Homeopaths treat a range of conditions, both physical and emotional, with very small quantities of natural substances (or 'active ingredients') that trigger the body into healing itself.

Homeopathy is based on the theory of 'like cures like' – that substances taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms it causes if taken in large amounts. Medicine may take pill, tablet or liquid form.

The Work

You could be:

• seeing patients by referral from their GP or on a private basis
• discussing lifestyle, diet and emotional wellbeing with your client
• taking the client's medical history and symptoms, doing a physical examination if necessary
• diagnosing conditions from the information your patient gives and from your own observation
• selecting, and perhaps preparing, the appropriate treatment for the condition
• giving the treatment, often over several visits, or telling your client how to treat him or herself
• giving advice on diet and lifestyle
• advising your client to see a doctor or other therapist
• keeping records of clients and progress.

Pay

Most homeopaths charge around £60 to £100 for the initial consultation and £35 to £65 for follow-up appointments, which usually includes the cost of the remedies. A homeopath starting out may earn from £6,000 up to £10,000 a year. Once a reputation is established earnings may rise to around £30,000 a year.

Conditions

• You work in a consulting room in a clinic, health centre or hospital.
• You might work from your own home.
• You may have to travel to visit patients in their own homes.
• You might have to work evenings or weekends to suit the needs of your clients.

Getting In

• It is not yet compulsory to register in order to practise homeopathy, although it is highly recommended.
• To register as a practitioner you should complete a course recognised by the Society of Homeopaths (SoH) and the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths (ARH). Courses can take from 3 to 5 years, depending on the mode of study.
• You will find a list of recognised courses on the website of the Society of Homeopaths. Currently, there are no recognised courses in Scotland.
• Entry requirements vary from no formal qualifications to 3-4 Highers including a science subject, preferably biology. Some entrants have degrees in other subjects.
• When you complete a recognised course you can apply to become a registered member of the Society of Homoeopaths.
• If you are qualified in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine, you can take a course regulated by the Faculty of Homeopathy in Glasgow.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

You might find work in the National Health Service (NHS) – there is one NHS homeopathic hospital in Scotland, in Glasgow (NHS Centre for Integrative Care). Most homeopaths are self-employed.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

1948

2.1 %

RISE

2023

1989

  United Kingdom

2018

23616

2.7 %

RISE

2023

24243

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• able to work well with people from all backgrounds and of all ages
• understanding and sympathetic
• practical
• analytical, to diagnose and appropriately treat conditions
• professional
• good at research.

Training

• Once you have gained your qualification, training is on the job, with short courses to keep you up to date with research in homeopathy.
• The Faculty of Homeopathy specialist examinations lead to the Faculty's qualifications MFHom, LFHom, VetMFHom, DFHom or FFHom.

Getting On

• With experience you might be able to increase the size of your business.
• You might manufacture and sell homeopathic products.
• You could train in another branch of alternative medicine such as massage, so as to offer a wider range to patients.
• You might combine your work with teaching or research.
• It might help if you can move around the country.

More Information

The British Homeopathic Association has a list on their website of qualified homeopaths, practising across the country.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.