Homeopath
Homeopathy is a system of alterative or complementary medicine based on treating the individual with very diluted natural substances, given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. Homeopaths decide on the most appropriate treatment for the patient on the basis of the symptoms the patient experiences.
Homeopaths treat a range of conditions; they might be physical problems, such as skin ailments, asthma or arthritis, or they might be of an emotional or psychological nature, like depression or phobias.
They adopt a holistic approach with their patients, treating the person as a whole, including past and present symptoms. Patients can seek treatment themselves or be referred to a homeopath by their GP. Duration of treatment varies from weeks to months or years, depending on the severity of the disorder.
Most practitioners are solely homeopaths but some are also trained in conventional medicine and practice as doctors, dentists and veterinary surgeons.
Typical work activities include:
Homeopaths with a good level of professional experience may also be involved with training and/or supervising homeopathy students.
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:
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.
Following qualification as a homeopath, further professional development and supervision is encouraged. Weekend and short courses and conferences are all available, plus a small number of more substantial part-time, post-qualification courses. Keeping up to date with developments in homeopathic remedies and research is essential.
Homeopaths can locate information about conferences and training events in the journals, newsletters and websites of the relevant professional organisations, such as the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths and the Society of Homeopaths .
The vast majority of homeopaths are self-employed, so it is important to maintain contact with relevant professional organisations in order to benefit from the continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities they offer.
Homeopaths based in trust hospitals of the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS - Complementary and Alternative Medicine ) may be able to access general training courses offered to hospital staff. For all homeopaths, there may be part-time science, technology and health-related courses on offer at local colleges, which may be of general interest and use in their work.
The Faculty of Homeopathy offers accredited postgraduate courses which are available only to healthcare professionals. They are taught at a number of locations in the UK and overseas. Students are encouraged to sit the specialist examinations which lead to the Faculty's qualifications: LFHom, MFHom, VetMFHom and DFHom.
Business development organisations, such as Business Link and your local Chamber of Commerce, can also provide useful support in relation to setting up and maintaining your business, and networking opportunities. They offer training in specific skills, including marketing, managing finances and business development.
Because the vast majority of homeopaths in the UK are self-employed, career development tends to be mainly through developing their practice. This takes time and a great deal of persistence and promotion. Some geographical areas may not offer the same potential patient base as others, so it is important to consider practice location carefully as this will affect potential career development. Thinking innovatively and proactively about networking and developing your practice is a key part of a successful career as a self-employed homeopath.
The growth in interest in this area of work has led to an increase in training courses, making it even more important for aspiring professional homeopaths to complete an accredited course and register with the relevant professional bodies.
Training in another therapy to complement the practice is also an option. It is possible that this might lead to running your own clinic. Training in developing a small business may also be useful for those who aim to run their own clinic.
A very small number of opportunities are available within the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS - Complementary and Alternative Medicine ). Currently, it is mainly doctors and other healthcare professionals with further training in homeopathy who are working in homeopathic hospitals and other facilities.
For experienced homeopaths, opportunities include running tutorials, supervising students and possibly teaching at specialist colleges offering courses in complementary therapies. Openings may also arise at general colleges that include some element of homeopathy in their health studies and complementary therapies courses.
There may be opportunities to become involved in research or journalism in the homeopathic field and assisting with the manufacture of homeopathic products is another potential future pathway.
Opportunities also exist for voluntary work abroad, particularly in India and Eastern Europe.
The majority of non-medically-qualified practitioners work in private practices based in the community, often alongside other complementary therapists. Other patterns of work include:
The vast majority of homeopaths in the UK are self-employed. Complementary medicine and healthcare is a developing area, with increasing interest from both the public and the conventional medical establishment. This has led to a growth in opportunities for complementary healthcare practitioners and some roles have emerged for experienced practitioners to work as sessional therapists within the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS - Complementary and Alternative Medicine ).
There are over 400 GPs practising homeopathy in the UK. There are also four NHS homeopathic hospitals:
However, while there is an interest within the NHS in involving more complementary therapies in the future, this is unlikely to provide extensive opportunities.
The most common methods homeopaths use to publicise their services are through talks and presentations, via their own websites and by word of mouth. Those based within clinics or complementary therapy practices may benefit from joint advertising and promotional events.
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