Homeopath : Entry requirements

Homeopaths may have medical qualifications (with additional homeopathic training), or they may be practitioners who have trained only in homeopathy.

This area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, but a qualification to degree/HND level is not an entry requirement and anyone may apply to train, although you may gain some course exemptions if you have a relevant healthcare degree.

Qualified doctors, dentists and veterinary surgeons can undertake a short course in homeopathy, accredited by the British Homeopathic Association . The Faculty of Homeopathy is the membership organisation for doctors, nurses, midwives, osteopaths, pharmacists, podiatrists and veterinary surgeons who use homeopathy in the practices and treatments.

The route to professional recognition for those who are not medically qualified is a course at a homeopathic college, usually for three years full time or four years part time. Course requirements are flexible: two A-levels or equivalent may be required, but life and work experience are usually more important. A background in the biological sciences is helpful.

Details of courses are available from the Society of Homeopaths  and the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths , and you can find a guide to choosing the right course for you in the Alliance publication Which Homeopathy Course?  Make sure you choose a course that is recognised by either the Society of Homeopaths or the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths and that suits your particular career interests and needs. Attending open days and talking to current students will help you to make your decision. Sitting in with a homeopath during patient consultations can be a valuable way to gain an insight into the role. Contact the main bodies or individual homeopaths to arrange a visit of this kind.

Pre-entry experience is desirable, although specific experience is not required. Experience of working with people, possibly in a related field, such as homeopathic pharmacy, and recent biological study will help.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• well-developed interpersonal, communication and listening skills for case-taking and patient management;
• an open, non-judgemental and understanding approach and the ability to gain the trust of patients;
• sensitivity, maturity and resilience to cope with the emotional demands of patient consultations;
• a good memory and an independent nature;
• an analytical approach combined with creativity and intuition for choosing the appropriate remedy;
• in-depth knowledge of the remedies, and an understanding of disease processes;
• the ability and confidence to promote and run your own practice.

Competition for courses varies, but some only take on a very small number of students, so early enquiries, up to a year before you wish to enter, are advisable.

Most students are self-financing, and course fees vary widely. Some bursaries are available from the Homeopathy Action Trust (HAT) . Part-time courses often take the form of monthly intensive college weekends, with significant amounts of home study. In addition, 100-200 hours of clinical experience may be required.

Once you are qualified, you can choose to belong to one of the voluntary homeopathy or multi-therapy registers and submit to that register's regulatory processes. Although it is not currently mandatory, registration with one of the relevant professional bodies is highly recommended. Registration requirements vary, so check their websites for details.

It generally takes at least two years to build up a practice, so other work may be necessary to support yourself at first. Some homeopaths practise additional complementary therapies, such as kinesiology, reflexology and flower essences. Useful advice can be found in self-employment and flexible working.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.