Naturopath job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed naturopaths about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed naturopaths about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Intellectual
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Cooperative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for a naturopath
Naturopaths work with patients to diagnose and address health concerns, promote emotional and physical wellbeing and combine natural remedies and science to treat people holistically.
So, what does a naturopath do? A naturopath’s duties can include:
- Identify health problems and underlying causes
- Develop and carry out treatment plans
- Treat using natural therapies
- Provide lifestyle advice
- Monitor patient progress and keep records
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Makes a difference
As a naturopath, people come to you with all kinds of issues. From advice on physical wellness to emotional support, your role can help people live better, happier lives. In collaboration with other health professionals, naturopathy can be instrumental in preventing and continuing severe health issues.
Enjoyable
Each day in naturopathy brings something new. You meet new people constantly and help them achieve their health goals in a caring, warm environment. The patients who turn to more nature-based healthcare are often like-minded and believe in a more holistic and positive approach to healthcare, making them a joy to work with.
Learning opportunities
Each patient has a unique story and presents an opportunity to learn new skills in communication, approach and alternative medicine practices. Although naturopathic medicine has been practised since the 1800s, discoveries are made all the time, and further advancements are made every day.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for a naturopath
So, is naturopathy a good career choice?
Naturopath job opportunities are on the rise. Industry reports show strong growth in recent years and expect it to continue between now and 2025.
A key contributor to job growth may be the recent increase in acceptance and interest in complementary medicines in Australia, as well as higher household incomes.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
A career in naturopathy could be your launchpad into further job opportunities. With experience in the industry and potential further study available, you could travel down many career paths.
Some career pathways could be:
Junior
-
Remedial massage therapist
Most common qualification: Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015)
-
Aromatherapist
Most common qualification: Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy (HLT52315)
Mid
-
Nutrition assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43015)
Senior
-
Naturopath
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
Previous job roles or life experience may have given you the soft skills you need for a job in naturopathy. These skills are sometimes seen as important as practical skills, especially when working directly with people in a caregiving or healthcare setting.
Some naturopath skills are:
Active listening
Listening with all of your senses is a skill that gets you far as a naturopath. Some patients may have trouble articulating what they are feeling or thinking, and it’s your responsibility to use skills in drawing out information and reading between the lines. Active listening involves good communication skills, asking the right questions, and reading non-verbal cues to determine essential information.
Problem-solving
Any health professional has the role of “problem solver”, but the most unexpected issues often come up. Being dynamic, flexible, and a logical thinker allows you to assist people in many ways.
Communication
In a naturopathy job, you constantly be in the company of people who have health issues, injuries, and conditions that they haven’t heard of before. Being able to effectively communicate your knowledge with them while making them feel comfortable is a critical skill.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
Completing your training in naturopathy ensures you have the essential skills and knowledge to treat patients confidently. Naturopaths use a broad range of non-invasive techniques to help patients.
Some technical skills required for a job in naturopathy are:
Naturopathic principles and practice
Human biology
Clinical assessments
Counselling
Acupuncture
Nutrition and dietary health
Chemistry and biochemistry
Botanical, herbal and Chinese medicines
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.
Rebecca Winkler
Naturopath, Over 10 years of experience
How to become a naturopath
-
Study
Complete a qualification in naturopathy, like a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) or an Advanced Diploma in Applied Science (Naturopathy). A naturopathy course arms you with the essential skills and knowledge to work within the industry confidently.
-
Register with (ARONAH)
The Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists is a regulatory body that ensures the minimum standards for naturopathy and Western herbal medicine in Australia. Membership with the ARONAH provides credibility and encourages confidence from both consumers and other health professionals.
Explore related qualifications
Diploma of Health Sciences
This course gives you an introduction to complementary medicine through interdisciplinary electives, including naturopathy and nutrition. It can kickstart your career in naturopathy and help prepare you for other roles in health services.
The course duration is usually one year full-time or part-time equivalent and coursework can be delivered via blended learning options. Many providers offer payment plan options.
To be eligible to become a member of the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists, an advanced diploma or higher is required so bear this in mind when looking into this course.
10 providers offer this course
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
This bachelor degree qualification provides the skills and knowledge in natural health to work as a naturopath in a clinical environment or as an independent practitioner at a private practice. It covers biological and social sciences, nutrition, botany, herbal medicines, diagnostic techniques and clinical skills.
The course takes four years full-time or the equivalent part-time duration. You have flexibility in time and location, and payment options are available.
1 providers offer this course
Related subjects
A role in alternative therapies and natural medicine is not limited to naturopathy. If you would like to explore other subjects in this industry, job opportunities are diverse and plentiful.
Some other subjects to explore:
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Chelsey
Sep 10 2021Helping people address issues they're struggling with in a natural way is very rewarding.
What are the best parts of the job?
Being able to help people address their health issues on a daily basis. Whether it is helping people clear their acne, improve their digestive system, mental health, cycle regularity or fall pregnant. Every day is new and exciting. Most naturopaths don't work a standard 9-5 and generally work 2-3 days per week so it is great for a work-life balance.
What's the most challenging part?
Having an appointment based job can be stressful because some patients might need to reschedule last minute, so your day can change around sometimes. Most naturopath positions aren't salary based but are contractor positions. So, you only get paid for the patients you actually see. In the beginning, when you are building up a patient base, this can be stressful, but it improves with time and experience.
Natasha
Sep 09 2021Rewarding career where I can see I'm transforming people's lives.
What are the best parts of the job?
Working with clients on an individual level, watching their health transform and knowing I helped them gives me great intrinsic satisfaction - its very rewarding.
What's the most challenging part?
The clients that essentially 'suck you dry' that are in any service industry are the most challenging. I've had a few clients over the years who have contacted me at all hours of the day or night with a simple question as if I am on call 24/7. I've learned with this type of client that no matter what I do for them it is never good enough, so I've had to put some boundaries in place. Boundaries are important also when running your own business as it is challenging to stick to business hours in order to maintain a balanced work/home life.
Jasmine
Sep 05 2021Improving clients' lives and helping them become healthier.
What are the best parts of the job?
Helping people to get better with healthy lifestyle choices.
What's the most challenging part?
Dealing with depression in clients and trying to help them.
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Job cluster: The Carer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
A role as a naturopath that works with the public to address physical and emotional issues holistically is best suited to the career personality of The Carer.
The Carer thrives in roles where they’re helping others and allows them to employ their naturally humanistic approach. Carers are perfect for positions in healthcare, childcare and animal care.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a naturopath appointment?
An initial appointment with a naturopathic physician involves a lot of talking and assessing an individual’s needs. The naturopath assesses lifestyle, diet, emotional aspects, and family history to gain a good insight into a patient’s requirements. From here, a naturopath conducts treatment plans, gives advice or referrals.
What is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath?
Naturopathy is based on prevention and treatment of illness, and optimal health through therapeutic methods and natural substances.
Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a medical philosophy and practice based on the idea that the body can heal itself and uses small amounts of natural medicines to enhance its natural self-healing process.
How much does a naturopath earn?
In Australia, naturopaths earn an average base salary of around $59K per year.
What makes a good naturopath?
A good naturopath has strong communication and listening skills and is able to problem-solve and think critically in order to offer their patients the correct remedies.
Is a naturopath a real doctor?
Naturopaths are definitely real doctors! Some doctors refer to themselves as “naturopathic doctors” or ‘ND’s” for short.