With the current and predicted boom in available health care positions, it’s easy to understand why so many people are looking into entering this already popular field. If you’re interested in a health care career, the first careers that might come to mind include becoming a doctor or nurse, but these careers aren’t suitable for just anyone. Perhaps the field is enticing to you, but you’re not sure if you’re cut out for the typical medical career paths, nor are you interested in the related fields of medical assistant or technician. If so, you shouldn’t dismiss the field altogether. In fact, the American Medical Association states that there are more than 80 health care careers to select from, all of which can offer you the chance to help people, even if it’s not in under the traditional umbrella of medical careers. You might be interested in an expanding realm of complementary and alternative therapies that may better suit you.

The three main fields of alternative therapy as recognized by the American Medical Association are dance and movement therapy, art therapy, and music therapy. All of these fields come into prominence in the 1940s to enhance the recovery of hospital patients, and they have been becoming increasingly popular ever since. Dance and movement therapy revolves around helping patients move to regain motion and to communicate even if they have trouble with expressing themselves through traditional vocal means. Art therapy uses a variety of media and methods to allow patients to express their emotions and practice fine motor control skills. Music therapy is focused on facilitating communication and aiding speech therapy patients as they overcome disorders.

All of these careers have their own requirements that you’ll need to meet before seeking employment. Note that while these careers do not require as many years of study and residency as becoming a doctor, they do involve years of specialized education and training. As such, people who choose these career areas also command an admirable salary (or hourly rate, for independent contractors) especially after they have gained years of experience. If you’re interested in dance therapy, be prepared to complete both undergraduate and graduate studies designed specifically for such therapists. Art therapists are also required to undergo graduate studies that split their class time between psychology classes and studio art courses. Music therapy, on the other hand, often requires only an undergraduate degree in the field. Of course, all of these health care careers necessitate skills in the area in question, so before you consider any of these career paths, you should already be on your way to becoming an accomplished dancer, artist, or musician.

Beyond these quantifiable requirements, complementary therapy also dictates that anyone interested in these fields should also have the type of personality that allows them to get along with other medical professionals and to relate to a diverse range of patients. To follow this career course, you must be able to communicate with patients who may be experiencing psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as people with cognitive disorders, among many other possible conditions. This warrants a great deal of intangible qualities such as patience, understanding, and a good sense of humor, along with the ability to guide patients during therapy sessions.

If you believe that you have the personal attributes needed to become an outstanding therapist, and you’re prepared to undergo the extensive education to prepare you for such a position, why not start on your new career path today? You can find out more information online, or you can contact your educational establishment of choice to see if it offers programs for these burgeoning fields.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health care careers.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health care careers. https://careers-lsi.icims.com/jobs/intro?hashed=0

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health care careers.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: healthcare careers, health care career, dance therapy, art therapy, music therapy