Alternative Medicine Specialist
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Alternative medicine often addresses the whole person, considering physical and mental health as interrelated. Alternative medicine specialists have been gaining more and more popularity as a result. In this career, you will help people heal from chronic illnesses, pain, weight issues, anxiety, and more. Those in this career typically draw from traditional western medicine as well as treatments from a variety of cultures. Alternative medicine is not yet federally regulated, however, so every state has their own regulations that impact who can practice in this profession.
Types of Alternative Medicine
Many people in the field of alternative medicine specialize in certain areas. For example, some specialize in acupuncture while others specialize in herbalism. Here are some of the alternative medicine specialties:
- Acupuncture
- Ayurveda
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Homeopathy
- Massage therapy
- Naturopathy
- Reiki
- Yoga therapy
Education and Training
Although there is no federal regulation on alternative medicine, most states require a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but most require practitioners to have a master's degree in alternative medicine or a related field as well as pass a licensing exam. Some states require additional training or certification in specific areas of alternative medicine. There are many schools out there that offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. You can also receive a certificate in your area of interest, such as massage therapy.
Skills and Knowledge
Alternative medicine specialists need to have a strong knowledge of human anatomy. Depending on the area of specialization that you choose, you may need to enroll in additional classes. For example, if you want to specialize in acupuncture, you will need to take classes in acupuncture. Here is a list of skills and areas of knowledge that may help you succeed in this career:
