Bachelor of Health Science Naturopathy

Course Overview

Naturopathy is a holistic system of health care that focuses on prevention of disease and the self-healing process using a variety of complementary medicine, as well as dietary and lifestyle counselling. Contemporary naturopathic practice is underpinned by evidence-based science as well as traditional knowledge, philosophy and practice, to identify underlying causes of disease and implement holistic client management strategies.

The Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) combines naturopathic therapies that are supported by traditional knowledge and research from a variety of disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, biomedical science, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, pharmacognosy, massage and counselling. Our programme is based on current evidence and naturopathic philosophical guidelines according to the World Naturopathic Federation, and is designed to educate safe and clinically competent practitioners who can synthesise and interpret complex and varied health conditions. This course is the most flexible and most widely accredited qualification in natural medicine and ensures graduates demonstrate a broad range of knowledge and skills to be able to analyse a client’s health status, including current medical treatments, and to formulate and negotiate compatible, highly individualised treatment protocols for health management.

Graduate Outcomes

Upon completion of this 3-year degree, graduates may practice autonomously in their own professional clinic or work with other health professionals in an integrative health clinic, with eligibility to apply for recognition by peak professional associations, including the Australian Natural Therapists Association. Graduates are then ‘practitioner ready’ to acquire professional insurances and are eligible for health provider status with major health funds to provide health fund rebates. This ensures their ongoing status within this profession.

Clinical Experience

Student interns are required to participate in a minimum of 600 clinical practicum hours. Naturopathy students may start clinic in their third semester and then continue clinical practicum for each semester throughout the remainder of the course. This structured programme provides a vehicle through which the intern can apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised environment, much as other health care professionals are required to do. The supervision of qualified practitioners provides reassurance to the intern, while the experience itself builds confidence as the student prepares to graduate.

Completion of ‘Provide first aid’ (HLTAID003) is required prior to admittance into Clinical Practice (student clinic); currency must be maintained whilst in student clinic and in order to graduate. ‘Provide first aid’ (HLTAID003) must be done externally as Paramount College does not offer it as part of their study programme.

Electives

To enhance learning and accommodate personal student preferences, all students are required to complete a minimum of two electives from a range of module offerings of 4 credit points. The points associated with these electives cannot be substituted for required modules for this qualification, but may provide credit points towards further qualifications.