It takes a great deal of education and time to become any type of physican, and homeopaths are no exception. At least three years of college must be completed before entering either medical or osteopathic school. Both the medical and osteopatic programs are four years long. There are schools throughout the country offering a combined medical school program which lasts only six years.

Competition for admittance into medical and osteopathic school is fierce. Individuals must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Selection criteria includes the scores of the exams, college grades,letters of recommendation,interviews, and participation in extracurricular activities.

M.D.s must also take and pass an exam offered by the National Board Medican Examiners or, for D.O.s the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners while still in school, as well as completing an internship.

Individuals seeking to practice homeopathy may take post-graduate training programs and/or preceptorship with experienced homeopaths. This means that, like an apprentice, they study and learn from a practicing homeopath. Most homeopathic physicians continue their education in homeopathy through lectures,seminars, or correspondence courses. The Council on Homeopathic Education (CHE) has recently begun certifying content and structure of homeopathic courses.

Homeopaths, like other physicians, may want to specialize or be board certified in a variety of other specialities. In these cases, even more training is required, which can take up to five years in a residency program in the speciality. Those aspiring to be board certified must also take and pass another exam.

M.D.s and D.O.s must be licensed. Requirements include graduating from an accredited medical or osteopathic school, completing an internship, and taking and passing the licensing exam.

Certification is voluntary for homeopathic physicians, and there are a number of certifying agencies. It should be noted that while most states consider homeopathy to be a practice of medicine, legal requirements vary by state.

Homeoapthic physicans must be very compassionate, caring people with a good "bedside manner". They should have excellent judgment and the ability to work under stress and pressure. Emotional stability is mandatory.

Homeopaths must have good diagnostic skills. The ability to really hear what a patient is saying is imerative in selecting an appropriate remedy. Scientific aptitude is necessary. Individuals should be organized, detail oriented, and have an excellent memory. Communication skills are also needed.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a homeopathic physician should contact the Council on Homeopathic Education (CHE), the North American Society of Homeopaths (NASH), the American Insitute of Homeopathy (AIH), or the National Center for Homeopathy (NCH).