Homeopathic Medicine Careers
Explore the requirements for homeopathic medicine careers. Get the facts about education, certification and licensing requirements, salary, and potential job growth.
What is a Homeopath?
Homeopathic medical professionals are doctors, nurses and even veterinarians. Homeopathic physicians believe in the natural healing ability of the body, but, make no mistake, they are medical doctors who have been to college and earned a medical degree from an accredited university. Homeopathic medicine works with modern practices and alternative healing to cure the whole body, not just the area that may hurt.
Homeopaths are medical doctors who specialize in complementary and alternative healing approaches. The following chart describes career expectations for homeopathic practitioners.
| Degree Required | M.D. or D.O., plus additional certification for physicians |
| Education Field of Study | Conventional medicine, holistic methods and practices, integrative medicine |
| Training Required | Conventional medical training, including residency, and focus on integrative medicine |
| Licensure Required | National medical certification, American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM) board certification, state certification possible |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 3% (all physicians and surgeons)* |
| Median Salary (2021) | $61,834 (naturopathic physicians and doctors)** |
Source: *The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Payscale.com
What Is Homeopathic Medicine?
Homeopathic medicine is a holistic medicine modality. As such, it is designed to treat the whole person - body, mind and soul. The driving theory behind homeopathy is the 'law of similars,' which states that certain substances can create symptoms of illness in a healthy person. However, when used in very diluted doses, those same substances can help stimulate a sick person's body-manifested curative abilities. Many people choose homeopathic remedies because of their inherent nontoxic qualities.
How Do I Begin My Career?
To begin a career as a homeopath, you must first have a foundation in health and science. This might range from on-the-job training to earning a medical doctorate, depending on how much involvement you plan to have in the field. For example, assistants in clinical facilities require considerably less training than homeopathic physicians. Your training may take from 1-4 years, depending on your level of study and the scope of your practice. This may involve completing some college coursework, an internship and a few hundred hours of supervised clinical experiences.
Finding a program through a professional homeopathic association can ensure that your studies will correctly prepare you for a career in homeopathy. You should check the requirements for any licensure or certification you intend to pursue, which can outline the necessary career path to achieve your goals.
Do I Need To Be Certified?
You don't need to be certified as a homeopathic practitioner, physician or assistant, but pursuing additional credentials may improve your employability. For example, if you're a medical or osteopathic doctor who has at least three years of experience in homeopathy, you can pursue the Diplomate in Homeotherapeutics credential through the American Board of Homeotherapeutics. The Council for Homeopathic Certification offers the Certified in Classical Homeopathy designation. The National Board of Homeopathic Examiners offers the Diplomate of the National Board of Homeopathic Examiners credential.
Is Licensure Required?
Only three states in the U.S. license homeopathic physicians as of 2017. Arizona licenses homeopathic physicians and registers homeopathic medical assistants to work under the supervision of those physicians. Nevada licenses homeopathic physicians and certifies advanced practitioners and homeopathic assistants whose applications meet standards set forth by the state. Connecticut licenses homeopathic physicians who complete rigorous training prerequisites.
What Salary Can I Expect?
There is no official national data specifically available for homeopathic medical practitioners. However, in May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for all physicians and surgeons was greater than $208,000. Payscale.com's most recent survey showed a median salary of $61,834 for naturopathic doctors and physicians as of December 2021.
What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?
These alternative careers all require doctorates. Chiropractors treat patients and their neuromusculoskeletal system. Another choice might be a career as a dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist. Dentists work with the teeth, gums and related jaw structure. Optometrists focus on the eye and eyesight. Podiatrists treat feet, ankles and everything else below the knee. With a master's degree, you could still work in medicine as a physician assistant. These professionals diagnose, treat and aide other physicians in the treatment of patients.