Homeopathic therapists: What does their everyday work look 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 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 telephone calls 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 federally recognized qualification in alternative medicine in Switzerland. The title "Naturopath with a federal diploma in homeopathy" can be obtained by passing this examination (Higher Professional Examination (HFP)).

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:

• Serious 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 certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or Matura
• Several years of professional experience
• Good knowledge of German

Good to know: 

As there are no protected professional designations or titles prior to the OdA AM industry certificate or the federal diploma for naturopaths in homeopathy, it is important to prove your own seriousness and professional competence in some other way. This can be done, for example, by registering with the ASCA and/or the EMR.

For inclusion in the ASCA (Swiss Foundation for Complementary Medicine) and/or EMR register, a minimum level of basic medical knowledge (conventional medical knowledge / "Medical basics") and specialist training is required. The current details can be found in the corresponding method lists.

You can also become a member of the HVS Association.Hereyou will find all information.

Input: Why is registration in the ASCA and/or EMR registry important?

Both the ASCA and the EMR are quality labels for activities in experiential medicine. They both maintain a so-called list of methods, which specifies how many hours of basic medical training and specialist training (method) must be completed in order to be registered with the ASCA and/or EMR.

Many health insurance companies are based on the ASCA and EMR. This means that therapists who are registered with the ASCA and/or EMR can often work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies (via supplementary insurance). But beware! This is not always the case.

More and more health insurance companies are demanding an industry certificate or a federal diploma from professional organizations (OdA AM, OdA KT, OdA MM, ODA ARTECURA, Swiss Association of Osteopaths FSO-SVO) in order to be able to work in a way that is recognized by health insurance companies. This will continue to increase in the future.

Subject matter and content of the training

The subject matter of a homeopathy course is determined independently by the schools; it can therefore vary.

The following topics are often covered in the course:

• 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

Costs and financing of further training

The costs for homeopathy training are determined by the schools themselves. They can therefore vary from provider to provider.

You can expect the following costs for basic specialist training:

• Course feesBetween CHF 6'000.- and CHF 11'000.-, which usually also includes theExamination feeincluded.
• Some providers requireExtra costsfor
  • Teaching aids
  • Training documents

Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out the actual costs.

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.
• 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 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]".