The Phytomed guide to becoming a Naturopath

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a holistic, person-centred approach to healthcare.  It views health as the dynamic interaction between all bodily systems, the emotional and mental self, social relationships and the broader environmental context in which we live.
As a complementary form of medicine, Naturopathy is designed to work alongside conventional healthcare providers, including general practitioners (GPs) to support overall client care.

Naturopaths aim to identify and address the root causes of illness, with a particular focus on supporting chronic health conditions.  Their approach is prevention-oriented, with the primary goal of enhancing overall wellbeing and improving quality of life. Naturopaths are trained to provide personalised lifestyle and dietary guidance and may also prescribe herbal medicines and targeted nutritional supplements when appropriate.
The demand for degree-qualified Naturopaths has steadily increased in recent years, driven by the complex terrain of the healthcare landscape and rising public interest in natural medicine. (1)  The prevalence of chronic illness combined with the mounting pressure on New Zealand’s public healthcare system has positioned Naturopaths well to support long-term health outcomes.

What is the difference between a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist?

The key difference between a Naturopath and a Medical Herbalist lies in their education, qualifications and areas of clinical focus.

In New Zealand, a Bachelor of Natural Medicine is currently the only degree that qualifies graduates to practice as both Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists.  This comprehensive program includes in-depth training in natural medicine, herbal Materia Medica (the study of medicinal plants), clinical assessment and evidence-based practice.

A Naturopath is trained in a broad range of complementary medicine modalities.  These typically include clinical nutrition and lifestyle and dietary counselling.  A Medical Herbalist specialises in the therapeutic use of plant-based medicines.  Their primary focus is on prescribing herbal remedies based on a thorough understanding of plant pharmacology, traditional herbal knowledge and modern clinical applications.

While many practitioners hold both titles, it is possible to be a Naturopath without being a Medical Herbalist, and vice versa.  The title a practitioner uses is determined by the specific training and qualifications they have completed.

To prescribe herbal medicine in New Zealand, you must be a qualified Medical Herbalist. This ensures the practitioner has the necessary clinical training, safety knowledge and professional standards required to work with herbal medicines responsibly and effectively.

Education & training requirements for Naturopaths

South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (SPCNM) is currently the only tertiary institution in New Zealand that offers a Bachelor of Natural Medicine.2

Entry requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the commencement of the degree and hold NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent), including a background in chemistry.  Those who do not meet the chemistry requirement will need to complete and pass an online Introduction to Biological Chemistry course before their place in the degree can be confirmed.
To support a smooth transition into degree-level study, SPCNM offers a Level 4 Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways in Natural Medicine.  Providing a strong foundation for students preparing to enter the Bachelor programme.

How long does study take?

The Bachelor of Natural Medicine at SPCNM can be completed in three years full-time or up to six years part-time.  The first two years of the degree are available either on-campus in Auckland or online via live-streamed classes, offering flexibility for students across New Zealand and internationally.  The third year, which focuses on clinical practice, is delivered on-campus in Auckland and must be completed full-time.

What is the course content in the Bachelor of Natural Medicine?

The Bachelor of Natural Medicine is a comprehensive, three-year programme that integrates biomedical sciences with natural medicine theory and clinical practice.

• Year 1 focuses on foundational knowledge, including:
  Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2, Herbal Medicine 1 & 2, Principles and Philosophy of Natural Medicine, Foundations of Research, Biochemistry of Foods and Rongoā Māori Healing Concepts.
• Year 2 builds on this foundation with a focus on clinical relevance:
  Pathophysiology 1 & 2, Nutrition 1 & 2, Pharmacology & Pharmacognosy, Therapeutics 1 & 2 and Managing a Professional Practice.
• Year 3 is dedicated to clinical training and integration of skills: 
  Pre-Clinic, Clinical Practice 1-4, Differential Diagnosis & Physical Examination and Mind & Body.

