Self-test: Is a course in naturopathy (naturopath / naturopath (cert.)) the right thing for me now?
Does working as a naturopathic doctor / naturopathic practitioner (certified) meet your expectations and needs? Take the free and non-binding self-test now and find out whether you are on the right path with the extra-occupational course leading to the "school's own certificate".
Naturopath: What does your day-to-day work look like?
Naturopaths are visited by people with health problems and complaints, people who want to support and stimulate their self-healing powers, or people who want to undergo a detoxification and purification treatment, for example. Naturopaths work with alternative medicine and complementary therapies such as medicinal plants, homeopathy, compresses, reflexology, kinesiology, lymph drainage or acupuncture. At the beginning of a treatment, they ask the patient about their life situation and complaints and examine and analyze them using the methods of their specialty. These may include blood tests, palpation and tapping, kinesiology tests, pulse diagnosis, etc. In doing so, they identify, for example, energy and metabolic disorders, energetic blockages or metabolic stress. They apply their remedies with the aim of stimulating and strengthening the body's self-regulation and self-healing powers, thus contributing to recovery or the restoration of balance.
Many naturopaths and alternative practitioners run their own practice and personally take care of administration, correspondence, appointments, advertising and bookkeeping.
Good to know:
The term naturopath is often used to describe practitioners of a wide range of alternative medicine or complementary therapy methods. Many of these methods are recognized by health insurance companies and can be covered by supplementary insurance. The recognized methods are listed and described in the ASCA and/or EMR list of methods.
Some methods have also been combined in joint training concepts that can be completed with a federal diploma as a "naturopath" or "complementary therapist".
In naturopathy, there are the following methods/specialties in which training to become a naturopath with a federal diploma can be completed (as of March 2024):
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Traditional European Naturopathy (TEN)
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a naturopath?
Great!
If you like the most important tasks of a naturopath, then you are basically right to work in the field of alternative medicine.
Then the next question is about whether this training is right for you right now.
If you don't like all the activities, think in detail about what exactly you would and wouldn't like about them.
For example, you may want to work with your hands but not with medicinal plants. Or you prefer to do anamnesis consultations but not manual interventions. Or you would like to carry out the treatments but not be responsible for the diagnosis. Then see if you can find something that suits you better among the following suggestions:
- Acupressure (Cert.)
- Acupuncture (Cert.)
- Aromatherapy (Cert.)
- Respiratory therapist (certified)
- Ayurveda (Cert.)
- Bach Flowers (Cert.)
- Craniosacral therapy (certified)
- Nutritionist (certified)
- Foot reflexology (certified)
- Health consultant (certified)
- Homeopathy (Cert.)
- Iris diagnosis (cert.)
- Kinesiology (Cert.)
- Complementary therapist (certified)
- Lymphatic drainage (cert.)
- Herbal medicine / phytotherapy (cert.)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM (Certified)
- Medical masseuse / medical masseur (BP)
If you don't like the activities because you had completely different ideas about this profession, it may be a good idea to start again and look at other job profiles. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Would you like to find your vocation first? OurGuide "Finding your own calling"can support you in this.
Target group and skills: Who is the naturopathic doctor training course and naturopathic practitioner training course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The target group for naturopathy training depends on the chosen method (e.g. aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, Schüssler salts, etc.).
In principle, naturopathic training appeals to the following people:
- Healthcare professionals who want to expand their skills
- People who are interested in naturopathy or complementary therapy
- Alternative therapists and complementary therapists who wish to train for a federal qualification
The following qualities are required for a successful career as a naturopath:
- Interest in medical and psychological issues
- Analytical thinking and skillful hands
- Discretion and good reputation
- If you have your own practice: economic skills to run your own business
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! To the next step in the self-test.
- Are you already self-employed and/or do you have broad and in-depth knowledge of a naturopathic method? Would you like to treat people who have complaints? Then you probably belong to the target group for the following qualifications:
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this job. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are suited to such a job, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Prerequisites for admission to naturopathy training:
The admission requirements depend, among other things, on the chosen method in which naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training is completed.
As a rule, naturopathy training is open to all interested persons. No specific previous training or professional experience is required.
Some schools require the following points for admission:
- Age of majority
- Apprenticeship qualification with federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or several years of professional experience
- Good knowledge of German
Good to know:
As there are no protected professional designations or titles (regardless of the naturopathic method chosen), it is important to provide appropriate proof of your own seriousness and professional competence. This is usually done by registering with the ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine) and/or the EMR (Empirical Medicine Register) and/or by becoming a member of an association.
For inclusion in the ASCA and/or EMR register, a minimum number of hours of basic knowledge (conventional medical knowledge / "medical basics") and specialist training must be demonstrated. This minimum number of hours depends on the chosen naturopathic method and is specified in the respective ASCA and EMR list of methods.
Input: Why is registration in the ASCA and/or EMR registry important?
Many health insurance companies are based on the ASCA and EMR. This means that therapists who are registered with the ASCA and/or EMR can often work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies (i.e. their costs can be billed via supplementary insurance). But beware! This is not always the case.
