Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to disease prevention, and the treatment and promotion of optimal health through natural, therapeutic means. These may include homeopathy, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, massage therapy and lifestyle and dietary advice.
Inherent to naturopathy is the principle that the body has an intrinsic ability to heal itself. Using the healing power of nature and gentle therapeutic techniques, the mind, body and emotions are supported during this healing process.
Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today, with naturopaths performing over 4.9 million consultations every year. They will often recommend a combination of therapies, and use preventative medicine practices to ensure the body restores, heals, and nourishes itself to remain vital and strong. According to naturopathic principles, naturopaths treat each client as an individual. They treat the whole body and not just an affected area and address the cause of health issues, not just the symptoms.
The naturopathy industry in Australia is huge, and offers ample opportunity for budding practitioners. As a naturopath, you will provide natural health treatments for patients, and improve their quality of life. You will be able to help people with a wide range of issues, including gastrointestinal and digestive problems, low energy or immunity, fertility and hormone imbalances, insomnia, cardiovascular problems, headaches, and more. For this reason, naturopathy can be an incredibly rewarding career.
Naturopaths are employed by a number of different workplaces, which offers a variety of environments to work in. These include naturopathic clinics, wellness clinics, hospitals, research laboratories, or even working in your own business. To become employed as a naturopath, you will need to complete a bachelor of naturopathy (details below).
Browse ANTA-approved, high-quality naturopathy courses from leading course providers.
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Course Provider : Endeavour College of Natural Health
Campuses :NSW QLD SA VIC WA
the master of naturopathic medicine prepares graduates for entry into professional na...
Course Provider : Southern Cross University
Campuses :NSW
a bachelor of health science (naturopathy) teaches you to use natural remedies to hel...
Course Provider : Torrens University Australia
Campuses :NSW QLD VIC
Naturopaths use natural and non-invasive treatments that work in harmony with the body’s natural healing mechanisms. They use a range of treatment methods, including:
The day-to-day responsibilities of a naturopath typically include:
Naturopath workplaces
Naturopaths can work in a wide range of environments. Here are some of the most common:
Naturopathic clinics
Naturopathic clinics are found throughout Australia’s towns and cities, and as a newly-qualified practitioner, you may start your career at one of them. Or if you have the drive and work ethic to run your own business, you can consider starting your own clinic.
Health and wellness clinics
Wellness is a flourishing industry, with healthcare and wellness clinics popping up everywhere. They typically hire massage therapists, homeopaths, nutritionists, and naturopaths, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their available jobs, or just dropping in your CV.
Hospitals
With naturopathy on the rise, traditional clinical settings such as hospitals are starting to take the modality seriously, with naturopaths offering complementary treatment for patients.
Naturopath job prospects
Natural and healthy living is a growing industry, with naturopathy clinics and wellness spas becoming more common across Australia. Job advertisers on Seek expect naturopathic jobs to increase by 14.8% over the next five years, providing plenty of jobs for those interested.
There’s one main naturopathic qualification in Australia—a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), which is a four year naturopathy degree.
Course duration: 4 year full time (24 hours per week), or 8 years part time (12 hours per week)
Study mode: Mixture of on campus learning, and online learning
Years of experience: 7.3% entry level, 36.3% early career, 21% mid career, 26.6 experience, and 8.9% late career
Entry requirements: Year 12 or equivalent
Units of study (including electives):
The following skills are important for becoming a successful naturopath: