High School

Because of its medical nature, homeopathy requires a solid background in the sciences. Biology and chemistry will help you prepare for a career in homeopathy. The emphasis on careful interviews and detailed documentation make English, journalism, speech, debate, psychology, and sociology classes very valuable. Since most homeopaths are solo practitioners, business and computer courses are also recommended. The basics you learn in high school will help you become familiar with standard medical knowledge and provide you with a foundation for in-depth study of homeopathy.

Postsecondary Training

If a career in homeopathy interests you, there are many paths from which to choose. Most future homeopaths study health-related fields in college, for example, nutrition, biology, premed, or nursing. Careers such as nutritionist, medical assistant, and nurse require fewer years of training to become licensed. Others, like chiropractor, naturopathic physician, or physician require considerably more years of study. The specific courses you need will depend upon your choice of health field. Particularly beneficial areas of study include anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In many cases, individuals complete their studies for their licenses and then take courses in homeopathy that are offered at several institutions around the country.

After college, some future homeopaths go to medical school. There is a growing interest in homeopathy among physicians, and homeopaths are working toward integrating homeopathy into the curricula of conventional medical schools.

Another path toward a career in homeopathy is to earn a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is an approach to natural healing that incorporates an array of healing modalities, including homeopathy. There are only seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. They offer four-year programs with homeopathy as a specialty. These schools require at least two years of chemistry, a year of biology, and some other premedical course work prior to admission.

It is easier to practice homeopathy if you are also licensed to practice conventional or naturopathic medicine. However, there are some programs for those who are not medically trained. Training in homeopathy can demand as much time and effort as medical studies. Programs are available on a part-time basis for those who need flexible class hours. There are also a few respected correspondence courses. If you are interested in studying abroad, England, India, and France have schools for classical homeopathy.

Some of the professional societies offer scholarships or other assistance for students who want to study homeopathy. If you are seriously considering a career in homeopathy, contact the homeopathic associations for information about programs, requirements, and scholarship funds.

Certification

The American Institute of Homeopathy offers a certificate in predictive homeopathy. Contact the institute for more information. 

Other Education and Training

The North American Society of Homeopaths, American Institute of Homeopathy, and other organizations provide webinars, classes, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations to learn more.

Certification or Licensing

Certification indicates that a homeopath has met the standards of education and knowledge set by a particular professional association. The Council for Homeopathic Certification offers the certified in classical homeopathy credential to those who pass an examination and meet educational and clinical experience requirements.

The American Board of Homeotherapeutics offers certification to applicants who are currently licensed medical or osteopathic physicians, have a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy, practiced homeopathy for at least three years, accumulated a minimum of 350 hours of approved homeopathic education credits, and met other requirements. The Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (HANP) grants certification in classical homeopathy as a diplomate of the HANP to naturopathic physicians who have graduated from an accredited naturopathic school. Contact these organizations for more information. 

An individual can be a certified homeopath but still not be licensed to practice medicine. Licensing is a requirement established by the government. Homeopaths who are licensed health care practitioners in other fields, such as chiropractors, physicians, naturopathic physicians, nurses, and nurse practitioners, must maintain the appropriate licenses for their specific fields.

Both certification and licensing requirements for homeopaths vary according to state. Some states do not consider homeopathy to be the practice of medicine, so they do not regulate it. Other states require homeopaths to be licensed in some other form of health care. Only Arizona, Connecticut, and Nevada offer homeopathic medical licenses. Check with the office of the attorney general in your state to be sure you know its certification and licensing requirements. Although some homeopaths currently practice without a medical license, professionals in the field agree that the trend is toward certification and licensing. If you are interested in a career in homeopathy, it is recommended that you acquire a license in some related field of medicine.

Homeopaths who are medical doctors must complete a residency and possibly a fellowship. Other ways to obtain experience include internships and on-the-job training with an experienced homeopath. 

Homeopaths should have a thorough knowledge of the human body and enjoy working with patients to improve their health. To be a successful homeopath, you need to enjoy helping and working with people. On the other hand, you must also be self-motivated and enjoy researching and working alone. You must also be a good communicator. You must know how to listen carefully to your patients and explain diagnoses and treatments clearly and accurately. You need to be inquisitive, detail oriented, independent, and self-reliant. It helps to enjoy solving mysteries and puzzles. 

Homeopaths generally work alone in solo practices, so they must also possess business ability and self discipline. In addition, you must know your own mind and have the courage of your convictions. Because homeopathy is re-emerging as an important form of alternative health care in this country, homeopaths need to have strong convictions and be able to take criticism. They may have to defend their work or try to educate others who know little about homeopathy. It helps for a homeopath to be a bit of a crusader.