I solved my problem.
-
I completely uninstalled node (this required sudo): http://stackoverflow.com/questions/11177954/how-do-i-completely-uninstall-node-js-and-reinstall-from-beginning-mac-os-x
-
Installed homebrew http://brew.sh
-
Reinstalled node using homebrew http://blog.teamtreehouse.com/install-node-js-npm-mac
-
Installed cordova and ionic using the command from the ionic Getting Started - Step One