Heilpraktiker is the name given to a natural health professional (Non-physician practitioner) in Germany and Switzerland. In Austria there is no such equivalent profession and patients do not have this option for health care. The requirements in Germany to practice as a Heilpraktiker requires an age of at least 25 years, attainment of a Haupt/Volkschule (High School level) education, no criminal record, and the ability to mentally and physically treat patients. A written and oral examination must be taken before admission by the public health office.
There are about 20,000 Heilpraktiker in Germany. Criticism of Heilpraktiker includes the use of unsuitable methods of treatment (e.g. esoteric methods) where effective conventional medicine should be applied and the possible associated risk for their patients.