Heilpraktiker –
The profession Heilpraktiker is a profession recognized and protected by the federal state of Germany

A Heilpraktiker is a health practitioner and health educator using

• complementary natural medicine  

• treatments  to restore and maintain health/vitality, well-being.

In Germany, the Heilpraktiker diploma is protected by a law which was introduced in 1939 (17/02/1939) in order to regulate natural, traditional and unconventional health practices.

The objective of this diploma is to avoid any drift and danger for the population.
 

The Heilpraktiker diploma is issued after passing the written and oral exam
of  the regional health agency.
The candidate is summoned to take the written test.

If the written test has been passed, the oral test takes place in the presence of one or two medical examiners appointed by the Departmental Directorate of Health and Social Affairs.

Private schools that offer preparation for this exam issue a training certificate and allow future Heilpraktikers to prepare in the best conditions with
for example more specific modules such as those of herbal medicine, anatomy, physiology, homeopathy, nutritional advice, Chinese medicine, micronutritional medicine,  or manual techniques.
 

Depending on the schools and the pre-acquired knowledge/experienxe of the candidates (many come from the medical and paramedical sector), the training varies from 2 to 4 years.