Natural health consultants provide information and education to people seeking alternative forms of healing and treatment. Ideally, a natural health consultant has a broad understanding of a variety of natural health disciplines and may recommend a specific approach of alternative healing to a client. Keep reading to find out more about what natural health consultants do.
Career Overview
A natural health consultant is a professional who has extensive knowledge about natural health, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutrition. They may also be familiar with additional areas of practice, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, although the consultant may not be trained to perform these procedures. Natural health consultants are typically knowledgeable about ethics and legal issues in health care and what natural means of healing may be accepted or rejected by an individual's traditional practitioners. Natural health consultants aren't typically medical practitioners but some might hold a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) degree.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation"> Important Facts about This Occupation</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Nutritionist, health educator, massage therapist, acupuncturist</td></tr>
<tr><td> Required Education </td><td> Some postsecondary training in natural health is typically needed; programs from the undergraduate to the graduate level are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Health food stores, whole food markets, vitamin retailers, health clinics, wellness centers, health clubs, weight loss centers</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Instructional, problem-solving, empathy, interpersonal, communication</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2022) </td><td> $54,439 (<i>for wellness consultants</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 0% (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---DutiesAndResponsibilities">Duties and Responsibilities</h3><p>Natural health consultants assess and discuss health issues or symptoms with clients to help them achieve wellness. Consultants may educate individuals about various aspects of natural health and recommend particular methods that will benefit a client, such as aromatherapy, which involves using essential oils. They may also advise on lifestyle modifications or a holistic diet, which may involve teaching clients about using supplements, minerals, or juice therapy to improve their health. Natural health consultants may also refer individuals to licensed practitioners or other health care providers.
</p><h3 id="section---TrainingAndEducation">Training and Education</h3><p>Training for natural heath consultants varies depending on their areas of interest or preferred healing modalities. Currently, state or federal licensure requirements for natural health consultants aren't determined, but becoming certified is one way to add validity to a career. The National Association of Certified Natural Health Professionals, which has now merged with the Trinity School of Natural Health, provides certification courses that cover a number of aspects of natural health, including nutrition, body systems, and legal issues, among other topics. Some programs also cover the business aspects of consulting, such as marketing and management.
</p><p>If obtaining a degree is a goal, attending an accredited natural health college is another option. Some schools offer a variety of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in natural health disciplines, including:
</p><ul><li>Nutrition
</li><li>Herbal sciences
</li><li>Naturopathy
</li><li>Oriental medicine and acupuncture</li></ul>
