What are the main disadvantages of training as a naturopath?

Training as a naturopath enables you to advise and support people in a specific specialty (TEN - Traditional European Naturopathy, TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine or Homeopathy) and to assist them in their healing process. It provides the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize health disorders, select and implement suitable therapies and check whether the desired effect has been achieved.

The main disadvantages of naturopathic training are:

1. In most cantons, a cantonal professional license is required for self-employment as a naturopath. This usually requires a federal diploma in naturopathy. This means that anyone who does not complete their training up to the highest qualification, the federal diploma, will find it difficult to practise. You can find details on thishere.
2. The content of naturopathy training courses can be determined individually by the schools. However, training courses in the fields of TEN - Traditional European Naturopathy, TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine or Homeopathy are generally based on the guidelines of the Organization of the Alternative Medicine Profession (OdA AM) and conclude with the OdA AM certificate. This certificate is the mandatory first stage on the way to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) as a naturopath and the federal diploma.
3. The naturopathic training costs are very high at around CHF 45,000 to CHF 60,000 and are only subsidized by the federal government (with a maximum of CHF 10,500) if the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) for the federal diploma is passed. Details can be foundhere.
4. Training as a naturopath is part-time and takes four to six years until you receive your federal diploma. During this time, you can expect not only a lot of work and high costs, but often also a significant loss of salary in your first profession.
   
   

Training providers of naturopathic training courses