Self-test: Is a "Naturopath with a Federal Diploma (HFP)" course the right thing for me now?
Does working as a naturopath with a federal diploma meet your expectations and needs? Take the free and non-binding self-test now and find out whether you are on the right path with a preparatory course for the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination.
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
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a naturopath with a federal diploma?
Great! Continue with the test...
If you don't like all the activities, think in detail about what exactly you would and wouldn't like about them.
For example, you may want to work with your hands but not with medicinal plants. Or you prefer to do anamnesis consultations but not manual interventions. Or you would like to carry out the treatments but not be responsible for the diagnosis. Then take a look at the following suggestions to see if you can find something that suits you better:
- Acupressure (Cert.)
- Acupuncture (Cert.)
- Aromatherapy (Cert.)
- Respiratory therapist (certified)
- Ayurveda (Cert.)
- Bach Flowers (Cert.)
- Craniosacral therapy (certified)
- Nutrition consultant / trainer (certified)
- Foot reflexology (certified)
- Health consultant (certified)
- Homeopathy (Cert.)
- Iris diagnosis (cert.)
- Kinesiology (Cert.)
- Complementary therapist (certified)
- Lymphatic drainage (cert.)
- Medical masseur / medical masseuse (BP)
- Meridian massage (cert.)
- Naturopath / Naturopath (certified)
- Herbal medicine / phytotherapy (cert.)
- Schüssler salts (cert.)
- Tape courses (cert.)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM (Certified)
- Homeopath (HF)
- Nutritional Counseling Bachelor (FH)
- Health Promotion and Prevention Bachelor (FH)
If you don't like the activities because you had completely different ideas about this profession, it may be a good idea to start again and look at other job profiles. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Would you like to find your vocation first? OurGuide "Finding your own calling"can support you in this.
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
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! To the next step in the self-test.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this job. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are suited to such a job, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
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
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! You can start your training at the earliest possible date.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for naturopaths, clarify your chances directly with the sponsoring body of the examination, the organization of the alternative medicine working worldOdA AM.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of your desired naturopathic method, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not yet have the required module qualifications M1-M7, then contact schools with corresponding offers. Take a look at the following pages:
- If you are not yet 25 years old, ask at the school. You may already be able to start training as a naturopath.
- If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact the Examinations Office.
- SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training with a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for naturopaths, clarify your chances directly with the sponsoring body of the examination, the organization of the alternative medicine working worldOdA AM.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the field of your desired naturopathic method, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not yet have the required module qualifications M1-M7, then contact schools with corresponding offers. Take a look at the following pages:
- If you are not yet 25 years old, ask at the school. You may already be able to start training as a naturopath.
- If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact the Examinations Office.
- SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
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).
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
What exactly don't you like? Are you only missing a few modules, for example? Then contact the schools of your choice and ask whether it is possible to attend just a few individual modules.
Do you have respect for the practical modules? That you won't find an apprenticeship? Don't worry, the school of your choice will certainly be there to support you. If necessary, contact the OdA AM association and ask about support options.
What exactly don't you like? Are you only missing a few modules, for example? Then contact the schools of your choice and ask whether it is possible to attend just a few individual modules.
Do you have respect for the practical modules? That you won't find an apprenticeship? Don't worry, the school of your choice will certainly be there to support you. If necessary, contact the OdA AM association and ask about support options.
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.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay for the course?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
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.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: It often helps to organize yourself into study groups. It also makes sense to stick with it right from the start and schedule fixed study times. Good learning effects can be achieved by creating summaries and mind maps. Flashcard systems help with memorization. There are many tools and ideas to make learning easier. You can obtain the guide "The personal learning strategy" free of charge if you register with a school via Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training over more than the specified time.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
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.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the naturopathy course?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, training as a naturopath with a federal diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become a naturopath with a federal diploma is probably not the right further training goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: training to become a naturopath with a federal diploma does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or doesn't fit well in organizational terms?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training in naturopathy is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
Brilliant, this course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools: