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What is Naturopathy? How to Become a Naturopath in Australia
Kristen Michaelides
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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).
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Naturopath Salary & Job Growth
$67k
Median F/T Salary
66%
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.
5 Careers in Natural Therapies
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
Doctor as a teacher
A practitioner should not only treat their patients, they should also teach them. They aim to empower people to proactively manage their own health.
Healing power of nature
The human body has a natural capacity for self-healing. It will eventually return to balance, if nothing it stopping it. The physician’s purpose is to help this.
Find and treat the cause
Look for the underlying reasons for disease, rather than trying to treat the symptoms themselves. Symptoms are just that: evidence of a deeper problem that must be treated.
First do no harm
Symptoms are a part of the healing process. Treatment should work with the natural healing process, not eliminate symptoms while leaving the causes untreated.
Treat the whole person
Living beings are complex. We are made up of genetic, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental and mental aspects. Wellbeing requires that these aspects all work together in harmony. So, naturopaths take a personalised and comprehensive approach.
Prevention
Rather than waiting for a disease to happen, naturopaths take steps to prevent problems in the future. Rather than curing disease, the focus is on building health.
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
What's the best thing about working in naturopathy?
Amongst the many wonderful things naturopathy provides, the one that stands out to me on a daily basis, is helping patients navigate their health from a holistic perspective. The recognition that the body is an intricate puzzle. We recognise the influence the physical, hormonal, nutritional, mental and emotional health have on ones overall wellness.
We also respect the body’s inherent capacity to find its way back to good health using natural medicines, herbs, diet and lifestyle modification. I help women and their families uncover their best health using a combination of both western and naturopathic considerations, frequently referring to local GPs for further investigation and complimentary management.
We also provide the opportunity for people to be heard and validated in how they feel.
What advice would you give someone considering studying naturopathy?
Firstly, be prepared to study hard. The 4 year degree is not an easy undertaking. The first 2 years are predominantly Biochemistry, biology, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and nutritional medicine providing a solid platform for your case direction and differential diagnoses.
Essential qualities include being compassionate with a desire to help people. I also wish we were given more guidance with regards to running a business as helping people us wonderful, but they must find their way to you first! Consider additional study in small business (I completed a 6 month course in small business once I finished my degree and it put me in great stead).
Recognise that you are always learning and that research emerges and changes, be prepared to commit to ongoing education professional development.
Most of all, a genuine love and appreciation for Mother Nature is something I continually recognise.
Chelsey Costa
QUALIFIED NATUROPATH, NUTRITIONIST, MEDICAL HERBALIST PERTH, WA
What's the best thing about working in naturopathy?
Every day I get to go to “work” and help people overcome health issues they had either lost hope on or have been struggling with for years. I get to educate my patients on how to live their best and healthiest life without having to rely on medication or even supplements for the rest of their life.
Being a naturopath is the most rewarding job I can imagine doing and I thank my lucky stars for finding Endeavour College and making the decision to study naturopathy. I know I have found my calling.
What advice would you give someone considering studying naturopathy?
Following your passion is the best thing you can do! There are so many opportunities out there in this field waiting for you. If you immerse yourself in the field, find a mentor and give your studies everything you’ve got then you can take this qualification wherever your heart desires.
Why I love being a naturopath in Australia
I began studying for an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy, Nutrition and Western Herbal Medicine in 1999 before taking a long hiatus to have my children. Facing the real risk of losing my existing qualifications if I did not continue, the fire within me was reignited and I decided to go back to study part-time via correspondence whilst working full time in an extremely large and very busy Pharmacy.
Working as a Pharmacy Assistant in charge of the natural health care department gave me wonderful practical experience whilst studying. I learnt what the most common prescription medications that the pharmacy dispensed were used for, what nutritional supplements were complementary for that particular health condition and what were the contraindications. I thrived on interacting with the patients, listening to their general health concerns and then making some alternative and complementary therapy recommendations. I was essentially gaining work experience conducting 1 on 1 consultations – which I loved!
I graduated in 2014 and consider this to be one of my greatest achievements that I am most proud of personally. I immediately opened my own Clinic and naively believed that the clients would just start lining up at my door. This was my biggest lesson that if I could give any advice to new graduates would be – all good things take time! Don’t be a general Practitioner, find your niche by learning what areas are your strengths and weaknesses and specialise in whatever lights YOU up! It takes a while to build up your client database but just keep going.
If you love what you are doing it is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career path – helping clients transform their health through your healthy diet and lifestyle recommendations with the addition of practitioner only medicines (which are extremely high quality in Australia) is an amazing feeling.
