To become a phytotherapist, you can take a number of steps. In general, classes specializing in phytotherapy, or the use of plants and herbs in medicine, would be taken. Some countries offer phytotherapy-related university degrees, while others do not. Similarly, some countries require licensing and registration before a person can legally practice, while others do not.
There are a few universities that offer students the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in phytotherapy. This is a good place to start if you want to work as a phytotherapist. Students can earn a five-year degree in phytotherapy at some South African universities, for example. They take general science classes like chemistry and biology, but they also take classes like herbal pharmacology and natural healing principles, which focus on the study of medicinal plants. They’ll usually do this at a university, with research projects and clinical work thrown in for good measure.
In contrast, some countries, such as Australia, place a greater emphasis on distance learning or correspondence programs that specialize in phytotherapy for both domestic and international students. If a hands-on education is not available, this is a good way to become a phytotherapist. Students primarily learn through the use of DVDs, CDs, and textbooks, but some programs allow students to ask an Internet instructor direct questions. Depending on whether a student is enrolled full-time or part-time, these programs can take anywhere from a year to several years to complete.
There are herbal or naturopathic programs in the United States that are similar to those required to become a phytotherapist, but they are typically more like long workshops. Some workshops can last hundreds of hours, while others can be completed in a matter of days. Many of these workshops also cover acupuncture and Chinese medicine, as well as other forms of alternative medicine. Some people who obtain certificates or degrees in natural medicine may be required to register with their state governments, as is the case in Washington and California, depending on where they live.
While phytotherapy is not recognized in the United States, phytotherapists in some countries are required to be licensed. In South Africa, for example, anyone interested in becoming a phytotherapist must first register with the Allied Health Professional Council before practicing. A professional must fill out an application and show that she has completed her bachelor’s degree, which includes three years of general medical science courses and two years of phytotherapy-specific classes.