Self-test: Is a course in homeopathy (cert.) the right thing for me now?

Homeopathic therapists: What is their everyday working life like?

Homeopaths and naturopaths specializing in homeopathy can have their own practice, be part of a group practice or work in clinics, rehabilitation centers or spa hotels. They support people of all ages and with various ailments in activating and strengthening their body's self-regulation. People with chronic illnesses or those for whom conventional medicine no longer promises any improvement often come to homeopaths.

New patients are often asked to complete a medical history questionnaire before their first consultation. This is discussed in a detailed initial consultation and is used to record the homeopathic case. After evaluating the information from the consultation and personal impressions, the homeopath determines the appropriate remedy, potency and dosage. Further questions and discussions are often necessary. The treatment serves to support the self-healing powers and the healing process and is carefully monitored and documented by the homeopath.

Good to know:

Since 2015, there has been a federal qualification in alternative medicine in Switzerland: those who pass the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (AFPE) acquire the qualification/title "Naturopath with a Federal Diploma in Homeopathy".

Target group and skills: Who is homeopathy training suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?

The following target group is addressed with training in classical homeopathy:

• People who are interested in homeopathy
• Healthcare professionals who want to expand their skills
• Persons seeking a federally recognized qualification as a naturopath in homeopathy with a federal diploma

The following qualities are required for successful work as a homeopathic therapist:

• Interest in the thought models of homeopathy
• Analytical thinking and empathy
• Physical and mental resilience and a balanced state of mind
• Willingness to cooperate with specialists in other methods and with conventional medicine

Requirements for admission to homeopathy training (cert.):

As a rule, classical homeopathy training is open to all interested persons. No specific previous training or professional experience is required.

Some schools require the following points for admission:

• At least 20 years old
• Apprenticeship qualification with Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (Federal VET Diploma) or high school diploma
• Several years of professional experience
• Good knowledge of German

Subject matter and content of continuing education, further training

The schools are free to organize their homeopathy training courses as they wish. The specialist training generally covers the following topics:

• Basics of classical homeopathy (origin, history and development, principles)
• Understanding of illness, health and healing (the allopathic/homeopathic clinical picture)
• Basics of drug discovery and drug testing
• Similarity rule and potentiation
• Principles, concepts, effect and purpose of the treatment
• Treatment structure (anamnesis, diagnostics, communication)
• Indicators, contraindicators and limits of treatment

Many schools base the design of their homeopathy courses on the guidelines of the OdA AM (Organization of the Alternative Medicine Profession). The educational pathway according to OdA AM consists of the following modules:

• M1 Basic medical training
• M2 specialty (TCM, TEN, Ayurvedic medicine or homeopathy)
• M3 Health and ethics
• M4 Working as a therapist
• M5 Leading and managing operations
• M6 Practical training

The learning content of the homeopathy specialist training is considered Module 2.

Some schools offer all module training courses, others only some of them. Courses and modules that meet the OdA AM requirements are recognized by the OdA AM and lead to the OdA AM certificate, which opens the door to the federal diploma.

Costs and financing of continuing education, further training

The cost of homeopathy training is determined by the schools themselves. They therefore vary from provider to provider.

With the followingCostsyou have to pay for aTraining up to the OdA AM certificatein homeopathy:

• Course fees: around CHF 35,000-50,000
• Examination fee for the externally audited modules M1 and M2: CHF 3000
• Some providers charge extra for training materials. Find out about the actual costs directly from the provider of your choice.

Anyone who has passed the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE)Federal diploma as a naturopath specializing in homeopathymust also be familiar with the followingmajor cost itemscalculate:

• Costs for at least 60 supervision units (at least 30 in groups, at least 30 individually): around CHF 4000 to CHF 6500
• Examination fee for the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) CHF 2850 (as of September 2025)

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

• Study structureHomeopathy training is generally designed to be part-time and has a modular structure. This means that each module is taken and completed individually.
• Duration of studyThe duration of specialist courses in the field of homeopathy varies greatly and depends on the provider, course offered and level: As a rule, courses last between one year and two years. It takes at least five years to obtain the federal diploma.
• Training optionsWhen the lessons take place is decided by the schools themselves. Some courses offer lessons two days a week and on selected Saturdays (and Sundays). Others only offer lessons one day a week. Still others also offer intensive variants.
• Teaching formatTraining generally takes place in face-to-face classes. However, there are also schools that offer some online courses.
• Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of 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.

Degree, diploma and title

Those who have successfully passed all modules of the classical homeopathy training course are admitted to the final examination.

The final examination is conducted by your personal teacher and serves to test your confidence in handling and using the homeopathic globules.

Diploma and title

Successful graduates receive a school certificate / diploma from the respective school: "Homeopathy therapist [name of school]" or "Dipl. Homeopathy therapist [name of school]".

If you have completed a course that is recognized by the OdA AM, you can apply for the OdA AM certificate with your school diploma.