Osteopathic Physicians

According to the American Osteopathic Association, the number of osteopathic graduates has increased about 63 percent in the last decade, and has grown nearly 300 percent in the past three decades, making osteopathic medicine one of the fastest-growing health professions in the country. The AOA also notes that "as the profession grows, it's also trending younger, especially among actively practicing female physicians." To meet the growing demand, more than a dozen new osteopathic medical colleges have opened their doors since the mid-1970s. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that demand for physicians (both M.D.s and O.D.s) will increase by 7 percent through 2028, faster than average pace.

Although osteopathic medicine is not strictly an "alternative" approach, the field is benefiting from the current interest in these kinds of therapy. Excellent job opportunities will continue to become available for skilled osteopathic physicians. In addition to specialized practices in areas such as family medicine, increasing interest in biomedical research at the osteopathic colleges also is expanding opportunities for candidates interested in careers in medical research.