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 242-6811
Fax: (615) 242-6288
www.national-health-inst.com

Most of these places probably do not have student housing, as they are not "traditional" colleges. You will probably most likely have to find your own housing if you do wish to study at a particular school.  However, I would suggest calling them and checking about housing to see if maybe they have any recommendations for you. Housing can be expensive (esp. trying to get an apartment in a big city) and rent could range anywhere from $100 a month to a crazy $700.  However, you usually can find good deals and decent housing.  
Most programs of study cost between $1500-$5000, but more information about a specific school's tuition can be found by calling them or visiting their web site. I hope this helps you.  Good luck!
~jessalyn