Naturopath training
I am thinking about a change of career next year and am very interested in naturopathy, which I know you recommend in your various columns and books. Can you tell me how best to go about training, how much it will cost and how long it will take?
The good news for you is that there is an excellent training course in your hometown run by the UK-based College of Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine (CNM) which also has courses in London, Bristol, Exeter, Cork and Galway.
Established by qualified naturopaths, CNM has been running for five years now and each year, some 100 graduates emerge from the various courses to set up practice either as naturopaths, homeopaths, herbalists, acupuncturists - or a combination of all three.
Every CNM Naturopathic Medicine student must enrol on the basic medicine and Naturopathy course and you can then choose your specialist option, in Homeopathy, Herbal medicine or Acupuncture. If your plan is to keep your current job and study part-time, then it can take a little as three years to qualify with a diploma that is recognised by the ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners) and the BCMA. During this time, you will spend over 200 hours in clinical practice working with already qualified practitioners and have the opportunity to travel to hospitals in India, China or Sri Lanka.
The total cost of training is from £7,000. For more details of these course and a current prospectus, contact CNM on 091 871 813 (Ireland) 01342 410 505 (UK), or visit their website at www.naturopathy-uk.com. CNM students and graduates can upgrade their diploma to a degree in complementary medicine, PhD or MSc.