The Oriental medicine field is becoming very popular in the Western world as people seek alternative ways to heal themselves and to feel a greater sense of overall health. Western medicine is slowly catching on that things like the reduction of stress, the importance of proper breathing, and other basic tenets of Oriental medicine are important for everyone. As a result, hospitals, doctors and insurance companies are starting to work with practitioners of Oriental medicine to create a more holistic approach to health and well being.

Interested in a career in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, but not sure where to start? AMC´s Master´s program in Oriental Medicine trains students to practice as primary health care providers. Students complete courses in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbology, Tui Na, and Qigong. The program is designed and delivered by faculty with extensive clinical and research experience. Students receive comprehensive training in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) foundational knowledge and skills necessary to work competently in private practice.

Licensed acupuncturists are independent health care providers, the majority of whom have private practices. An acupuncture physician can build a flexible schedule which brings with it a quality of life benefit that few careers can offer. Other career options for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) practitioners include teaching, publishing and research.

The prospects for finding employment in the field of AOM are excellent for the foreseeable future. AOM is one of the most requested forms of complementary and alternative medicine treatment. Employment in the alternative therapy and non-mainstream medicine fields (which includes acupuncture, podiatry, chiropractic, and more) is expected to increase by 48.8 percent from 2002-2012.

Visits to acupuncture practitioners are increasing, partially due to a growing awareness in the importance of disease prevention and health promotion. As more and more people try alternative health care each year, more insurance companies are covering visits and medicines.

According to Payscale´s Real-Time Salary Survey, www.payscale.com, the median starting salary for acupuncturists is $45,000. As with allopathic doctors, advancement comes with building a practice.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College´s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC´s Stop Smoking and PTSD acupuncture study programs, which are currently registering participants, ask for Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician.