We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Career

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Phytotherapist?

Deanna Baranyi
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 10,592
Share

There are various steps that can be taken to become a phytotherapist. In general, a person would take classes specializing in phytotherapy, the use of plants and herbs in medicine. Some countries offer specific university degrees in phytotherapy, while others do not. Likewise, some require licensing and registration before a person is legally able to practice, while other countries do not.

There are a few universities that provide their students with the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree that specializes in phytotherapy. This is a good starting place for someone who wants to become a phytotherapist. In some South African universities, for example, students can complete a five-year degree in phytotherapy. They take general science classes, such as chemistry and biology, but they also take classes focused on the study of medicinal plants, such as herbal pharmacology and natural healing principles. They will typically do this in a university setting, complete with research projects and clinical work.

In the alternative, some countries, such as Australia, focus more on distance learning or correspondence programs that specialize in phytotherapy for students both locally and abroad. This is a good way to become a phytotherapist if a hands-on education is not available. Students mainly learn through the use of DVDs, CD, and textbooks, but some programs include the ability to ask direct questions from an Internet instructor. Typically, these programs can take anywhere from a single year to several years to complete, depending on whether a student is full-time or part-time.

In the United States, there are herbal or naturopathic programs similar to those taken by someone wanting to become a phytotherapist, but they are typically more like lengthy workshops. Some workshops may take hundreds of hours to complete, while others are completed in a few days. Many of these workshops cover other forms of alternative medicine as well, such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Depending on the place of residence, some people who obtain certificates or degrees in natural medicine may need to register with their state governments, as is the case in Washington and California, for instance.

While phytotherapy is not recognized in the United States, some countries require their phytotherapists to be licensed. For example, someone wanting to become a phytotherapist in South Africa will need to register with the Allied Health Professional Council before they can actually practice. The registration process requires a professional to fill out an application and prove that she completed her bachelor's degree, including three years’ worth of courses in general medical science and two years’ worth of courses in classes focusing specifically on phytotherapy.

Share
Practical Adult Insights is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Deanna Baranyi
By Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her work. With degrees in relevant fields and a keen ability to understand and connect with target audiences, she crafts compelling copy, articles, and content that inform and engage readers.
Discussion Comments
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her...
Learn more
Share
https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/how-do-i-become-a-phytotherapist.htm
Copy this link
Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.