How to Become A Homeopathic Doctor In South Africa

A homeopathic doctor is someone who specializes in natural remedies to improve the health and well being of an individual. A homeopathic practitioner does not focus on diagnosing diseases or treating illnesses but treats the emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing of the individual. 

Is homeopath a doctor?

Homeopathic doctors (who also are called “homeopaths”) weaken these ingredients by adding water or alcohol. Then they shake the mixture as part of a process called “potentization.” They believe this step transfers the healing essence.

What does a homeopath do?

To determine a treatment plan for a person, a homeopath will consider all of the person’s symptoms (physical, mental or emotional) and identify the remedy that is capable of producing in a healthy person, symptoms most ‘like’ the symptoms the person is suffering from.

Do homeopathic tinctures expire?

M states that shelf life for homoeopathic tincture and potencies should not be more than 60 months (5 years). This is a blanket date of expiry for all homoeopathic potencies and tinctures irrespective of their source and nature of the drug.

Check out the table below for a quick reference on potential job growth and training and degree requirements for a homeopathic doctor.


HOMEOPATHIC DOCTOR
Degree RequiredMedical degree and/or 4-yr. professional diploma from an ACHENA approved institution
Educational Field of StudyConventional medicine, alternative medicine, and sciences
Key ResponsibilitiesConsulting, prescribing & administering treatments, making referrals, & care planning
Licensure or CertificationPass CHC exam; meet unique state requirements
Job Growth 7% (for all physicians and surgeons)*
Median Annual Salary R 1072818.38(physician/doctor, naturopathic)**

Below are steps to Become A Homeopathic Doctor In South Africa

Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree

Graduating from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree is generally considered a prerequisite for admission to medical schools. While some students focus on a pre-medical curriculum in college, others major in a variety of other subjects.

As long as certain prerequisites are met, medical schools usually are open to considering students with any educational background. Prerequisites include completion of specific math, science and humanities courses and completion of a bachelor’s degree program with a certain GPA.

Taking the MCAT

The MCAT is the standard exam for admission into medical schools. Osteopathic schools often require MCAT scores as well. Naturopathic schools generally do not require the MCAT but medical schools usually require a certain score for admission. Keep in mind that study guides and test preparation materials are recommended and widely available.

Attending Medical School

Homeopathic doctors have varying backgrounds. Some are medical doctors while others are naturopaths, doctors of osteopathy or chiropractors. Schooling usually takes a minimum of four years to complete.

However, many MD programs end up lasting eight years with the residency and/or internship requirements. Naturopathic medicine programs contain much of the same curricula as medical schools, with the inclusion of alternative medical practices, such as homeopathy.

Becoming Licensed

All physicians in the South Africa are required to be licensed. Both MDs and DOs, who must first finish residencies, are eligible for licensure after passing exams. MDs need to pass the Medical Licensing Examination and DOs must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.

After completing training at a naturopathic medical school in states that require licensure, naturopaths will need to pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam.

Becoming Certified

According to the National Institutes of Health, there is no uniform licensing or certification standard for homeopathic doctors other than being licensed to practice medicine.

Laws vary from state to state with specific licensure of homeopathic doctors being available in Connecticut, Nevada and Arizona. Other states allow doctors to practice homeopathy with full disclosure of their training and background.

How long does it take to become a homeopathic doctor In South Africa?

Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery (BHMS) is an undergraduate degree course in homeopathic system. This degree is awarded after the completion of 5.5 years academic programme containing the 4 and 1/2 year academic session and one year internship programme with live practical.

Is a homeopath a doctor South Africa?

Registration with the Council affords medico-legal rights similar to those of a medical professional, where treatment is limited to the scope of homeopathic practice. Thus a homeopath is firstly a trained diagnostician, and with successful registration with the Council, obtains the title Doctor.

Do you need a license to sell homeopathy In South Africa?

A homoeopathic medicine license is essential for the selling, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of homoeopathic medicine. You cannot open a homoeopathic shop without having a legal license from the government or local government body.

Is homeopath a doctor?

Homeopathic doctors (who also are called “homeopaths”) weaken these ingredients by adding water or alcohol. Then they shake the mixture as part of a process called “potentization.” They believe this step transfers the healing essence. Homeopaths also believe that the lower the dose, the more powerful the medicine.

Can I practice homeopathy without degree In South Africa?

Legally, you need to have a DHMS or BHMS degree to practice Homeopathy in India. Homeopathic medicines are not considered over-the-counter medicines in India. At the same time they are not strictly regulated either. There are thousands of people who use Homeopathy in their circles without any proper qualification.

Is homeopathy a good career option?

Yes, Homeopathy is indeed a good career in. Several people prefer to get homeopathic treatment instead of regular medicines as they believe there are lesser or no side effects of homeopathic treatment.

How long does it take for a homeopathic remedy to work In South Africa?

The effect of a homeopathic medicine may be rapid (minutes to hours), or 1 or more days may be needed for its full effect. The time required for symptom relief is no uniform because the medicines do not create the response rather, the medicines stimulate the body’s own secondary healing response.

Do homeopathic doctors go to medical school?

To become a homeopathic doctor, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, take the MCAT, attend medical school, and earn licensure and certification.

Do homeopathic doctors give injections In South Africa?

“It is clear that the opposite party (doctor), being a homoeopathic practitioner, is not having any authority to administer allopathic medicines i.e. injections.