Naturopaths and alternative practitioners: What does their day-to-day work look like?

Naturopaths and naturopathic physicians examine, advise, support and treat people with health complaints using alternative medicine. They diagnose illnesses with the means of their specialty and treat their patients with the aim of alleviating the symptoms of illness and stimulating and strengthening the body's self-regulation and self-healing powers. The methods and remedies used differ depending on the chosen direction.

In theAyurveda applicationa complete Ayurvedic diagnosis including pulse diagnosis is first made. Ayurvedic medicines, purification and cleansing therapies, massage and other manual treatments, nutritional regulation and special harmonization procedures are then prescribed for treatment.

In theHomeopathythe patient's state of health is recorded in detailed anamnesis interviews. The patient is then treated with potentized homeopathic remedies of plant, animal or mineral origin.

From theTraditional Chinese Medicine TCMAcupuncture is the best-known treatment method, but Chinese medicinal therapy, Tui na massage and Qi Gong as well as nutrition according to the five elements are also among the measures aimed at restoring and harmonizing the patient's Qi flow.

And theTraditional European Naturopathy TENmainly relies on physical therapies, nutritional corrections, exercise therapies and so-called elimination procedures. The use of medicinal plants is also an important part of this, and more recently technology-supported therapy methods such as bioresonance, bioenergetics or magnetic field therapy have also been included.

Naturopaths often work independently in their own practice, which means that they are also responsible for management, administrative activities and advertising/marketing measures.

Good to know:

Since 2015, there has been a federally recognized qualification in alternative medicine in Switzerland. The title "Naturopath with federal diploma" can be obtained by passing this examination. There are four different directions in which the training can be completed:

• Ayurvedic medicine
• Homeopathy
• Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM
• Traditional European Naturopathy TEN

Target group and skills: Who is the naturopathy training course with a federal diploma suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The target group for naturopathy training (HFP) depends, among other things, on the chosen method (Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM and Traditional European Naturopathy TEN).

In principle, training in naturopathy with a federal diploma is aimed at the following people:

• Healthcare professionals who want to expand their skills
• People who are interested in naturopathy
• Alternative therapists and complementary therapists who wish to train for a federal qualification

The following qualities are required for successful work as a naturopath:

• Interest in and good understanding of medical contexts and holistic approaches
• Skilled hands and no fear of contact when practicing manual therapies
• Discretion and good reputation
• Empathy and powers of observation
• Sociability
• Sense of responsibility
• Ability to run your own business
• Willingness to undergo continuous further training

Prerequisites for admission to naturopathy training with a federal diploma (HFP):

In order to be admitted to the higher professional examination, the following conditions must be met at the time of the examination:

• Secondary level II qualification or equivalent qualification

And

• At least two years of professional experience in the relevant specialization with a workload of at least 50% in the last two years before registering for the Advanced Federal PET Diploma Examination or at least three years of professional experience with a workload of at least 30* in the last three years before registering for the examination.

And

• Required module qualifications* or certificates of equivalence

And

• Minimum age of 25 years

And

• Approval of the case study by the examination secretariat

And

• No entry in the central criminal record that is incompatible with the purpose of the examination.

You will find out whether you have been admitted to the Advanced Professional Examination for Naturopaths at least three months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.

* These are modules M1-M7, whereby completion of modules M1-M6 entitles the holder to the "Certificate OdA AM". The OdA AM certificate is valid for five years as a condition for admission to the final examination.

• M1: Basic medical training
• M2: Specialization
• M3: Health and ethics
• M4: Working as a therapist
• M5: Leading and managing operations
• M6: Practical training
• M7: Professional practice under mentorship

Subject matter and content of the training

The course material for naturopaths is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, the Organization of Alternative Medicine (OdA AM).

