Overview
A homeopathic practitioner, also known as homeopath, is a licensed medical professional, who uses alternative methods (homeopathic remedies) to treat patients. In other words, homeopathic practitioners use a variety of natural remedies to treat medical conditions, ailments and illnesses. These practitioners believe that the body can heal itself using natural, non-invasive techniques.
A homeopathic practitioner treats a variety of conditions by using the patient’s body to stimulate its own natural healing properties. This practitioner prescribes natural homeopathic remedies like supplements, vitamins breathing techniques, diet options, etc. to help improve the overall condition of the client. The main difference between homeopathy and traditional treatment methods is that homeopathy focuses on improving the patient’s overall well-being, while traditional medical treatments focus on suppressing specific symptoms.
Related Reading: How To Get a Degree in Alternative Medicine
The patient’s mental, physical and emotional wellness is evaluated during a homeopathic visit. A treatment plan is then developed based on the assessment. A homeopathic practitioner believes that disease is caused by an imbalance in the body’s energetic force. Treatment typically consists of focusing on the well-being of the patient, not just treating the symptoms. This article will provide you with the information you need to become a successful homeopathic practitioner.
Job Duties
As a homeopathic practitioner, you will be trained to help patients with their acute and/or chronic medical conditions using natural means. You may treat a variety of conditions (poisoning and/or acute bronchitis) with homeopathic remedies. You may also treat common childhood illnesses (sore throats, ear infections, and upper respiratory viruses) with home remedies (dietary supplements, foods, liquids, fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc.). In some cases, you may treat pregnant women with homeopathic remedies to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
In other words, you will treat a variety of medical conditions and ailments by improving the body’s overall well-being. You will more than likely obtain a medical degree and a graduate degree and use both homeopathic methods and traditional treatments to treat patients. You may also be considered a patient educator, in which you teach individuals the advantages and disadvantages of following specific diets and making certain lifestyle choices.
Educational Requirements
If you want to be a homeopathic practitioner, the first thing you will need to do is obtain a bachelor’s degree in a health science field. You will need to take courses in math, humanities and science. Once you have completed your undergraduate program, you will need to decide if you want to practice as a medical doctor who specializes in homeopathy. If so then you will need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and enroll in a medical school. You should expect to be in your medical program for at least 8 years. During that time you will be required to complete a clinical internship and residency. Many homeopathic medical programs teach the same or similar curriculum as traditional medical programs – the only difference is that homeopathic medical programs specialize in natural remedies and alternative treatments.
It is important to note you do not have to obtain a medical degree (MD) in order to practice as a homeopathic practitioner, although many choose to get a medical degree in addition to a doctorate in homeopathy, If you decide not to go the medical degree route, you should be able to obtain a doctorate in homeopathy in approximately 4 to 6 years. A homeopathic graduate program will teach you the homeopathic philosophy, how to assess cases, how to diagnose conditions and how to use natural remedies to treat illnesses and medical conditions.
Licensure & Certification
If you decide to get a medical degree you will be required to be licensed before you practice. Moreover, if you decide to get a doctorate in homeopathy, you will also need to seek licensure. In order to become certified in homeopathy, you will need to complete 200 credit hours in homeopathy courses and internships.
Salary Prospects
The salary ranges for homeopathic practitioners varies, depending on your education, training and area of expertise. It is important to note that while alternative treatment methods have gained interest in the last few decades, it is still not a widely accepted form of treatment in the traditional medical world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013), you can expect to earn around $120,000 per year, if you are homeopathic practitioner with a doctoral degree. On-the-other-hand, you can expect to make between $180,000 and $200,000, if you have a medical degree with a specialty in homeopathy (bls.gov).
Career Outlook
The career outlook for alternative physicians like homeopathic doctors is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013), this field should grow 22% by 2018. The increase will stem from rising healthcare costs and an aging population.
Further Readings
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Homeopathy.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physicians and surgeons.
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
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