Abstract
Objectives : The aim of the study was to investigate major satisfaction, career choices and perceived career barriers in college students majoring in alternative medicine. Methods : A total of 315 college students majoring in alternative medicine in 5 universities in K city and J province completed survey questionnaires. Results : The highest proportions of students (38.4%) chose alternative medicine major because of their aptitude and interest. Students (59.0%) were satisfied in general with their majors. Regarding career direction after graduation, the highest proportions 1st of and 2nd year students answered that they haven't decided yet (33.7%). In addition, they wanted to get a job in hospitals (24.6%) and have more education (21.9%). The highest proportions of 3rd and 4th year students wanted to get a job in hospitals (31.3%) and 27.3% of them wanted to have more education. The most important criterion for choosing a career was a career aptitude (38.7%) followed by professionalism, vision, pay, and social status in both groups. Regarding perceived career barriers, the highest proportions of 1st and 2nd year students (31.6%) answered the lack of social recognition about alternative medicine while the highest proportions of 3rd and 4th year students (55.5%) answered the lack of national certifications (P<0.001). Conclusions : In general, students majoring in alternative medicine were satisfied with their majors. They wanted to get a job at a hospital and have more education. They thought that the lack of social recognition and national certification of alternative medicine would be career barriers.
