What is Naturopathy? How to Become a Naturopath in Australia
What is a naturopath?
Naturopaths treat health concerns and promote long-term wellbeing. They combine natural treatments and science to treat the whole person, rather than individual symptoms.
The practice of naturopathy is based on the principle of supporting the body’s own healing processes.
They take a holistic approach to health, looking at many aspects of your life.
Physical
Mental
Lifestyle
Spiritual
Naturopaths work in both primary care and preventative health. They will often recommend a combination of therapies. These might include lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, massage, counselling and nutrition.
Tasks
- Assess and diagnose health problems
- Draw up treatment plans
- Evaluate and document the patient’s progress
- Refer patients to other health professionals
- Apply physical treatments to patients, such as massage & acupuncture
- Provide counselling and lifestyle advice
- Keep up to date with industry knowledge and natural health research
How to become a naturopath
Get a qualification
To become a naturopath, there are two main naturopath qualifications in Australia:
Bachelor Degree in Health Science (Naturopathy)
Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Naturopathy)
Available from universities, colleges, naturopathic medical schools, and naturopathic schools.
Get your checks
Arrange a working with children check, and a first-aid certificate.
Get registered
Register yourself with the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH).
Naturopath Salary & Job Growth
Median F/T Salary
Work Part-time
$67k is the median F/T salary for a naturopath with 5 years experience, in Sydney $52k – $88k salary range.
Source: payscale.com
There’s a higher than usual part-time working arrangements in this job. This can allow for a flexible schedule and work-life balance.
Source: joboutlook.gov.au
Naturopathy industry on the rise
Natural, alternative and complementary therapies are gaining acceptance in the health world.
Though the status of some natural therapies is still in dispute, other practices have actually influenced mainstream Western medicine.
Natural therapies encompass a broad range of disciplines. Here are a few of the more popular ones for you to consider.
Where do naturopaths work in Australia?
Orange = more naturopaths.
Hover or tap the interactive map to see how many naturopaths work there.
Source: Job Outlook.
So… what is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a complete health care system. It uses a range of therapies to prevent and treat internal health issues. It is based on a set of principles rather than one particular technique or set of tools.
Some naturopaths, known as “naturopathic physicians,” have medical training as well as naturopathic knowledge. They use an evidence-based approach when possible. They may combine naturopathy with a medical practice.
Others practice less mainstream, alternative medicines. Example are homoeopathy, Ayurveda and iridology. These practices often draw on traditional knowledge.
Good naturopaths practice natural medicine to complement Western medicine. This approach is known as complementary medicine.
This means it’s quite possible to see a GP and a naturopath at the same time, depending on the nature of your concern.
The basic concepts behind naturopathy
What kinds of concerns does naturopathy address?
- Gut health
- Skin conditions
- Mental health
- Menstrual problems
- Energy levels and sleep
- Joint and muscle issues
An typical appointment with a naturopath
- Clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing
- Clinical nutrition
- Herbal medicine
- Nutritional supplements
- Prevention and lifestyle counselling
- Physical medicine / manipulative therapy
- Hygiene Clinical nutrition
- Counselling
- Public health
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
- Natural childbirth
- Prescription medication
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Nature cure
- Hydrotherapy Iridology
What techniques and modalities does naturopathy include?
Consult
An extended (45min-1hr) introductory consultation, where they ask you detailed questions about your health, mental state and lifestyle, and any problems or symptoms.
Treatment plan
They work with you to formulate a treatment plan to improve your overall health and eliminate the root cause of any problems.
Schedule follow-up
Schedule a check-up in the near future to evaluate your progress and make adjustments if necessary.
Naturopath Success Stories
Rebecca Winkler
QUALIFIED NATUROPATH
SURF COAST, TORQUAY & JAN JUC, VIC
10+ YEARS OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Chelsey Costa
QUALIFIED NATUROPATH, NUTRITIONIST, MEDICAL HERBALIST PERTH, WA
What skills do you need to be a good naturopath?
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Active Learning
Critical Thinking
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration O*NET
Loving the idea of a holistic approach to health? Does the idea of helping people make meaningful changes to their quality of life energise you?
Don’t wait to make your next move. See what naturopathy courses are on offer now!
Browse Results
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only)
Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only)
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...
Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education & Care (Perth Only)
If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can provide you with an entry-l...
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only)
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Certificate III in School-Based Education Support (Perth Only)
Are you interested in becoming a teacher’s aide? Work with teachers to create a comfortable and supportive environment for children’s learning. You will ensure lessons run smoothly while also developing the student’s literacy, numeracy and resear...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only)
A Certificate III in Allied Health is your entrance into the world of health services! This course will teach you to support workers in a range of fields such as audiology to social work. You will use your qualification to gain an entry-level job in ei...
Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies)
Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine that stimulates specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) to restore health and balance the functions of the body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture therapies combines Chinese medicine...
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
Chinese medicine is a whole medical system that seeks to balance the functions of the body, mind and spirit and restore health. It combines theory (philosophies and principles) and practices including acupuncture, moxibustion, medical Qi Gong, Chinese...
Certificate IV in Mental Health
Make a difference in your community and enjoy a rewarding career. The past decade has seen a vast increase in the number of people needed for employment in the community and mental health services. One in three Australians will experience mental health...
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Make a difference in your community and enjoy a rewarding career. If you want to help others in your community improve their lives and enjoy a rewarding career, consider studying the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. The Australian Go...
Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Make a difference in your community and enjoy a rewarding career. If you want to help others in your community improve their lives and enjoy a rewarding career, consider studying the CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs. The Australian Governmen...
Diploma of Mental Health
Make a difference in your community and enjoy a rewarding career. The past decade has seen a vast increase in the number of people needed for employment in the community and mental health services. One in three Australians will experience mental health...
Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics)
A Higher Education course to identify you as an expert in the exciting and innovative field of Clinical Aesthetics. This Bachelor Degree equips you with an advanced level of knowledge and the skills to combine science with clinical practice, giving you...
Associate Degree in Applied Health Science (Dermal Therapy)
A Higher Education course to identify you as an expert in the dynamic and evolving field of Dermal Therapy. This qualification will help you accelerate your career by giving you a solid foundation in Dermal Therapy and is also your first step towards a...
Diploma of Sustainable Operations
Looking to develop your skills to manage and measure your organisation’s carbon footprint? By studying this course, you will be equipped with the technical and theoretical skills to ensure your organisation is adhering and optimising its sustainability...
Certificate III in School Based Education Support
The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support qualifies you to work under the guidance of teachers and professional educators in a variety of classroom settings. This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist teachers and s...
Latest Articles
As one of Australia's most important industries, the agriculture industry offers great career opportunities. Read our career guide and get started today.
Want to read more?
Allied health professionals help improve wellness and quality of life for their patients. Learn about this career and how to get started.
Gaining a qualification doesn’t necessarily mean you need to head to university or enrol in a college program. Traineeships benefit employers and employees.
Considering a career in aged care? Get a glimpse into what it’s like to work as an aged care worker with these seven ‘need-to-knows’.
