Homeopath

Homeopathy is a legally recognized profession and a system of medicine using minute quantities of plant, mineral and other therapeutic substances to gently stimulate people back to health.

The word “Homeopathy” is derived from the Greek “hames” meaning like or similar and “pathos” meaning suffering.

Homeopaths believe that an illness is almost the same as its cure. They work directly with the patient and believe that if a patient is happy, they get well much sooner. They, therefore, focus not only on the body, but also on the spirit. Thus, they are trained to view patients holistically and to apply treatment according to individual needs. Homeopaths also have to be interested in science as they are constantly preparing medicine for their patients, for example, mixing, diluting or adding certain amounts of a specific substance.

Homeopaths diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses and diseases by using unconventional methods and incorporating minute quantities of drugs, minerals, plant extracts and trace elements in the treatment. They take detailed case histories of their patients, examine them, then make diagnoses and prescribe appropriate homeopathic medicines. Popular interest in holistic medicine has encouraged a growing number of people to consult homeopaths.

Personal Requirements

over 17 years of age
willing to undergo a selection procedure
versatile and inquiring mind
patient, tactful and empathetic
good communication skills
able to develop relationships of trust
highly developed sense of responsibility
physically fit and emotionally well-balanced

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:

Pass matric with a Bachelor's pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university

What to Study

Diploma: Only DUT and UJ offer the N.Dip (3 years) Postgraduate course BTech (1 year) and MTech: Homeopathy courses which have been approved by the Minister of Education

The course consists of:

traditional medical subjects with emphasis on diagnostic skills
training on the practical application of homeopathic principles and theory as well as different forms of treatment such as acupuncture, massage, and nutrition.

At the end of the course, a 1-year internship as laid down by the Chiropractors, Homoeopaths and Allied Health Service Professions Council of South Africa, must be completed before registration as a qualified homeopath.

Registration with the The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) is a legal requirement for this occupation. Consult the AHPCSA website for the most up-to-date information relating to accredited qualifications and registration requirements.

Employment

self-employment, in own private practice or in partnership

Further Information

Homeopathic Association of South Africa
P O Box 752347
Gardenview, 2047
Tel: 086 111 4547
www.hsa.org.za

Department of Homeopathy - Durban Institute of Technology
P O Box 953
Durban. 4000
Tel: (031) 373-2000
https://www.dut.ac.za/faculty/health_sciences/homoeopathy/

School of Homeopathy
Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology
University of Johannesburg
P O Box 17011
Doornfontein, 2028
Tel: (011) 406-2220
https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/health/Homoeopathy

The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA)
Castelli Suite
Il Villaggio
5 de Havilland Crescent South
Persequor Tecknopark
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 349-2331
http://www.ahpcsa.co.za

Getting Started

arrange to speak to a homeopath about this type of career
read up as much as you can about homeopathy and alternative medical practices generally

Programmes by Study Institutions

Durban University of Technology

Related Occupations

Occupational Therapist

Acupuncturist

Herbalist