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- Use natural medicine and healing techniques to help people improve their health and wellbeing
- Natural medicinal techniques may sometimes be questioned by those who practice conventional medicine
- You'll normally work for yourself and manage your own time and business
As a naturopath, you'll use natural medicine and therapy to improve the health of your clients through information about diet and lifestyle.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Discussing your client's symptoms and their lifestyle
- Carrying out a physical examination
- Taking blood samples and carrying out other tests
- Making a diagnosis based on the consultation and test results
- Advising on diet and lifestyle
- Keeping detailed client notes
- Referring clients to a GP where necessary
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
As a self-employed naturopath, your income will depend on the hours you work and the number of clients you see. You'll usually be self-employed and run your own practice. You'll choose your own working hours, but may have to offer evening and weekend appointments to meet the needs of your patients.
You could work at a client's home, in a consultation room or in a therapy clinic.
You'll need
To be a naturopath, you'll need knowledge of medicine, dentistry and psychology, excellent verbal communication skills, the ability to work well with your hands, active listening and counselling skills, thoroughness and attention to detail, and customer service skills.
You'll need 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, involving attendance and not 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.
You could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could move into teaching or research.