Naturopath

Becoming a Naturopath means that you’ll help treat illnesses and practice preventive medicine without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. Naturopaths treat their patients with a variety of other complementary therapies that include nutrition, herbalism and other natural remedies to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.   Naturopaths use a wide range of treatments on their patients which can include: 

• Homeopathy
• Ayurvedic Medicine
• Iridology
• Phytotherapy

How to be a Naturopath in South Africa

Get the Required Qualifications

To be a naturopath in South Africa, you will typically need the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in the field of complementary medicine

Demonstrate Competence in School Subjects

Entry requirements differ per institution but typically, you will be expected to demonstrate competence in the following subjects:

• English (home or first additional language) 
• Mathematics 
• Mathematical Literacy and
• Life Sciences 
• Physical Sciences

Accumulate Years of Relevant Study and Experience

Naturopaths in South Africa typically study for 3-5 years. (Postgraduate and further studies available)

Find Relevant Employment Opportunities

Once qualified, you can register to open your own practice with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). You can also register with the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) to obtain a practice number.

You will always need to treat your patients within your specific discipline and according to the guidelines, ethics and legalities outlined by the AHPCSA and the Department of Health.

Find More Information from Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To find more information about naturopaths, contact The Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa or the Department of Health.

Naturopath Related Careers

• Alternative medicine jobs
• Healthcare jobs
• Private practise jobs