The health and wellness industry in Australia is booming and is now estimated to be worth $2.5 billion annually. According to the Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT), this increased demand for complimentary healthcare practitioners is providing more opportunities for job-seekers beyond traditional natural and beauty therapy practice.
“Australians are increasingly turning to natural therapies and alternative medicines as they become more health-conscious. Society has become more aware of the options available beyond mainstream medicine that can help improve their quality of life,” said Janet Olliver, ACNT head of college.
Janet Olliver says with over five million Australians visiting complementary healthcare practitioners annually, there has been a corresponding dramatic growth in demand for these services.
“Therapies such as massage, complementary medicine and aromatherapy, are sought after by an increasing number of people every year. With fewer than 6,000 naturopaths Australia-wide, the demand for skilled practitioners will continue to climb in the next few years,” she said.
This growth will also provide expanding career prospects for graduates spanning across the industry, into areas such as business management.
“The broad range of job opportunities within the wider health and wellness industry, in both the public and private sectors, means graduates can often create their own career path. From working as a naturopath or massage therapist in a medical or health centre to running your own health practice as an independent practitioner,” said Janet Olliver.
The industry also allows for a unique work-life balance, suited to people looking for rewarding, yet flexible careers.
“A career in natural therapies tends to attract people that seek to make a positive impact on a person’s life. The work environment offers practitioners more control over their working hours and direction of their career whether it be in sports therapy, manual or natural therapies.”
2008 ACNT Sydney Beauty, Spa and Aromatherapy graduate, Chantha Sok, is building a career in the health and wellness industry after securing a position with major beauty therapy chain, Beauty Grace.
“Funnily enough, it was my first visit to Beauty Grace in as a customer that inspired me to pursue a career in natural therapies,” said Chantha.
“I started as a Junior Therapist with Beauty Grace in 2008 and within six months was promoted to Associate Therapist. I have recently been promoted to Manager of our Bondi Junction ‘David Jones Dermalogica at Beauty Grace’ Branch.”
Chantha says the knowledge and skills gained through studying at ACNT has provided her with a solid foundation to be successful and hopes to open her own business in the future.
“The course was very hands-on and provided students with the opportunity to a get a feel for the industry. The responsibilities in my current role extend beyond natural and beauty therapy treatments. It includes managing and motivating the team, reaching our salon targets, working with the marketing manager and reporting to our operational and general managers.”
ACNT’s courses (including Natural, Manual, and Beauty Therapies and Sport and Fitness) have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT).
Those interested in a career as a complimentary healthcare practitioner should note that applications for 2010 study are now open for on-campus study at the Sydney and Brisbane campuses and Distance Education (DE).
All Australian students applying for courses can apply for VET FEE-HELP. For more information please call the ACNT on 1300 017 267 or visit the website www.acnt.edu.au.
Other providers of health and wellbeing courses within Australia include:
