Naturopath
What is the work like?
Naturopaths follow the idea that the human body seeks ‘balance’ and can heal itself. They believe that the body needs good nutrition, fresh air, sunlight, exercise and relaxation, and that factors like stress or poor diet can upset the body’s natural balance and cause health problems.
As a naturopath, you would aim to restore a patient’s balance and improve their health using naturopathic principles and healing techniques. You would treat the patient as a whole, looking at their lifestyle, diet, and emotional issues as well as physical symptoms. Your work would involve:
- discussing your patient’s symptoms and their wider life
- carrying out a physical examination
- taking blood and other tests
- making a diagnosis based on the consultation and test results
- designing an individual treatment plan for the patient
- advising on diet and lifestyle
- using and recommending a wide range of treatments, which might include detoxification, diet changes, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, massage, homeopathy, herbal medicine and counselling.
Naturopathy is thought to be particularly useful for chronic illnesses such as asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure and IBS.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a naturopath, you should gain a qualification recognised by the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN).
The GCRN accredits the following training courses:
- Diploma in Naturopathy and BSc degree in Osteopathic Medicine – offered by the British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- BSc degree in Health Sciences: Complementary Medicine (Pathway for Naturopathic Medicine) – run by the University of Westminster
- postgraduate diploma, aimed at registered medical practitioners, osteopaths and chiropractors – offered by the College of Osteopaths.
To get onto a recognised degree or diploma you will normally need at least five GCSEs (A-C) including science, plus at least two A levels including biology. Alternatives such as an Access to Higher Education qualification may be accepted, and your life experience may also count towards entry. You should discuss exact entry requirements with the course providers.
Recognised degrees/diplomas are at least three years full-time or four years part-time. As a student on a recognised course, you will study anatomy and physiology, nutrition, conventional medical treatments and the theory of naturopathy. You will also develop practical skills and at least 400 hours of supervised patient contact.
What further training and development can I do?
Although there are no laws about the training and registration of naturopaths, registering with a relevant professional body should help your career by proving your competence to practice.
Once you are qualified from a recognised course, you will be able to register with the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN), which also brings automatic membership of the British Naturopathic Association.
You could also choose to register with an association for mixed complementary therapies, such as:
- Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM), which runs the British Register of Complementary Practitioners
- Complementary Medical Association (CMA).
Each register has its own eligibility rules – see each organisation’s website for full details.
You should keep your skills and knowledge up to date throughout your career, for example by researching new techniques, and attending conferences and short courses. You could also develop skills in further complementary therapies such as homeopathy, herbal medicine or aromatherapy.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 194London
SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7231 5855
2 Goswell Road
Street
Somerset
BA16 0JG
Tel: 08707 456984
2 Goswell Road
Street
Somerset
BA16 0JG
Tel: 0870 745 6984
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
As a self-employed naturopath, your income would depend on the hours you work and the number of clients you see. You would typically charge an hourly rate of anywhere between £30 and £100.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Most naturopaths are self-employed and run their own practices. This means that you could choose your own working hours, although you may have to offer evening and weekend appointments to meet the needs of your patients.
You would normally work from consulting and treatment rooms that may be at your home or an alternative therapy or natural health clinic. You may also visit patients in their own homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a genuine desire to help people
- the ability to build trust and rapport with patients
- understanding and sensitivity
- good listening and communication skills
- the motivational skills to encourage people to change their lifestyle
- a logical approach to problem solving
- have strong observational skills
- some knowledge of biology, chemistry and conventional medical treatments
- the commercial skills to run your own business.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually be self-employed and run your own practice. Success would depend on the amount of time and effort you are prepared to put in to build your list of clients and your reputation.
Interest in complementary medicine has increased over the past few years. Although still relatively small, naturopathy is a growing profession.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
