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You're tired of the nine-to-five grind. Or, you’re simply dissatisfied with a job that leaves you feeling like you’re not impacting the world in a positive way. Maybe as a woman, you feel like there is a glass ceiling in the workplace. It may be time to consider pursuing a degree in complementary alternative medicine (CAM).
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), more than 30% of people use complementary or alternative medicine practices or products[1]. As the alternative medicine industry continues to expand,[2] it’s a great time for women to jump into the CAM arenas.
The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate certificates, diplomas, and degrees in aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and holistic nutrition, among others. These online courses can give you the freedom to take control of your life while having a beneficial impact on other people's health and wellness.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, there are countless options for creating your own business. If you prefer the work-from-home approach, you can start an online business selling your own organic natural health and beauty products. You can also create an online platform to share your knowledge with healthcare professionals and the international wellness community through workshops, webinars, or your own blog. With your accredited education you will be well equipped to guide clients on their unique path to a healthier life.
Did you know ACHS was named to the 2017 Portland Business Journal's Top Women-Owned Businesses List? That’s right! Since President Dorene Petersen founded ACHS in 1978, the college has been a consistent and persistent example of leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to its mission—to provide leadership in holistic health education—and all of its students, including first- and second-career women, moms, and military spouses, among many others.
Stephanie Webb, ACHS alumna and 2017 DEAC Outstanding Graduate of the Year, is one of many great examples. After receiving her Masters in Holistic Nutrition from ACHS, she developed this successful website where she offers a variety of online courses, 1:1 coaching, and podcast episodes.
Ivy Chuang, ACHS alumna and Registered Aromatherapist, is another great example. Ivy has her own business, Blendily, which sells a plethora of natural beauty products. Both of these women chose to live healthy lives and wanted to help others accomplish the same. Their accredited CAM education helped them achieve their goals.
But, if the online sphere isn’t where you want to be 24/7 while you grow your business, there are brick-and-mortar options, too. You might consider opening and operating a natural products store or wellness center. Not only can you create a thriving and profitable business, you can use your business as a point of focus for health-based workshops in your community.
ACHS alumna Amy Jirsa—a yogi, massage therapist, author of Herbal Goddess—works as both an online health guru and as a pillar in her community improving people's health with her work. She is able to have a direct impact on those around her. (Check out Amy’s blog on how to create a meditation space of serenity. Ommmmm.)
Another option is wellness consultation work. As health remains a focus for corporations looking to acquire and retain productive workers, so too does the need for specialists who can help guide health improvement initiatives.
The complementary alternative medicine market is expected to generate revenue of $196.87 billion by 2025,[3] and the herbal beauty products market could surpass $140 billion by 2025.[4] If you want to start to make your own way in this dynamic industry, a certificate, diploma, or degree in a CAM modality like aromatherapy, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, holistic spa management, or integrative health and fitness training is a great first step in the right direction.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
[1] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). 2016, June. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health
[2] Grandview Research. (2017, March). Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market Analysis By Intervention (Botanicals, Acupuncture, Mind, Body, and Yoga, Magnetic Intervention), By Distribution Method, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 – 2025. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/aternative-medicine-therapies-market
[3] Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market Analysis By Intervention (Botanicals, Acupuncture, Mind, Body, and Yoga, Magnetic Intervention), By Distribution Method, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 – 2025. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/aternative-medicine-therapies-market
[4] WholeFoods. (2018). Herbal Beauty Products Market Could Top $140 Billion by 2025. Retrieved from https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/news/main-news/herbal-beauty-products-market-top-140-billion-2025/