Naturopathy Careers

Image Courtesy: deherba.com

Naturopathy is centered on the body’s own healing ability, and thus promotes self-cleansing, repair and healing. Focusing on the immune, hormonal, nervous and detoxification/elimination systems of the body can achieve this process. Once these systems are in balance, the body can once again achieve homeostasis.

Naturopathy practioners, then, focus on and work closely with the patient’s own unique set of symptoms, reactions and status – the treatment protocols are highly personalised. The patient’s own biochemistry, biomechanics and emotional predispositions are harnessed to combat illness.

A career in naturopathy offers ample opportunities to the practitioner for earning money as well as reputation. In India there are few colleges on naturopathy offering courses at various levels – diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate. 

Licensed Naturopathic Physicians, however, have to complete a four-year program at the graduate level. Areas of study may include nutrition therapy, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, natural childbirth, and herbal/botanical medicine etc.

Courses & Eligibility Criteria

• 10+2 with an aggregate of 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry & Biology for admission into the course "Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS)"

•  The National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, offers a one year program known as Treatment Attendant Training Course for which the eligibility requirement is Class 10 pass. 

Career Prospects

Naturopathy is often practiced in combination with other forms of alternative medicines such as Reiki, homoeopathy, acupuncture etc. Much ofthe advice of naturopaths is sound, e.g., exercise, quit smoking, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, practice good nutrition, etc.

(Also read: Become a Yoga Teacher: Complete Guide)

In India naturopaths are appointed in government as well as private hospitals and health centres. They can also start their own venture where there is high density of population. Naturopathy is getting increasingly popular in all countries across the globe, including India, among people who wish to escape the various side effects and symptoms caused by the allopathic system of medicine. Hence the scope of employment in this sphere is broadening.

Salary

Naturopaths generally earn more in their own ventures or clinics. The earnings vary; depending on the number of clients they see everyday. Self-employed naturopaths earn in the range of Rs. 10,000–Rs.20,000 per month. In developed countries like UK and US the salary range varies between USD 15,000–25,000 per annum.

Some naturopaths are also absorbed in private and government hospitals depending upon the strength. They are paid more or less Rs.10,000 per month.

Other careers in medicine/ healthcare Audiology Ayurveda Dentist Electropathy Homeopathy Medical Lab Technologist  Microbiology Nurse Nutritionist/ Dietician Ophthalmologist Orthopedics Optometry Occupational Therapist Pathology Pharmacognosy Pharmacovigilance Pharmacist Physiotherapist Psychiatrist Radiography Speech Therapy Sports Medicine Veterinary Science Yoga teacher

Institutes

There are 10 degree colleges in India that offer the BNYS program, which is of four and half year’s duration with a one year internship.

A look at some colleges and institutes in India that offer naturopathy related courses:

Sl.No.	Name of the College	University Affiliation  Govt. Recognition	Admission Capacity	Estd.
1.	Govt. Naturopathic Medical College,  Ameerpet, Hyderabad- 500016 (A.P.) Phone : 040-23730462(C), 23731786 (H)	N.T.R. University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, A.P. Govt. of Andhra Pradesh	30	1970
2.	S.D.M. College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences,  Ujire - 574 240 (D.K.)  Karnataka Phone : 08256-236188  Fax : 236220 E-mail : sdmbnys@rediffmail.com	Rajiv Gandhi University ofHealth Sciences, Bangalore Govt. of Karnataka	60	1989
3.	JSS Institute of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Mysore Road,  Ootacamund - 643001 (T.N.) Phone : 0423-2440448  Fax : 2442937 E-mail : jsspharm_ooty@vsnl.com	M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai Govt. of Tamil Nadu	60	1997
4.	T.N. College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, F-95, door No. 3/342H, G.R. Nagar, Seelanaichan patti SALEM - 636201 (T.N.) Phone : 0427-5533177	M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai Govt. of Tamil Nadu	40	1997
5.	Govt. Naturopathy & Yoga Medical College & Hospital, Anna Govt. Hospital of Indian Medicine, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600106 Phone : 044-26281563, 26216244, 26214844	M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai Govt. of Tamil Nadu	15	2001
6.	S.R.K. Medical College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Kulasekharam - 629161, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu Phone : 04651-2578425, Fax : 2577164  E-mail : royalrolex@vsnl.com	M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai Govt. of Tamil Nadu	40	2002
7.	Mahavir College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Nagpura Dist. Durg - 491001. Chattisgarh, Phone : 0788-2647297 Fax : 0788-2221695 E-mail : rmjain@bom6.vsnl.net.in	Pt. Ravi Shankar University, Raipur Govt. of Chattisgarh	40	2002
8.	Alvas College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Moodbidri - 574227 (D.K.), Karnataka, Phone : 08258-738111, 738104	Rajiv Gandhi University, of Health Sciences, Bangalore  Govt. of Karnataka	25	2003
9.	K.L.E.S. College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Shahapur, Belgaum - 590003,  Karnataka, Phone : 0831-2401046, 2426624	Rajiv Gandhi University, ofHealth Sciences, Bangalore  Govt. of Karnataka	25	2004
10.	Morarji Desai Institute of Naturopathy & Yoga, Karelibaug, Vadodara - 390022, Gujarat	Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar Govt. of Gujarat	50	2005