Whilst there is still some push-back against the CS&HISC decision to discontinue the Advanced Diplomas of Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, and Homoeopathy, ARONAH has come out in support of the decision.
The Australian Register of Naturopaths & Herbalists (ARONAH) makes their position clear – that the future of these professions lies with Bachelor degree as the minimum education standard.
In their news release they state that …
“Since the outset ARONAH been tirelessly promoting the implementation of degree as the minimum standard for entry to the professionals of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine.”
Even more pointedly they take aim at those opposing the CS&HISC decision, such as the ATMS …
“Those organisations fighting against the changes to establish degree minimum training for future practitioners are making a deliberate stand to not support the highest standard of naturopathic or herbal medicine training available in Australia. If successful they will not only ensure patients do not have access to the most suitably trained practitioners possible, but will also make it difficult for the professions of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine to be considered appropriate professions for further integration into the broader Australian healthcare system.”
ARONAH also points out that the creation of the Advanced Diplomas in 2001 was a backwards step, considering Bachelor degrees in naturopathy already existed, and various Australian governments have recommended Bachelor degree as the minimum standard for naturopathy since 1975 (Victorian Parliament Joint Select Committee Report from the Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Naturopathy Committee, which you can read here).
You can read their full release here, and their submission to the CS&HISC consultation paper makes for even more interesting reading, and can be found here.