More and more health insurance companies are demanding an industry certificate or a federal diploma from professional organizations (OdA AM, OdA KT, OdA MM, ODA ARTECURA, Swiss Association of Osteopaths FSO-SVO) in order to be able to work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies. This will continue to increase in the future.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! You can start your training at the earliest possible date.
- If you are not yet of legal age, please ask the school. You may simply have to have reached the age of majority by the time you complete the course and can therefore already start the naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training, even if you are not yet of legal age at that time.
- If you do not have the required knowledge of German, then take thePlacement test. Are your German skills not good enough? Then attend a German course.Hereyou will find schools with suitable offers.
- If you do not have a basic vocational qualification with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to catch up on the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of your desired naturopathic method, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you lack the required basic medical hours to be placed on the ASCA and/or EMR registry, then make them up.Hereyou will find corresponding offers and suitable providers.
- If you are not yet of legal age, please ask the school. You may simply have to have reached the age of majority by the time you complete the course and can therefore already start the naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training, even if you are not yet of legal age at that time.
- If you do not have the required knowledge of German, then take thePlacement test. Are your German skills not good enough? Then attend a German course.Hereyou will find schools with suitable offers.
- If you do not have a basic vocational qualification with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to catch up on the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of your desired naturopathic method, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you lack the required basic medical hours to be placed on the ASCA and/or EMR registry, then make them up.Hereyou will find corresponding offers and suitable providers.
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of a naturopathy training course is based on the respective naturopathic method.
Furthermore, the learning content is determined independently by the schools; this can therefore vary.
The following topics are covered:
- Basics of the chosen method or discipline (origin, development, topicality, etc.)
- Anatomy, physiology and diseases
- Principles, concepts, techniques and effects of treatment
- Structure and course of treatment
- Indicators, contraindicators and limits of treatment
The subject matter of some courses also includes the "Medical Basics" (as a prerequisite for admission to the ASCA and/or EMR register), which are usually dealt with in a separate module.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
What exactly don't you like? For example, do you only want to gain specialist knowledge in the respective naturopathic method, without the "medical basics"? Take a close look at the various schools offering courses in the respective method; there may be some that only offer specialist training.
You can find a helpful checklist for comparing schools in ourGuide "How to choose the right training provider".
Would you only like to acquire knowledge in the "Medical Basics"? Then take a look atfollowing page. Under the link you will find simple and direct offers from various schools, as well as all information about the course. You can contact the appropriate schools directly via the inquiry form free of charge and without obligation and receive detailed information on the respective course and can ask your questions.
What exactly don't you like? For example, do you only want to gain specialist knowledge in the respective naturopathic method without the "medical basics"? Take a close look at the various schools offering courses in the respective method; there may be some that only offer specialist training.
You can find a helpful checklist for comparing schools in ourGuide "How to choose the right training provider".
Would you only like to acquire knowledge in the "Medical Basics"? Then take a look atfollowing page. Under the link you will find simple and direct offers from various schools, as well as all information about the course. You can contact the appropriate schools directly via the inquiry form free of charge and without obligation and receive detailed information on the respective course and can ask your questions.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs for naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training leading to a "school certificate" depend, among other things, on the naturopathic method chosen as well as the level (introductory, basic or advanced courses) and the duration (from a few days to several months).
In addition, the tuition fees are set independently by the schools, so they can vary (greatly) from provider to provider.
For this reason, it is unfortunately not possible to provide a meaningful list of costs in detail here.
Note: Some providers also charge extra for
- Teaching aids
- Training documents etc.
Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out the actual costs.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay for the type of course you want?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Course structure, duration of study, training options, teaching format and learning effort
- Structure:As a rule, naturopathy training is designed to be part-time and has a modular structure. This means that each module is taken and completed individually.
- Duration:The duration of courses in the field of naturopathy varies greatly and depends, among other things, on the provider and level. Introductory and in-depth courses generally last a few days. Basic courses usually last several months. Depending on the course, intensive courses are also offered, which are correspondingly shorter.
- Variants:The schools decide independently when the lessons take place. In principle, the lessons take place on one or two days, or evenings per week and/or Saturdays, depending on the situation.
- Teaching format:Most schools offer naturopathy training in face-to-face classes. Depending on the school, theory lessons can be completed in an online format (e.g. online lessons or hybrid lessons).
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: It often helps to organize yourself into study groups. It also makes sense to stick with it right from the start and schedule fixed study times. Good learning effects can be achieved by creating summaries and mind maps. Flashcard systems help with memorization. There are many tools and ideas to make learning easier. You can obtain the guide "The personal learning strategy" free of charge if you register with a school via Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training over more than the specified time.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
Those who have successfully completed all modules of the naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training are admitted to the final examination.
The final examination is usually divided into a theoretical and a practical part (depending on the method). In the practical part, a treatment in the relevant naturopathic method must be carried out on a client, which is assessed by the experts.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates receive a certificate / diploma from the respective school: "[naturopathic method] therapist [name of school]" or also "qualified naturopath or naturopath (naturopathic method) [name of school]".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the naturopathy course?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, training as a naturopath does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
The naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: the naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training do not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training in naturopathy is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training (certified)"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training (certified)"
Brilliant, this course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Naturopathic doctor training and naturopathic practitioner training (certified)"