| As the field of natural healing therapies continues to | | | | Natural health professions are also part of the vast |
| grow, so does the demand for alternative health | | | | array of alternative health careers. Earn your diploma |
| careers. Some of the diverse healthcare occupations | | | | or certificate as a natural health practitioner after |
| that alternative and complementary medicine offer | | | | you've completed an in-depth course in natural healing |
| prospective students include healing arts disciplines in | | | | therapies like massage, aromatherapy, herbal |
| massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, | | | | medicine, Reiki, and reflexology. Healing arts schools |
| natural health, and acupuncture, among many others. | | | | vary in subject matter, so check with prospective |
| Today's alternative health careers like massage | | | | schools prior to applying. |
| therapy require specific training and education; | | | | Of these alternative health careers, acupuncture and |
| including an expanding minimum standard of 500 | | | | Oriental medicine practitioners probably have one of |
| instructional hours comprised of basic sciences | | | | the most unique educational foundations. In addition |
| (anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology), | | | | to learning both Eastern and Western medicine |
| Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports | | | | philosophies, acupuncture education offers a rare look |
| massage. Other related studies like CPR and first aid, | | | | into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and |
| as well as business management and client | | | | theories; including needling techniques, Tai Chi, |
| communications are commonly integrated into this | | | | moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina, Qi gong, |
| program of study. | | | | and even Chinese medical language, among others. |
| Homeopathy is also a unique option to those seeking | | | | Prospective students should be aware, however, that |
| alternative health careers. Similar to most medical | | | | alternative health careers in acupuncture do require |
| programs, homeopathic courses require rigorous | | | | several years of dedication. |
| educational studies like anatomy, biochemistry, | | | | If you (or someone you know) are interested in |
| homeopathic philosophy, physiology, materia medica, | | | | learning more about these and other alternative |
| and other comprehensive coursework. To | | | | health career options, let professional training within |
| successfully acquire alternative health careers in | | | | fast-growing industries like massage therapy, |
| homeopathy, individuals should review educational | | | | cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, |
| prerequisites as most homeopathic colleges and | | | | and others get you started! Explore training programs |
| schools typically require some formal training and | | | | for alternative health careers near you. |
| education prior to enrollment. | | | | Alternative Health Careers - Five Occupational |
| If you're drawn to alternative health careers that | | | | Options |
| involve herbal medicine, a number of holistic education | | | | © Copyright 2008 |
| programs including Chinese medicine, naturopathy, | | | | The CollegeBound Network |
| homeopathy and natural health commonly offer | | | | All Rights Reserved |
| herbology and aromatherapy as part of their curricula. | | | | NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge |
| Choose from beginner classes to more advanced | | | | to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and |
| training options like earning your degree in herbal | | | | Author Resource Box are included; and ALL |
| sciences. | | | | Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active. |