Clinical practice

The final year of the Bachelor of Natural Medicine is delivered full-time and on-campus, due to the intensive clinical practice requirements.  Students are expected to commit approximately 30 hours per week, comprising 16 hours of on-campus classes and supervised clinical practice, and an additional 14 hours dedicated to casework under supervision.

Clinical practice takes place at the Paua Clinic, SPCNM’s on-campus student clinic. Where students gain hands-on experience working with members of the public in a fully supervised Naturopathic clinical setting.  This practical component is a vital part of preparing students for professional practice.

Cost of study

Years one and two (full-time): Estimated at $7,656 per year, including student services fees.

Year three (full-time): Estimated at $7,630, including student services fees.
Scholarships and government funding
South Pacific College of Natural Medicine offers a set of three Annette Huang Scholarships for 2026, aimed at students in their Bachelor of Natural Medicine programme.

Harakeke Scholarship – Resilience and Perseverance: For students in their 2nd or 3rd year who have faced or are currently facing adversity (financial, health, family responsibilities etc.) and who have demonstrated resilience and ongoing commitment to their studies.

Totara Scholarship – Academic Excellence: For 2nd or 3rd year students with strong academic achievement (minimum GPA of 7.0 or equivalent), who show excellence in Naturopathy and herbal medicine, display professionalism to ethical practice and involvement in academic or extracurricular activities.

Kawakawa Scholarship – Te Ara Whakapakari Scholarship: Specifically for Māori students in their 2nd or 3rd year of study, focusing on leadership, community engagement, promoting Māori health and wellbeing and a commitment to the values of natural medicine.

New Zealand government funding for a Bachelor of Natural Medicine is primarily through the Fees Free scheme, under certain eligibility conditions.  This may cover part or all the fees for the final year of your tertiary qualification if you meet the eligibility criteria. Students can access government loans and allowances through this degree programme.

Career pathways

Holding a Bachelor of Natural Medicine in New Zealand presents several career pathways within the natural health and wellness industry.  Graduates typically go on to work in roles such as:

• Registered Naturopath and Medical Herbalist in private practice or integrative health clinics
• Natural Health Retail Specialist or educator in health stores or pharmacies
• Health writer, researcher or content creator in natural health education
• Product Development or Technical Advisor for natural health companies
• Lecturer or Tutor in natural medicine or related fields

Naturopathic education competency standards

In 2019, the Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (NMHNZ) adopted the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH) competency standards for naturopathic education.  From 1 January 2026, graduates must hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an institution that is either ARONAH-accredited or formally engaged in the candidacy process to be eligible for NMHNZ membership.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to confirm whether their chosen institution is accredited or actively pursuing ARONAH candidacy.

Regulation in New Zealand

Naturopathy is not currently regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA) and therefore, it is not a protected title.  The lack of statutory regulation raises ethical concerns around consistent standards of care and client safety. Currently, there are two professional associations (NMHNZ and New Zealand association of Medical Herbalists - NZAMH) that self-govern Naturopaths and/or Medical Herbalists operating in New Zealand.  They provide voluntary registration, where Naturopaths are bound to a strictly defined scope of practice and code of ethics, and must continue professional education.

Membership, registration & professional bodies

In New Zealand, practitioners often register with industry bodies such as Naturopaths & Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (NMHNZ) or New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH), which can enhance professional credibility and support.

• Naturopaths & Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (NMHNZ) is the leading professional body for Naturopaths in New Zealand, representing practitioners trained in Naturopathy and herbal medicine.  To become a full member applicants must hold a Bachelor of Natural Medicine or higher, have a current first aid certificate and commit to ongoing professional development. International qualifications are assessed individually for equivalence.
• New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH) represents qualified Medical Herbalists.  Graduates from pre-approved institutions will have their applications processed automatically, while applicants from other institutions will be assessed individually.  Applicants must submit their relevant qualification(s) and hold a current first aid certificate, while committing 30 hours of continuing professional development annually.

