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Naturopath

Offer people health advice and remedies based on the idea of naturopathy.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£460

Average

Monthly

£1,840

Average

Yearly

£23,920

Average

2,300

people are currently employed

Low growth

100 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would offer people health advice and remedies based on the idea of naturopathy.

Naturopathy is a complementary or alternative medicine. It is based on the idea that health problems are caused by a lack of balance in the body. Naturopaths believe they can restore balance to help cure these problems.

People with a range of different health problems might come to see you.

You would:

  • Discuss their symptoms and lifestyle

  • Carry out a physical examination and tests such as taking blood

  • Choose a suitable naturopathic remedy

  • Offer treatment at your practice, or explain how remedies can be used at home

  • Give advice on diet and lifestyle if necessary

  • Keep notes on progress

  • Plan follow-up appointments.

It would be helpful to have some knowledge of conventional medicine.

You’d probably be running your own business, so you’d need to handle tasks like administration, finance, and advertising your practice.

Hours

Most naturopaths are self-employed and run their own practice. This means that you could choose your own working hours, although you may have to offer evening and weekend appointments.

Environment

You would normally work from consulting and treatment rooms that may be at your home or an alternative therapy or natural health clinic. You may also visit people in their own homes.

Travel

Some naturopaths visit people in their own homes.

Explore more information about this job

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Related industries

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • understanding
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • social conscience
  • researching
  • observation
  • written communication
  • verbal communication
  • listening
  • supporting

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

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Getting in

Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Biology

  • Care

  • Chemistry

You would need qualifications recognised by the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN).

To register with the General Council of Naturopaths (GCRN) you must have completed full-time training in Naturopathy (Osteopathic Medicine) to degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate level (SCQF level 11).

There are currently no Naturopath/Osteopathic courses in Scotland, but to enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in osteopathic medicine elsewhere in the UK requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers (SCQF level 6). Some courses may require Advanced Higher (SCQF level 7) or equivalent  for entry.

If you are already a medical practitioner, osteopath or physiotherapist you can take a shorter course through the College of Osteopaths.

Once qualified, you may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland for some jobs.

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