I am absolutely passionate about natural health care and I know it is such a cliché to say that being a naturopath is not what I do, it’s who I am, but I feel it is my true calling. Being my own boss also has its challenges but the positives of working in a career that I love far outweigh any negatives!
What skills do you need to be a good naturopath?
73%
Reading Comprehension
68%
Social Perceptiveness
64%
Active Learning
63%
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!
Courses found:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (Geelong Only) CPC50220
Are you pursuing your builders registration, or looking for supervising or contract administration roles? The Diploma of Building and Construction course will help you achieve this goal. You will learn about the latest building industry skills required...
Diploma of Work Health and Safety (VIC ONLY) BSB51315
Are you currently working in a Work Health and Safety role, and would like to extend your skills and knowledge? This qualification is suitable for people who coordinate and maintain the Work Health and Safety (WHS) program in an organisation. It reflec...
Diploma of Beauty Therapy (Geelong Only) SHB50115
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course, is very highly regarded in the industry with our graduates achieving a 100% employment rate for the last two years! Advance into the next level of your beauty therapy career, expanding on your foundational...
Diploma of Engineering – Technical (Geelong Only) MEM50212
Are you looking to develop your engineering career, or gain practical engineering experience before undertaking a university degree? This course is designed for those wanting to work as an engineering technician, carrying out tasks such as engineering...
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (Geelong Only) CPC40110
If you are looking to move into estimating/supervision roles within the domestic building industry this course will prove to be a valuable tool. During this course, currently run using MBAV resources and support, you will learn estimating principles, ...
Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) Pre-apprenticeship (Geelong Only) 22216VIC
Are you looking to enter the construction industry, or get a taste for the carpentry trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed for you.
Diploma of Graphic Design (VIC ONLY) CUA50715
This nationally recognised course gives you an immediate qualification to work in a creative, diverse, constantly evolving industry. Advance your natural technical and creative abilities, and learn about corporate branding, commercial printing and free...
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Geelong Only) ICT40118
This nationally recognised TAFE course is for all the future IT whizzes out there ready to step up in their careers. If you’re already dabbling in IT and ready for more responsibility, a fatter pay check, or a promotion, this course is your secre...
Certificate IV in Visual Arts (VIC ONLY) CUA41315
This nationally recognised course, will enhance your creativity and launch your artistic career in the thriving arts world. Find your niche, and learn the techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery making, photo digital imaging,...
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Geelong Only) MSL50118
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course is tailored for individuals seeking to advance their career in modern science. If you hold a certificate in lab techniques, have a profound love for science, a thirst for understanding how things operate, an...
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (Geelong Only) MSL40118
This nationally recognized, Free TAFE course is perfect for individuals who have a genuine passion for science, a curiosity about how the world functions, and a penchant for variety. If you’re also someone who leans towards meticulous planning an...
Certificate II in Animal Care (VIC ONLY) ACM20117
Calling all animal lovers! This free, nationally recognised TAFE course is for those with a heart full of love for our furry friends, offering a paw-some start in the animal care world. Opening doors for a career such as: Animal Care Attendant Animal S...
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (SE Melb Only) CPC40120
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry and who aim to be builders and managers of small to medium-sized building projects. This nationally recognised qualifica...
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment TAE40122
The TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment is a life-changing qualification designed to help everyday people pass on their wealth of knowledge and expertise to others. This entry-level qualification is the most current version of the Cert...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
Advance your knowledge, gain more skills in Process Manufacturing. This course is tailored to students interested in advanced production work utilising a range of different support functions related to producing products. You will gain skills across va...
Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational) (Geelong Only) 22261VIC
Are you looking to enter the electrical industry, or get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and increase your opportunities...
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) (Geelong Only) 22477VIC
This course prepares you for a career as a building designer, with the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in the residential and commercial design and construction sectors. This course also gives you a great edge if you’re planning...
Certificate III in Horticulture (Geelong Only) AHC30716
If you enjoy being outdoors, have an interest in plants and gardens, and are looking for a hands-on career, then horticulture could be for you. This is a generalist horticulture course that will equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to succ...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Geelong & Werribee Only) CHC33015
Do you have a compassionate nature and good people skills? A career in aged care, disability, or home and community care could be for you. This is a new qualification that replaces the Certificate III in Aged Care, Certificate III in Home and Communit...
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN VICTORIA ONLY This course covers common skills relevant for the plumbing industry in addition to specialist streams relevant to drainage, gas fitting, roof drainage, sewerage and more. These plumbing training cou...
Online courses also available
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