AEMN, naturopathy school: training remotely, by video call and through workshops

Training in naturopathy while already working, or while living far from a school, is possible: several schools offer distance courses. AEMN (Académie Européenne des Médecines Naturelles), based in Saint-Étienne since 2008, is one of them. This article presents its program as the school describes it, the points to check before choosing a naturopathy school, and how to organize your first appointments once you have qualified.

Calendrio is a partner of AEMN: we offer 3 months of Calendrio to its students and graduates, and nothing is charged to the school. The information about the school comes from its website and its management; we present it as such.

AEMN at a glance

• A school established in 2008, in Saint-Étienne, which teaches naturopathy and states that it has trained more than 1,000 students.
• 1,200 hours of courses and workshops for the full program.
• Training accessible remotely: the first two cycles can be followed by video call or online, which makes it possible to train whatever your original profession and wherever you live.
• Reference organizations: the school states that its courses are recognized by OMNES (which its website presents as a union of certified naturopaths), by SPN and by APNF, and that it is Qualiopi certified, the French quality certification for training organizations.

Two addresses to know: ecole.aemn.org, the online course platform where you sign up for the online format, and www.aemn.org, for information about the school and the enrollment brochures for the other formats.

Three cycles, from the basics to practice

The program is organized into three cycles, which take you from basic concepts to consultation practice:

1. Cycle 1: the basics of advising. Food supplements, dietetics, relaxation, healthy lifestyle, essential oils and herbal medicine.
2. Cycle 2: the human body. Physiology, cell biology, anatomy, pathology and iridology.
3. Cycle 3: techniques and practice. Foot reflexology, Ayurveda, Chinese energetics, women's health, stress management and energy medicine, with in-person residential workshops, accommodation being provided by the school.

The first two cycles, which are theoretical, can therefore be followed remotely, while the third, practical one is done in person, through workshops. This is what makes it possible to combine a professional activity with serious training: you study at home, then meet up to practice.

The school also offers an online foraging course, complemented by three botanical workshops, to learn how to recognize and harvest plants.

What to check before choosing a naturopathy school

Whatever the school, a few checks will save you unpleasant surprises. Here is a list to go through before you enroll.

• The status of the profession. In France, naturopaths are not recognized as healthcare professionals: the Ministry of Solidarity and Health classifies naturopathy among "so-called unconventional practices" (answer to written question no. 11601, published in the Journal officiel on April 2, 2019). AEMN points this out itself on its website: its program is not listed in the RNCP (the French national register of professional certifications) and is not eligible for CPF funding (the French personal training account).
• The number of hours and the detailed curriculum. Ask for the content of each cycle and the number of hours of courses, workshops and practice.
• The training format. Remote, by video call, in person: choose the one that fits your schedule, and check how much supervised practice there is.
• The quality of the organization. Qualiopi certification attests to the quality of training processes, not to the value of a diploma.
• Recognition by a professional organization. A union or federation may require specific conditions (number of hours, workshops) to recognize a training path: ask which ones.
• Funding. Depending on the program, CPF or other funding may or may not be possible: ask before committing.
• Support for setting up your practice. Some programs devote a workshop to consultations and setting up: this matters as much as the theory.

After training: organizing your first appointments

Once you have your diploma, the hardest part is often finding a rhythm. A naturopathy practice combines three types of appointments: a long first assessment, which often takes more than an hour; shorter follow-up consultations; and sometimes group workshops, for example on nutrition or stress management.

1. Plan a typical week. Set aside time blocks for assessments, others for follow-ups, and a fixed time for preparation and admin. Only open online booking on these time blocks.
2. Let your clients book on their own. A booking link, available 24/7, saves you from exchanging messages in the evening. To set it up, read our guide to online appointment booking.
3. Reduce missed appointments. A reminder by email or text the day before and a deposit at booking protect your slots. See how to request a deposit at booking and our reminder text templates.
4. Keep a proper client file. Consultation notes are personal data: keep them GDPR compliant.

Calendrio for AEMN students and graduates

Calendrio is an online calendar and client management tool for independent professionals. AEMN students and graduates get 3 free months, with no credit card: at the end of the 3 months, nothing is charged, and the account stays on the free plan until you choose a paid plan.

During these 3 months, all features are unlocked. In particular, you can:

• let your clients book online, at any time, and add appointments made by phone yourself;
• request a deposit online at booking;
• send reminders by email and text;
• keep track of your clients with a built-in client file;
• offer workshops and group sessions with a limited number of spots;
• sync your calendar with Google Calendar or Outlook, and offer video appointments with a Google Meet link;
• present your business on a customizable page.

After the 3 months, the free plan keeps the essentials (2 services, online payment, calendar sync); text reminders and group sessions require a paid plan.

Activate my 3 free months (AEMN students and graduates). For details of the features for wellness practitioners, see the page dedicated to wellness practitioners.