How to become a naturopath in Australia

What could be more rewarding than making a living doing what you love—while helping people live healthier, more balanced lives? Naturopathy blends science and tradition to offer holistic care, and it’s becoming more relevant every year.

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or thinking about a career shift, now’s the perfect time to explore what naturopathy can offer you.

What is naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a system of healthcare that supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It blends traditional healing methods with modern evidence-based science. While naturopaths can work alongside medical doctors, their focus is on lifestyle advice, nutrition and non-invasive therapies.

It’s a patient-centred approach that treats the whole person—not just the symptoms.

A quick look at its history

Although natural healing has been around for centuries, naturopathy as a formal practice emerged in the late 1800s. Dr Benedict Lust, considered the “Father of Naturopathy,” introduced the term in the early 1900s in the United States. Since then, naturopathy has evolved to integrate herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, massage and more.

Today, it’s recognised worldwide as a credible complementary therapy that continues to gain mainstream traction.

The principles of naturopathy

Naturopathy follows six core principles:

• The healing power of nature: Trust in the body’s ability to heal itself

• Identify and treat the root cause: Don’t just mask symptoms—address what’s really going on

• First, do no harm: Use natural therapies that are safe and non-invasive

• Treat the whole person: Consider mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health

• Doctor as teacher: Empower clients with knowledge so they can make healthier choices

• Prevention is key: Focus on long-term health through lifestyle and self-care

These principles guide every treatment plan and conversation with a client.

Curious how naturopathy can support reproductive health? Take a look at our guide on naturopathy for infertility.

Benefits of naturopathy

What makes naturopathy such a compelling path for both practitioners and clients?

• Individualised care: Every person is different, so every treatment is tailored

• Low risk of side effects: Natural therapies are typically gentle and well-tolerated

• Works alongside conventional care: Naturopathy enhances—not replaces—medical treatment

• Focus on prevention: Clients learn how to build healthier habits for the long term

• Empowering clients: Education is central to helping people take control of their health

Learn how naturopathy may support reproductive health in our article on naturopathy for infertility.

Where can you specialise?

Naturopathy isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can specialise in different areas depending on your interests:

• Herbal medicine: Using plants to support health and target specific conditions

• Nutrition: Helping people make food choices that heal, energise and nourish

• Acupuncture: Working with the body’s energy systems to restore balance

• Homeopathy: Using diluted substances to stimulate natural healing

• Aromatherapy or hydrotherapy: Supporting the body with natural elements like water and essential oils

By specialising, you can carve out a niche that fits your passion—whether it’s gut health, mental wellness or chronic pain.

What does a naturopath do day-to-day?

Naturopaths meet with clients, assess their health through detailed consultations, and recommend treatments like herbal supplements, dietary changes, stress management and bodywork therapies. You’ll work closely with each person to understand what’s going on underneath their symptoms.

The role is hands-on, client-focused and creative. Many naturopaths also collaborate with GPs, physios, and other practitioners in integrated wellness centres.

What’s the demand like in Australia?

Natural therapies are booming. More Australians are seeking alternatives to prescription medications or want support that complements their current treatment.

Naturopathy is increasingly recognised by healthcare providers, with more GPs referring patients to complementary therapists. Public interest in preventative care and natural living is also on the rise.

According to Indeed.com, naturopaths in Australia earn between $56,000 and $75,500 per year—with higher earning potential in cities like Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney.

What does the research say?

Let’s break down some recent findings that support the value of naturopathic care:

These findings back up what many practitioners see every day: naturopathy can play a vital role in overall health and recovery.

Challenges and opportunities

Every field has ups and downs. Here’s a quick look at what to expect.

Challenges:

• The market is competitive

• Regulations can vary between states or countries

• Collaboration with conventional practitioners can still be limited

Opportunities:

• High demand for holistic care

• Flexible work options, including private practice

• Room to specialise and build a unique brand

• Rising public awareness and support

What skills do you need to succeed?

To thrive as a naturopath, you’ll need:

• Strong communication: Clients need to feel heard, understood and supported

• Curiosity and critical thinking: Natural health is ever-evolving—stay curious

• Problem-solving skills: Many clients come to you after other paths have failed

• Self-motivation: Especially if you’re running your own practice

• Empathy: You’ll often work with people at vulnerable times in their lives

And yes—you’ll also need a solid grounding in human biology, anatomy and natural medicine.

What does the training look like?

In Australia, here’s what the path typically looks like:

• Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy): This four-year degree includes classroom learning and clinical placements. You’ll study anatomy, physiology, nutrition, herbal medicine, pathology and counselling.

• Supervised clinical hours: Get hands-on experience working with real clients in student clinics.

• Continuing professional education: Even after graduation, you’ll need to keep learning to maintain registration.

To practise professionally, your qualification must meet the standards set by the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH).

Where can you study?

Australia has some fantastic schools for natural health.

• Endeavour College of Natural Health: Offers the Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and is one of the country’s most recognised providers. Flexible study options and a strong practical component.

• Health Academy Australia: Offers various certificate and advanced programs if you want to dip your toes in or specialise further.

You can explore more options on the Natural Therapy Pages course directory.

Wrapping it up

A career in naturopathy gives you the chance to heal, educate and empower people using the principles of natural medicine. If you’re passionate about holistic wellness and want to work in a field that is growing, fulfilling and meaningful—this might be your calling.

Ready to take the first step? Check out current course offerings on the Natural Therapy Pages and start building a career you’ll feel good about every single day.