If you are a consumer or professional and want to understand more about what homeopathy is, or want to prescribe for yourself and your family in acute situations, there are many introductory courses available. The best resource for such programs is The National Center for Homeopathy (see Links to NCH).

If you want to prescribe in a limited way as an adjunct to your current practice of medicine, there are courses ranging from 30 to 100 hours, available to medically licensed practitioners, which the CHE accredits for continuing education. Courses in this category include a variety of courses sponsored by the American Institute of Homeopathy, Homeopathy for the Primary Care Provider from the New England Homeopathic Academy, the Foundation Course from the National Center for Homeopathy, and other schools. (see Links)

If you expect to practice professionally, the decision you make in choosing a school is one of the most important you will make. As with schools in other professions, homeopathy schools vary with respect to curricula, faculty and methods of instruction. Know as fully as possible what you want, start your research early in the year, and visit the classroom and talk with the administration, faculty, and students before making your decision. To practice classical homeopath at a professional level, you will progress through beginning, advanced, and clinical courses, as well as case supervision. The process of mastering homeopathy with the ability to prescribe independently for chronic illness takes three to five years.

Other considerations in charting the course of your homeopathic education include the legal climate in the state you will practice, your medical training or lack thereof, and the availability of courses that meet your educational needs. If you do not have this background from professional health care training, these basic science and clinical courses must be obtained in conventional settings. The legal status of homeopathy and the significance of accreditation of homeopathic educational courses and programs are discussed elsewhere in this website.