| Those considering a career in health care should
take a hard look at the field of alternative medicine. The industry
continues to grow at a rapid pace. In fact, a recent government survey
of some 31,000 individuals age 18 and older indicated more than a third
of Americans (36 percent) use some form of complementary and alternative
medicine. This includes 10 types of provider-based therapies such as
auriculotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic, as well as other methods.
Congress recently held hearings on mind/body medicine. Senator Tom
Harkin released a report developed by the Institute for Alternative
Futures. The document reported that today, complementary and alternative
approaches to health and medicine are the fastest growing aspects
of health care. In 1990, one-third of the United States population
used an alternative healthcare approach that will grow to a whopping
two-thirds by the year 2010.
The boom in alternative medicine is spawning the creation of stand-alone
clinics, offices, and even larger therapy centers. Many of these
facilities offer specialized treatment modalities; others, a more
multi-therapeutic approach with several skilled professionals on
staff.
The result is a large need for both skilled and unskilled personnel.
In addition to therapy providers, individuals who can provide administrative,
marketing, and operational expertise are definitely in demand. The
field provides plenty of room for career growth and opportunity.
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