Alternative Medicine Education, Alternative Medicine Careers Blooming World-Wide

July 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Most people know that the medical field is growing rapidly as our population ages, and that it is a great career field to look into. What many do not realize, though,  is that a lot of medical careers require only a certificate or the equivalent of an associate degree to get started.

Alternative medicine practitioners treat and prevent illnesses using methods that traditional Western doctors are not educated in, so they do not use them. Some of these methods have been used for hundreds of years, like Chinese medicine and acupuncture, but have not been recognized by the mainstream medical profession. Utilizing herbal medicine and homeopathic remedies, acupressure, nutritional supplements, reflexology, and new age healing can prevent and treat medical issues, either alone or in tandem with regular medical treatment.

One of the main differences is that alternative medicine practitioners work to promote well being and overall health by treating the person as a whole instead of treating each symptom separately. Pursuing an alternative medicine career allows practitioners to help patients that suffer from ailments as diverse as sinus headaches to different forms of cancer. Most frequently, they have their own practice, but sometimes work with a clinic, hospital, or other wellness center. Raising and preserving healing herbs, becoming licensed in acupuncture and complementary Chinese medicine, and running a massage therapy practice are options that can be considered.

What Does It Take?

Education

Because alternative medicine includes a number of disciplines ranging from acupuncture to massage therapy and homeopathy, the educational requirements differ depending upon the specialty.  Training ranges from one on one training with a Reiki master, or up to a doctoral degree in holistic or alternative medicine.  Education to prepare for a career in alternative medicine can be found at colleges, universities, and specialty schools that offer degree programs and also certificates in the field. Specifically in holistic health, herbal medicine, oriental body therapy, massage therapy, and yoga instruction there are lots of certificate programs available. Physiology and anatomy courses are common to most alternative medicine programs, with other targeted coursework.

Preparing for a career as an acupuncturist obviously will require more education than a massage therapy career, and typically a doctoral degree, as opposed to a certificate program. Doctoral degrees are common for naturopathy, oriental medicine and holism as well. Herbalists and nutritionists are generally educated by immersing themselves with science courses during a bachelor degree program. Certificates are the norm for careers in yoga, massage therapy, personal training, and reflexology.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine (Visit the Official Webpage on http://www.altmedworld.net) is an internationally recognized, Government registered institution of complementary and alternative medicines. Provides diploma, graduation and postgraduation degree programmes through distance education to students world-wide.

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Indian Board of Alternative Medicines (Internationally Recognized Legally Constituted Largest Institution) is one of the largest open international educational academies and a premier institution in the field of alternative and complementary medicine.