What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a combination of modern science and historical natural therapies designed to unleash the bodies innate wisdom and ability to heal. Visits are typically much longer than conventional appointments and treatment plans are completely customized and unique to the patient to support their health goals and journey.
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (ND) attend a 4-year accredited medical school, which requires a bachelor's degree and completion of pre-requisites prior to beginning the program. The first two years are heavily focused on basic sciences (similar to allopathic education) and the last two years are clinically-focused with 1200 hours of clinical rotation, as well as 132 hours of outside preceptorship required.
Of note, there are only five CNME accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in North America:
- Bastyr University (WA and CA campuses)
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Boucher and Toronto Campuses)
- National University of Health Sciences (IL)
- National University of Naturopathic Medicine (OR)
- Sonoran College of Health Sciences (AZ) - formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
In addition to attending a CNME accredited school, Naturopathic Doctors are required to take and pass two national board exams (NPLEX), one science-based after year two, and clinical boards after graduation to be able to practice medicine and obtain a medical license.
Licensure of Naturopathic Doctors is dependent on each state (See this map for more info). Currently 23 US states offer licensure to Naturopathic Doctors. Scope varies state-to-state but most permit NDs to diagnose and treat disease, with a few allowing NDS to be primary care providers with prescription rights to specific classes of pharmaceuticals.
Unfortunately the term "Naturopathic Doctor" is unregulated and In states that are unlicensed or unregulated, individuals with any levels of training or various certifications can also claim to be an ND without completing the above requirements. This is why it is so important for healthcare consumers to inquire about training and education to ensure the provider they are seeing is truly a Naturopathic Doctor if they are located in one of the unlicensed states.