Accredited online and on-campus courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
The notion of Naturopathy is to treat the underlying causes of illnesses and diseases through the implementation of natural treatments – healing through nature.
Naturopathy courses can help you take your fascination of natural medicine, and turn it into helping people become the healthiest version of themselves.
Naturopathy courses generally delve into a variety of topics, including nutrition, herbal medicine, botany and manufacturing, Iridology, biomedical science, the philosophy of naturopathy, client counselling, and communication skills for dealing with clients.
Harness the ancient power of nature for healing and join an industry focused on holistic wellbeing by studying a naturopathy course.
Aiming to treat and prevent the underlying causes of illness and injury, naturopathy deploys a range of natural remedies and therapies to treat the body and maintain health. Developed by the Greek philosopher Hippocrates in 400 BC, the practise of naturopathy uses the laws of nature to cure ill health, and takes a holistic and preventative approach to the whole person in diagnosing and treating illness and injury – administering treatment to maintain the body’s health and to prevent the onset of illness. Using natural remedies like herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary coaching, homeopathy, lifestyle education and herbal medicine, modern naturopaths work closely with clients to promote nature-based health and wellness across their whole lifetimes.
Responding to modern health problems like stress, pollution and poor diets, naturopathy remains relevant and pursued today, and is sought out as an alternative to modern medicine’s often-reactive approach to treating ill health. An alternative perspective, naturopathy offers a different approach to treatment, and is often a port for people whose ill health has persisted despite modern medical treatment.
Considered a complementary and alternative medical practise, naturopathy courses nevertheless involve studying a broad range of physiological and biological sciences, including nutrition, psychology, and the clinical diagnostic approaches used to inform the naturopath’s investigations.
Naturopathy graduates usually work as naturopaths, consulting to clients in private settings. A consultation with a client usually takes about an hour, and may include an interview to understand the client’s condition, medical history, diet and lifestyle; performing diagnostic checks like testing the client’s irises, tongue and nails; taking samples to send for pathology testings; and the development of a treatment plan in consultation with the patient. The treatment plan may include advice on lifestyle, exercise, diet, and natural therapies to take, including homeopathic treatments and herbal medicine.
In addition to consulting with clients, a naturopath may administer therapies, such as:
In line with the discipline’s focus on client-centred care, the naturopath may also take on a coaching role with clients – supporting them to act in a key role in guiding their health and lifestyle. If you’re passionate about supporting people to succeed, studying a naturopathy course may be the best first step for your career.
As the practise of naturopathy is considered a complementary and alternative form of medicine, practitioners do not need a medical degree to advise clients, and may work in a diverse range of industries outside of providing health advice. After studying a naturopathy course, you may choose to seek employment in the healthcare, hospitality, spa, retail and media industries.
Graduates of naturopathy courses usually pursue employment in private practises or in a freelance environment, and may work as a:
You’ll enjoy studying naturopathy if you:
While the naturopathy industry is relatively small in Australia, with approximately 9,400 people employed as naturopaths, the Australian Government’s Job Outlook predicts strong growth in employment in the next five years. After experiencing moderate growth over the last decade, the profession has expanded rapidly in the last two years, and Job Outlook predicts that rate will continue. More naturopaths are employed in part-time and casual roles than in full-time roles; however, the diversity of industries graduates of naturopathy courses may work in may mean graduates are working in other fields.
A naturopath in Australia can expect to earn between $44,000 and $88,000 per year, with most earning around $52,000, according to PayScale. Entry-level naturopaths will enjoy a competitive salary, with PayScale reporting the greatest increase in earning capacity comes when a practitioner has more than 20 years’ experience. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, most naturopaths are employed in part-time and casual capacities.
