Homeopath

The Job and What's Involved

Homeopathy is a form of alternative or complementary medicine. Although most practitioners are professional homeopaths prescribing exclusively homeopathic treatments, some people trained in conventional medicine - doctors, dentists and vets - use it alongside conventional treatments.

Patients seek out homeopathic treatment for a range of conditions. These might be physical in origin, such as skin ailments, asthma, insomnia, arthritis, migraine, infertility or menopausal problems. Other treatable conditions are emotional or psychological in origin: depression, neuroses, phobias or relationship difficulties. Patients might consult a homeopath when conventional medicine has failed to find a cause for their illness, or they are unhappy with the side effects of the drugs prescribed by their doctor.

Homeopaths use highly diluted doses of substances made from mostly natural ingredients: substances that in a healthy person would produce symptoms similar to those of the particular condition under treatment. The intention is to provoke the body into fighting the complaint with its own self-healing capacities.

The homeopathic approach is holistic. It takes into account the patient's whole lifestyle, including physical, psychological and spiritual factors, rather than just the symptoms of the specific ailment. Two patients might therefore get a different remedy for the same condition.

The job can involve:

• Seeing patients either on a private basis or on referral from the GP.
• Discussing with the patient in the course of a long (up to two hours) initial consultation session their ailment and also lifestyle, diet and emotional issues.
• Choosing a remedy tailored to the patient's particular needs using a combination of computer software and specialist books.
• Preparing the remedy in the most appropriate form for the patient: fluid, tablets or granules.
• Explaining how to take the remedy and advising on diet and other lifestyle factors.
• Referring the patient on to other specialists.
• Monitoring the patient's progress, through phone calls or follow-up sessions.
• Publicising and teaching the practice of homeopathy through talks or seminars.
• Using a computer to keep records, manage accounts and research developments in homeopathy.

Some practitioners also offer other alternative or complementary therapies, such as massage, nutrition or aromatherapy.

Most homeopaths work part time and offer appointments in the evenings and weekends for their clients' convenience.

Most homeopaths are self-employed. They may work from their homes or in a clinic within a health centre, hospital or alternative therapy centre. They may also travel to visit patients at home.

A homeopath starting out is likely to earn up to £6,000 a year (taking into account start-up costs). With experience, earnings may rise to £10,000 to £15,000. A very successful homeopath might make around £27,000 a year.

Most homeopaths charge around £55 to £75 for the initial consultation and £35 to £50 for follow-up appointments, which usually includes the cost of the remedies.

Income usually depends on the number of patients. Many homeopaths take on other employment to supplement their income, particularly at the beginning. It is not easy to earn a living solely from homeopathy.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

Since Samuel Hahnemann first developed homeopathy in the 18th century, its popularity has come in waves. There was a revival of interest in all forms of alternative medicine in the late 20th century. At present there are approximately 2,000 registered homeopaths and an unknown number of unregistered homeopaths working in the UK.

There are also over 400 GPs who practise homeopathy alongside conventional medicine.

There are four NHS homeopathic hospitals, in Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and London.

For the majority of homeopaths, the profession is a second career. It is very often practised alongside another occupation.

Education and Training

It is not yet compulsory to be registered in order to practise homeopathy.

The Society of Homeopaths and the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths run their own registration schemes. To be registered, a practitioner must complete one of the recognised courses listed on the websites of these organisations. Courses can be studied full time, part time or through distance learning. Some courses lead to a diploma and some to a degree.

Entry requirements vary. Some courses have no formal requirements. Entry to a degree course usually requires a minimum of two A levels, usually including biology, plus five GCSE's (A*-C), or equivalent qualifications.

The Diploma in society, health and development may be relevant for this area of work.

Degree courses usually take three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study and those currently available that are approved by the Society of Homeopaths are:

Centre for Homeopathic Education in London - BSc (Hons) in homeopathy, validated by Middlesex University.

University of Central Lancashire - BSc (Hons) in homeopathic medicine.

Thames Valley University, Slough - BSc (Hons) in homeopathy.

University of Westminster - BSc (Hons) in health sciences: homeopathy.

Life experience is an advantage in homeopathy, as is relevant work experience, whether paid or voluntary.

Qualified healthcare professionals working in conventional medicine can study homeopathy at courses in Aberdeen, Bristol, Glasgow, London and York. The Faculty of Homeopathy regulates these courses.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Homeopaths must keep up to date with developments in homeopathic research.

The professional bodies run continuing professional development (CPD) schemes and provide information on courses and training events.