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Naturopath

Kaihaumanu Hauora Aro Tini

Naturopaths diagnose and treat health problems with nutritional and lifestyle advice, herbal medicines and natural therapies.

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Secondary education

NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include chemistry, biology, English, maths and health education.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Diploma
  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for naturopaths includes:

  • nursing
  • counselling
  • work in health food shops
  • preparing medicinal food and dietary plans  
  • health industry or clinical work.

What you will do

Naturopaths may do some or all of the following:

  • assess patients for emotional or physical problems
  • recommend treatment plans
  • provide dietary and lifestyle advice and guidelines
  • provide physical treatments such as massage or acupuncture
  • counsel patients
  • check and document patients' progress through treatment plans
  • refer patients to other health professionals or specialists if required.

Skills and knowledge

Naturopaths need to have knowledge of:

  • naturopathic medicine, physical therapies and counselling techniques
  • nutrition and dietary theory and practice
  • the human body and how it functions
  • the concepts of holistic health, wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle.
Pay

Naturopaths usually earn

$48K-$120K

per year

Job opportunities
Poor
Chances of getting a full-time job as a naturopath are poor due to a limited amount of clients.
Length of training
2-3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Health

Naturopaths diagnose and treat health problems with nutritional and lifestyle advice, herbal medicines and natural therapies.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

One degree is available in naturopathy:

  • Bachelor of Natural Medicine

This certificate can provide a supportive pathway into the degree:

  • Certificate in Study & Employment Pathways – Natural Medicine (Level 4)

For information see:

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can’t be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children. 

Chances of getting a job

Chances of getting full-time work as a naturopath are poor as there are limited clients and high competition for them.

Around 70% of naturopaths are self-employed and develop a customer base through advertising in their local community and online.

According to the Census, 597 naturopaths worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Demand for naturopaths may increase 

Demand for naturopaths may improve due to increased demand for natural health products such as medicine, cosmetics, vitamins, food and drinks.

Naturopaths may:

  • be hired as consultants for the making of natural health products
  • develop and sell their own products
  • work as consultants in new retail stores.

Small range of employers

Naturopaths who are not self-employed may work for:

  • hospices and nursing homes
  • natural health care clinics
  • retail outlets
  • health supplement and cosmetic companies
  • education institutions as teachers.

Find out more about training

Naturopathic College of New Zealand
0800 759 0218 - www.ncnz.co.nz
New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists 
admin@nzamh.org.nz - nzamh.org.nz/about-us/herbal-education/

Progression and specialisations

Naturopaths can specialise in a number of roles, including:

Chinese medicine naturopath
Chinese medicine naturopaths provide healing through traditional Chinese medicine and physical remedies such as cupping and acupuncture.
Kairongoā/Rongoā Māori practitioner
Rongoā practitioners provide healing through a holistic approach that can include rongoā rākau (Māori herbal medicine), physical therapy such as mirimiri, and spiritual work.
Nutrition
Naturopaths specialising in nutrition provide clients with nutritional advice on eating and natural supplements as well as exercise.

Working conditions

Naturopaths:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may work evenings and weekends when required, or be on call
  • work for health industry companies, natural health clinics, or in private practices
  • may travel locally to meet patients.

Physical Requirements

Naturopaths need to be reasonably fit and healthy. Naturopaths who do massage need to have strong arms.

Useful personal qualities

Naturopaths need to be:

  • good at written and verbal communication
  • good listeners
  • well organised
  • empathetic
  • able to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds.

Industry

Health

Naturopaths diagnose and treat health problems with nutritional and lifestyle advice, herbal medicines and natural therapies.

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