Naturopath

Naturopaths believe in improving their clients' health through natural therapies and education about lifestyle, diet and exercise.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

in your own business managing your own hours

How to become a naturopath

You can get into this job through:

• a university course

University

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 three years, should involve attendance and not be done by distance learning.

The GCRN accredits the Diploma in Naturopathy offered by the British College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The College of Naturopathic Medicine also offers a Diploma in Naturopathy. Graduates can also join the GRCN through the non-accredited route.

You should check how the course is delivered and how much of the course involves clinical placements.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 3 A levels (with at least two in science-based subjects)

More information

• equivalent entry requirements

More information

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• discussing your client's symptoms and their lifestyle
• carrying out a physical examination
• taking blood samples and carrying out other tests
• designing a treatment plan based on the consultation and test results
• advising on diet and lifestyle
• keeping detailed client notes
• seeing clients for follow-up appointments
• referring clients to a GP where necessary

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into teaching or research.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a naturopath right now.

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Courses In England

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