It is generally common knowledge that one must go through extensive training to obtain an M.D. or D.O. degree in modern allopathic or osteopathic medicine. However, not as many people may be familiar with the training that is required for alternative health care providers who specialize in natural medicine. There are many schools in the United States and Canada that offer training programs for the natural health sciences and give certification in fields such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic medicine, nutrition, and, more recently, homeopathy. Homeopathy is a unique system of medicine that was brought to the United States in the 19th century by several doctors from Europe. It is essentially a means of treating both physical and emotional ailments, and is recognized as an effective alternative to conventional medicine even for babies, children, and women during pregnancy [1]. Once a popular form of medicine, homeopathic medicine has been practiced infrequently in the past few decades. However, this interesting method is starting to make a comeback in modern medicine.

The concept of homeopathy differs from that of conventional medicine mainly because homeopathy attempts to stimulate the body to recover, unlike conventional therapy, which often aims to control illness through the regular use of medical substances. For example, a traditional physician who prescribes a pill for high blood pressure for a patient may not necessarily cure him; the medication may be simply controlling the symptoms. If the medication is withdrawn, the patient can again become ill. A different approch would be taken by a homeopathic doctor, who might administer remedies to try and cure what is actually causing the high blood pressure.

Another potential difference between conventional and homeopathic medicine is the way in which health is defined. Conventional medicine often views health simply as the absence of disease. If nothing physically wrong is found, one may be assumed to be healthy. However, to an individual who has studied homeopathy, a healthy person is someone who is symptom-free not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. For example, a person with a broken leg is not free physically to move around. A person who is allergic to certain materials also experiences a lack of freedom in terms of what he can eat. Finally, a person who has memory problems experiences restrictions on the mental level. A homeopathic doctor recognizes such limitations and problems and attempts to restore health and balance to all aspects of a person's life using properly selected remedies [2].

Homeopathy is still a relatively new field in the United States, but national certification boards have existed since 1982. In addition to the national certification boards, each state has its own laws concerning who can practice homeopathy. Most states require that individuals practicing homeopathy be certified before they can administer homeopathic remedies. To become certified, one must complete a course accredited by the Council of Homeopathic Education (CHE) and then pass a national exam given by the Council of Homeopathic Certification (CHC). The individual is then given the initials RS Hom (NA) to establish his or her certification in homeopathy [3].

Certain health care providers have their own certification boards for individuals interested in administering homeopathic remedies. For example, if someone already has an M.D. or a D.O. degree, he or she would need to apply to the American Institute of Homeopathy to obtain certification in homeopathy. Additionally, an individual must complete the homeopathic course accredited by the CHE and must also pass the national exam given by the CHC. Chiropractors who would like to administer homeopathic remedies must apply to the National Board on Homeopathic Education, and Doctors of Naturopathy would need to apply to the Naturopathic Academy of Homeopathic Physicians [3].

The homeopathy certification process can take two to four years depending on the school that is attended. Schools that only teach these programs part-time (a few days every month) will likely take degree candidates up to 4 years to complete training. Currently, there are about 40 schools in the United States and Canada that offer programs in homeopathic medicine. The Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy, the International Academy of Natural Health Sciences, and the Pacific Academy of Homeopathy are just a few of these schools, and each have unique philosophies, curricula, and teaching styles.

The Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy in Minnesota is a small training program that places a great deal of emphasis on philosophy and clinical practice. Since students only have class four days per week, one week per month, it takes four years for individuals to become certified. Although this school prefers that all applicants have at least a baccalaureate degree, it is not required because all of the natural and clinical sciences are taught within the framework of the program [2].

In contrast, the homeopathy program at the International Academy of Natural Health Sciences in Ottawa takes only one year to complete. Its program integrates the basic sciences with clinical theory and practice in order to provide students with a broad background in philosophical, ethical and historical traditions in holistic and natural healing [4].

On the west coast, the Pacific Academy of Homeopathy in San Francisco offers a program that takes three years to complete. The training places a great deal of emphasis on clinical work and supervision, and it aims to integrate homeopathy with modern healthcare. It is the only program in North America that offers clinical experience starting in the first year of training. The central philosophy of the school is to give students a thorough foundation of homeopathic principles and a broad experience of homeopathic practice as it is revealed through the work of different homeopathic teachers [5].

As a growing number of people search for more "natural" remedies to cure their illnesses, homeopathy is slowly but surely marking its place in the modern medical community. As the demand for homeopathic doctors has increased, so has the number of people obtaining certification in homeopathic medicine. Individuals who appreciate all aspects of their health and well being may be drawn to the unique ways homeopathic medicine can be used to heal the mind, body, and soul.