Continuing professional education (CPE)

In New Zealand, registered Naturopaths who are members of the NMHNZ must complete continuing professional education (CPE) annually to maintain registration. The current requirement is 60 CPE points every two years, which must include a combination of structured and unstructured learning relevant to naturopathic practice. CPE activities include conferences, seminars, workshops, research, teaching, mentorship and peer group discussions.  It is the responsibility of each member to maintain their CPE points, as they may be audited to ensure compliance.

Why is it important to be degree-qualified?

Being a degree-qualified Naturopath and Medical Herbalist in New Zealand is important because it ensures the practitioner has met stringent education standards, received sufficient clinical training and is professionally competent.  This qualification enhances credibility with clients, allied health professionals and regulatory bodies.  A qualified Naturopath and Medical Herbalist has access to practitioner only herbal medicines (including the Phytomed range of herbal extracts), which require rigorous phytotherapy training to be prescribed safely and effectively.

Scope of practice

In New Zealand, Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists have several limitations around their scope of practice.  They are not registered under the HPCAA 2003, which restricts them from performing certain medical procedures, prescribing pharmaceutical medications or making claims to treat or cure serious medical conditions including cancer or infectious diseases.  Practitioners must not misrepresent themselves as medical doctors and are ethically obligated to refer clients to appropriate healthcare providers when issues fall outside their scope of practice.  Their scope of practice is specific to nutrition, lifestyle advice, dietary supplementation and herbal medicines to enhance health and well-being. (3)

Challenges & emerging trends

The naturopathic profession in New Zealand is being shaped by a range of challenges and emerging trends.  A primary concern is regulatory uncertainty.  Despite sustained efforts to achieve statutory registration, Naturopathy remains subject to outdated legislation, including the Medicines Act 1981.  The proposed Therapeutic Products Act 2023, which aimed to modernise regulation, has been delayed, further contributing to lack of clarity. 
Additional challenges include inconsistent quality control standards for herbal products, limited high-quality research across various areas of naturopathic practice and the ongoing need for cohesive integration with the wider healthcare system.
Concurrently, there is growing consumer interest in holistic and preventative healthcare approaches. (1)  Naturopaths are uniquely positioned to respond to this demand, particularly as the natural health products market continues to expand.  In a recent Radio New Zealand interview, world-renowned Herbalist Simon Mills emphasised the increasing visibility and use of herbal medicine in mainstream healthcare. (4)  Highlighting the professions evolving relevance as consumer preference for integrative models of healthcare grows.
These developments present opportunities for Naturopaths, including employment within integrative healthcare settings and advisory roles in natural health product development.  However, these opportunities require an ongoing commitment to professional development, adherence to the naturopathic scope of practice and the flexibility to adapt business models to suit the evolving regulatory and consumer landscape.

Conclusion

Becoming a Naturopath in New Zealand involves a structured educational and clinical journey designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills required for professional practice.  The key pathway is completing the Bachelor of Natural Medicine through SPCNM. This three-year degree combines biomedical sciences, natural medicine theory and hands-on clinical experience.  Applicants must meet academic entry requirements, including chemistry, and may choose to study full-time or part-time, with the final year focused on intensive clinical practice.

Upon graduation, practitioners can register with professional bodies such as NMHNZ or NZAMH, enhancing credibility and ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards.  Continued professional education is required to maintain registration and stay current with new developments in the profession.  While Naturopathy is not yet regulated under the HPCAA, qualified Naturopaths play an important role in supporting preventative health and wellness in an increasingly integrated healthcare environment.

References 

1. Mortada, E. (2024). Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine in current medical practice. Cureus, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.52041
2. South Pacific College of Natural Medicine. (n.d.). Bachelor of Natural Medicine. https://www.spcnm.ac.nz/bachelor-of-natural-medicine/ 
   
3. Naturopaths and Medicinal Herbalists of New Zealand. (2022, December 4). Scope of practice. https://naturopath.org.nz/scope-of-practice/
4. Radio New Zealand. (2025, October 18). Simon Mills: Herbal remedies in mainstream healthcare. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2019008970/simon-mills-herbal-remedies-in-mainstream-healthcare