Naturopath

You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by one of the professional organisations for naturopathy.

The General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN) is a professional body for naturopathy and recommends that courses should last at least 3 years, should involve attendance and not be done by distance learning alone.

You should also check the course content and how much of it includes clinical placements to get work experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements

Registration

• you could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the General Council and Register of Naturopaths and Association of Naturopathic Practitioners, for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a naturopath from the General Naturopathic Council and General Council and Register of Naturopaths.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• discuss your client's symptoms and their lifestyle
• carry out a physical examination
• take blood samples and carrying out other tests
• design a treatment plan based on the consultation and test results
• advise on diet and lifestyle
• keep detailed client notes
• see clients for follow-up appointments
• refer clients to a GP where necessary

You could work at a client's home or in a therapy clinic.