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There are many opportunities for those seeking unconventional Portland medical jobs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one of every 10 Americans - or 25 million people - suffers from chronic, disabling conditions that cause major limitations and decreased quality of life.

In some cases, conventional western medicine is unable to provide relief for these people, who then often turn to other methods of care, such as acupuncture, herbs, mind and body techniques, homeopathy, chiropractic and massage.

The National Institutes of Health classifies these medical practices as complementary and alternative medicine, a group made up of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products not considered a part of conventional medicine.

Complementary medicine consists of therapies that complement, or are added to, conventional medicine, while alternative medicine includes therapeutic approaches in place of conventional medicine. Both approaches focus on treating the whole person, promoting self-care and self-healing, and recognizing human spirituality.

The most popular CAM occupations are naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists and chiropractors. According to the Oregon Employment Department, all of these occupations require a license from the State of Oregon and passage of a state board exam.

Here is a look at each occupation:

• Naturopathic physicians - These primary care practitioners are trained as specialists in natural medicine and licensed by the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine. NPs are educated in conventional medical sciences, but are not orthodox medical doctors. Typical training includes extensive coursework and clinical study in natural therapeutics, resulting in a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine degree from a four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical college.
• Acupuncturists - These professionals provide acupuncture and oriental medicine to diagnose and treat illness, injury, pain and other conditions by inserting needles through the skin at certain points on the body. They are licensed by the Oregon Medical Board, and in order to qualify for the state board exam, must have either graduated from a school of acupuncture or equivalent program with a master’s degree, or have five years of licensed clinical acupuncture practice.
• Chiropractors - These professionals adjust the spinal column and other articulations of the body to diagnose, treat and prevent disease and abnormalities of the human body caused by interference with the nervous system. They use X-rays and other methods to examine patients and determine the nature and extent of the disorder. They also may use exercise, electrical stimulation, rest, water, light, heat, nutritional therapy and minor surgery to improve health. Chiropractors must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and in order to qualify for the exam, must complete at least two years of liberal arts and sciences study at an approved college and earn a four-year degree from an approved chiropractic college.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at 10:38 am and is filed under Construction, Education, Healthcare, Portland, Pre employment tests, RPO, Uncategorized, general, job search, random. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.