The following learning content is taught in several modules:

• M1: Basic medical trainingScientific basics, biology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, psychopathology, medical and clinical examinations, medical emergency measures, pharmacology, placebo and nocebo effects, epidemiology, hygiene and infection protection, referral practice and therapy concepts.
• M2: SpecializationTeaching of subject-specific learning content (Ayurveda medicine, homeopathy, TCM and TEN) in a corresponding course.
• M3: Health and ethicsInfluencing factors on health, mental hygiene, concepts for personal work-life balance, basics of resource management (self-awareness, mindfulness and self-responsibility), self-regulation, health promotion, disease prevention
• M4: Working as a therapistBasic knowledge of communication, interaction structures and communication concepts, anamnesis interview, therapeutic conversation, importance of non-verbal communication signs, intercultural communication, communication with children, adolescents and parents, types of conversation
• M5: Leading and managing operationsTools and methods of business administration (BWL), legal system and contracts, Swiss tax systems, insurance, accounting
• M6: Practical trainingPractical work in the respective specialization in professional practices, clinics or school internship sites.
• M7: Professional practice under mentorshipIndependent work and accompanied professional introduction by one or more mentors (accredited by the OdA AM).

Costs and financing of further training

Apart from the examination fee, which is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination, the costs vary depending on the provider.

In general, the following costs must be expected for the five to eight years of extra-occupational training to become a naturopath with a federal diploma:

• Course feesbetween CHF 49,000 and CHF 55,000, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
• External examination feesCHF 2,600 (as of April 2024) The examination fee is set by the sponsoring body of the higher professional examination or course. The candidate pays this to the sponsoring body after admission has been confirmed.
• Extra costsSome schools do not include the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.

*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government (so-called subject financing). Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions are also paid out in advance.

Course structure, duration of study, training options, teaching format and learning effort

• The training to become a naturopath with a federal diploma is completed on a part-time basis and takes between 5 and 8 years (approx. 3 years of training, 2-5 years of mentoring). It has a modular structure.
• The course is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences. There are often day courses and evening courses. For example, lessons may take place on a weekday afternoon and evening and/or all day on a Saturday.
• Many schools often offer different teaching models so that you have the opportunity to combine further education with family, work and free time in the best possible way. You can usually choose between face-to-face teaching or online formats, such as online teaching, hybrid teaching or blended learning.
• Thanks to the extra-occupational concept of the course, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.

Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.

Degree, diploma and title

Modules 1 to 5 conclude with a module examination, which must be passed. Module M6 contains the practical training (internship) and Module 7 is completed in your own practice or in employment. It contains the independent activity under mentorship.

Those who have successfully completed all modules (M1-M7) of the naturopathic practitioner training course are admitted to the final examination.

The final examination (HFP) for naturopaths is held every year, provided that at least 10 candidates meet the admission requirements after the announcement, otherwise every two years. Candidates can choose the language in which they wish to take the higher professional examination: German, French or Italian.

Candidates are notified in writing at least 30 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (location, time of the oral examination, permitted aids) and the list of experts.

The higher professional examination consists of four parts, which are structured as follows:

• P1: Case studywritten, prepared in advance, weighting 1
• P2: Expert discussion on the case studyoral, 45 minutes, weighting 1
• P3: Case processingoral, practical and/or written, 150 minutes, weighting 1
• P4: Practical workpractical, oral, max. 180 minutes, weighting 1

Diploma and title

Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Naturopath with a federal diploma in [Ayurvedic Medicine, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM, Traditional European Naturopathy TEN]".

• In French: "Naturopathe avec diplôme fédéral en [Médecine ayurvédique, Homéopathie, Médecine traditionnelle cinoise MTC, Médecine naturelle traditionnelle européenne MTE]"
• In Italian: "Naturopata con diploma federale in [Medicina ayurvedica, Omeopatia, Medicina tradizionale cinese MTC, Medicina naturale tradizionale europea MTE]"
• In English: "Naturopathic practitioner with Advanced Federal Diploma of Professional Education and Training in discipline [Ayurveda Medecine, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM, Traditional European Naturopathy TEN]" Please note that the English title is merely a translation and recommendation and is not a protected title.