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Medical herbalist

Medical herbalists use plants and herbal remedies to help improve their clients' health and wellbeing.

Average annual salary

Variable

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

To prepare for work as a medical herbalist, you can complete a degree level course in herbal medicine approved by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists .

Courses last 3 years full time or 4 to 6 years part time and include at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice with patients.

If you're a trained medical practitioner like a doctor or nurse, you could take a postgraduate degree in herbal medicine.

Entry requirements:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to arrange some work shadowing with a practising medical herbalist before you begin your studies.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • knowledge of biology
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • knowledge of medicine and pharmacology
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to read English
  • analytical thinking skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • concentration skills
  • maths skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
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What you'll do:

Medical herbalists use plants and herbal remedies to help improve their clients' health and wellbeing.

As a medical herbalist, you may:

  • take a detailed history of your client's symptoms and lifestyle
  • carry out a physical assessment and tests
  • prescribe an appropriate course of herbal treatment
  • grow herbs and prepare them, including capsules, extracts, ointments or infusions
  • keep accurate client records
  • refer clients to their GP where necessary

Location : You could work in a therapy clinic or at a client's home.

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Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

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Career Path:

With experience you could move into teaching or research.

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