Guide to Health Careers

Naturopath

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_naturopath.htm

Naturopaths offer an alternative to conventional medicine by diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease and sickness using non-surgical methods found in nature. Instead of using synthetic medicine to supress symptoms, they combine modern scientific knowledge with ancient, traditional medicine to find and treat root causes and encourage the body to heal itself. They treat the whole individual by addressing the patient's physical and mental health, genetic predispositions and environmental influences.

The Cool Things They Do:

Observe patients, interpret questionnaires, and conduct lengthy interviews to help diagnose patients
Use a variety of holistic methods to find the underlying cause of illness
Apply hands-on techniques such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, acupressure, reflexology and spinal manipulation to treat illness or injury
Use herbal medicines, biochemical therapy, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and counselling to treat illness
Educate patients about lifestyle choices, nutrition, mental health, public health measures and hygiene, and physical fitness
Refer patients with conditions that require conventional medical treatments, such as surgery or prescription drugs, to local physicians or hospitals

Working Conditions:

Most naturopaths are self-employed and work from their own clinics, offices and treatment rooms. The majority of their time is spent examining patients, and doing paperwork. Naturopaths just starting out have to work hard to establish their client base and often work late hours and weekends to accommodate patients.

Most Naturopaths Work In:

Private practices
Clinics

Personal Characteristics/Skills:

A genuine interest in helping others and a commitment to natural healing methods
Ability to inspire confidence
Emotional strength and maturity
Ability to question, listen and communicate effectively

Education and Training Required:

Three years in a Bachelor’s Degree Program and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Certificate.

(At present, the only accredited ND program in Canada is offered by the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.)

Length of Study/Training : 7 years post-secondary

Helpful High School Courses:

Science
Math
English
Business

Employment Prospects - GOOD

Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services and more and more people are turning to preventative medicine and holistic treatments.

Earnings:

Average annual salary: $50,000 to $60,000 a year, although some may earn as much as $100,000 a year.

More Information:

Canadian Naturopathic Association
http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca

Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://www.oand.org

Ontario Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathic
http://www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca

Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners
http://www.naturopathic-alberta.com

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
http://www.ccnm.edu

The Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

The American Naturopathic Medical Association
http://www.anma.com

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://naturopathic.org

Natural Health and Longevity Resource Center
http://www.all-natural.com/links.html

Job Futures:

Optometrists, Chiropractors and Other Health Diagnosing and Treating Professionals
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/312.shtml