Jobs at Alternative-Health Schools
The alternative-health field is growing at a fast rate, and more and more people are enrolling in schools and colleges that offer degrees and certificates in the alternative-health field. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Seminars in Integrative Medicine in June 2004, by Patricia M. Barnes MA, Eve Powell-Griner PhD, Kim McFann PhD and Richard L. Nahin PhD, MPH, 62 percent of Americans use some form of alternative medicine. For those who have credentials and experience in the fields of alternative medicine that are in high demand, it is a great time to get a job as a teacher or administrator. Jobs at alternative health schools can be highly competitive but are also highly rewarding.
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Types
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There are many types of schools that offer training in alternative-health fields and the requirements for teaching vary at each one. Besides teachers, alternative health schools are also in need of administrators, clerical help and janitorial employees. Many alternative-health schools also need sales and marketing staff to publicize the school and make sure they meet enrollment minimums. Academic and career advisers can also find work at alternative-health schools as many students face unique challenges in terms of study options and post-graduate employment.
Teaching positions
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To teach at yoga, massage or physical-therapy schools it is usually necessary to have five or more years of experience as well as the required certification. To teach at naturopathic colleges or traditional Chinese medicine schools, a Ph.D. or LAC (license in acupuncture) will usually be required, as well as several years of experience and possible teaching history. Herbalism schools and other unregulated programs will heavily emphasize knowledge of the field as well as experience.
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Administrative positions
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Administrative positions at alternative-health schools usually have the same job requirements as those at other colleges. Previous experience in the job category you are interested in as well as a strong interest or background in alternative health are the best qualifications for landing a job. Most alternative-health schools have a page on their website where they list job openings as well as application procedures.
Resources
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There are several online directories of job openings that can be used to search for alternative-health schools that are hiring, such as Monster and SimplyHired. However, your best bet is to use a directory of alternative health schools, such as the NaturalHealers website, and then visit each school's website, look for the employment page and peruse the job openings case by case. The website Craigslist also is one of the best resources for searching for jobs in alternative-health schools, as you can search by school name, position or alternative health-category.
Considerations
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Most alternative-health schools are looking for experts in the field when it comes to teaching positions, and knowledge of the field when it comes to other positions. If you have experience in a particular field of alternative health or are a student who is currently studying alternative health, your chances of getting a job in a school of alternative health will be significantly higher.
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