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Homoeopaths work in a branch of complementary medicine based on the process of stimulating the body's own healing power. Homoeopathic remedies use minute quantities of diluted substances which, if taken in larger doses by a healthy person, would produce similar symptoms of the disease being treated. Homoeopathy is a holistic system of medicine, examining the underlying causes of an illness rather than simply treating the symptoms.

To decide on the correct treatment, the homoeopath needs to know all about the patient and take account of individual physical and emotional characteristics. At the initial consultation, the homoeopath will usually spend an hour or more with the patient, asking questions and taking notes on his or her medical history, general energy levels, lifestyle, diet, life events and so on.

Entry level

Confusingly, there are many courses in homoeopathy, offered by many different bodies. These are not currently regulated by the government, although homoeopathy is pursuing a system of voluntary self-regulation under the direction of the Council of Organisations Registering Homoeopaths. Professional bodies like the Society of Homoeopaths and the Alliance of Registered Homoeopaths offer booklets containing advice on choosing a suitable course.

Diploma courses are available full- and part-time, with full-time courses lasting three years and part-time courses four or five years. Entry qualifications vary from no formal qualifications to two A levels or equivalent, depending on the course provider.

Some courses - regulated by the Faculty of Homoeopathy - are specifically designed for medically qualified doctors, vets and other conventional healthcare professionals.

Making the grade

There is no formal career structure as most homoeopaths are self-employed. You would normally focus on establishing a good reputation in order to build your business and develop your patient lists. Your chosen professional body would offer suitable programmes of continuing professional development to help you keep up to date with the latest ideas and techniques.

You might also choose to qualify in another complementary therapy, such as nutritional therapy or massage, in order to offer a wider range of services to your patients.

Personal qualities

You would need good listening and communication skills to understand each patient as an individual and explain your proposed treatment. You must be able to inspire trust and confidence, to have a logical approach to problem solving and to motivate patients to make appropriate diet and lifestyle changes. You must also know when to refer a patient to a conventional medical practitioner. As you are likely to be self-employed, you would need sufficient commercial skill to run your own business.