Homeopathic medicine is becoming an increasingly popular way to cure illnesses.
Homeopathy students learn a system of medicine based on the notion that the
same things that make us ill can make us better.
The Council on Homeopathic Education accredits homeopathic training
programs. Check its website for a list of schools.
The rules and regulations pertaining to a homeopathy education can be complicated.
Training programs in homeopathy are usually three to four years, and often
include extended weekend courses that meet monthly or every two months. Program
administrators suggest people with no medical background take anatomy, physiology
and pathology at local colleges beforehand.
Raymond Edge is the founder of a school of homeopathic medicine. He says students
must have completed at least two years of college courses to be accepted
into his program.
In high school, Edge says, it's important to focus on the sciences.
Dr. Amy Rothenberg teaches at the New England School of Homeopathy in Massachusetts,
a school for for people who are already practicing homeopathy. She says students
should concentrate on a liberal arts education.
"We look for intelligent, sensitive prospective students who are willing
to learn both the science and art of homeopathy."
Homeopathic training includes instruction in homeopathic philosophy,
case analysis, materia medica and repertory. Materia medica refers to
the medicines used in homeopathy. Repertory refers to the lists of medicines,
the symptoms they cause and the overdoses and cure dosages for those medicines.
Some programs offer clinical training as part of the homeopathy
program.
Casetaking is very important to the discipline. Homeopaths may spend hours
with patients talking and listening in order to cure ills.
Naturopathic education is another avenue to learn homeopathic medicine.
Naturopathic medical school is a four-year program in which the first two
years resemble basic science and pathology training that takes place in medical
schools.
Years three and four, however, are different. This is when naturopathic
students are taught natural therapies. Homeopathy is one of the most popular.
Approximately 1,000 hours of clinical training is also provided.
The biggest expense after tuition is books. Students may also need to buy
diagnostic equipment.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Health
Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other
Positive Health
This page has many links to the world of homeopathy
Introduction to Homeopathy
From the National Center for Homeopathy