The other is usually a one to two year or less home study course providing a broad overview of some of the basics of the naturopathic approach to health and healing. For a healthcare career it is helpful to address two aspects separately. THEN you add on the holistic principles and philosophy. Be aware that the term holistic is commonly used in two different ways. We prefer the meaning including consideration of the whole person and whole situation, searching for the root cause, and encouraging a partnership between patient and practitioner.
Some people use the term holistic interchangeable with alternative medicine .
This latter can be misleading, as not every alternative modality practitioner operates in a holistic manner. We encourage you to check out the professional associations for the modalities that interest you. It is helpful to interview practitioners in your selected modality who have an active practice in the communities where you want to practice. They will know if there is a surplus or shortage of that type of practitioner, and whether you will be able to earn a living doing what you have selected. You may be able to observe exactly what is involved in being that type of practitioner.