Licensure for naprapaths in Sweden was introduced by a parliamentary decision in 1994, and since 2006, "naprapath" has been a protected professional title. This means that naprapaths are subject to Hälso- och sjukvårdslagen (Swedish Health and Medical Services Act), are supervised by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), and that only those who hold a licence, a special authorisation, or are undergoing prescribed practical training may call themselves naprapaths.
Provisions on licensure and the protected professional title for naprapaths have been included in Patientsäkerhetslagen (2010:659; Swedish Patient Safety Act) since 1 January 2011. Under Chapter 3, Section 7 of Patientsäkerhetsförordningen (2010:1369; Swedish Patient Safety Ordinance), licensure as a naprapath requires the completion of a naprapathy programme of at least four years, followed by one year of practical service.
With a degree from NIMM's Programme in Naprapathy, you can apply for licensure as a naprapath in both Sweden and Norway. In Sweden, you first complete one year of supervised practical service and then apply for licensure with the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen). In Norway, you apply for licensure with the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet), which also decides whether you need to complete practical service.
If you want to work in one of the other Nordic countries, or in another country in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland where the profession is regulated, your application is assessed under the EU rules on the recognition of professional qualifications. Since 1 February 2020, these rules have primarily applied between the Nordic countries as well, following an amendment to the Nordic agreement on a common labour market for certain health personnel (SÖ 1994:2).
Second-cycle studies shall essentially build on the knowledge students acquire in first-cycle studies, or equivalent knowledge. Second-cycle studies shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to first-cycle studies and shall, in addition to the requirements for first-cycle studies:
Under Chapter 3, Section 7 of Patientsäkerhetsförordningen (2010:1369), the practical service required for licensure in Sweden must correspond to at least one year of full-time service after completing naprapathy training and must be carried out under supervision. Up to nine months of the service may be completed in another EU or EEA country, such as Norway, under the supervision of a naprapath entitled to practise there. The rest is completed in Sweden. This follows from the regulations of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) on the recognition of chiropractors' and naprapaths' practical service in another EEA country (HSLF-FS 2016:38). The requirements for licensure in Norway are described under ‘Licensure’ above.
Through the internship, the naprapath shall gain a comprehensive insight into the organization and working methods of the Swedish healthcare system, create conditions for collaboration with various staff categories, acquire knowledge of the treatment principles and methods of collaborative partners, and be provided with opportunities for practical training in their own profession.
The internship must consist of one year of supervised full-time service within healthcare and be distributed as follows:
The practical service may be completed at several clinics or units. After the service is completed, the supervisor must confirm on the specific forms of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) that the naprapath has completed the practical period and describe its content and scope.
Practical service with a licensed naprapath means that the naprapath is supervised in their work by a licensed naprapath. It must cover the areas included in the naprapath's professional field.
Practical service within public healthcare means that the naprapath participates in healthcare under the supervision of a specifically designated supervisor. Suitable areas of operation include primary care, orthopedics, neurology, rheumatology, and medical rehabilitation. The service period can be divided equally between primary care and hospital-based care. It is also desirable for the naprapath to gain insight into psychiatric care and the operations of radiology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy departments.
During the service, the naprapath shall gain practical experience and in-depth knowledge of:
For more information and forms, visit the website of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) and navigate to "Practical service for naprapaths" and "Application for licensure as a naprapath".
After graduation, many naprapaths choose to open their own clinics, either independently or together with fellow students. However, it is becoming increasingly common to start one's career as an employee. Opportunities for this have grown as several larger naprapathic clinics have emerged in recent years.
Naprapathy is now a well-established form of treatment for muscle and joint pain. There is a high demand for naprapaths because almost everyone experiences muscle or joint pain or suffers a sports injury at some point—the exact types of conditions that naprapaths specialize in treating. Collaborations between naprapaths and regional health authorities, as well as specific care agreements for naprapaths, have become increasingly common since the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) granted professional licensure in 1994. The hiring of corporate naprapaths in the private sector is also increasing to help prevent long-term sick leave. The number of naprapaths working within the sports world, a group that has always favored naprapathic care, is also growing steadily.
Through their training, naprapaths possess the specialization required to take independent medical responsibility and achieve long-term results with the patient groups that currently cost society the most in terms of lost productivity and healthcare expenses—patients with back, neck, joint, and muscle-related issues. This ensures a strong Nordic job market for naprapaths for the foreseeable future.
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