NATUROPATH


Naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are educated in the conventional medical sciences, but they are not orthodox medical doctors (M.D.). Naturopathic physicians treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise therapy, counseling, acupuncture, natural childbirth and hydrotherapy. They tailor these approaches to the needs of an individual patient. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with other branches of medical science, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

Education

The naturopathic physician has a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) degree from a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical college. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements comparable to those of conventional medical schools. Students study anatomy, cardiology, physiology, neurology, biochemistry, radiology, pathology, minor surgery, microbiology, obstetrics, immunology, gynecology, pharmacology, pediatrics, dermatology, lab diagnosis, clinical and physical diagnosis and other clinical sciences. The first two years focus on the standard medical sciences as well as the history and physiology of naturopathic medicine. During the third and fourth years, students receive clinical training.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

In states where they are regulated, naturopathic physicians must pass either a national or a state level board examination and their actions are subject to review by a State Board of Examiners. National board examinations are administered by the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination. In states where naturopathic medicine is not yet licensed, caution must be exercised for those seeking a naturopathic health care provider and those thinking about a career in natural medicine. States that currently license N.D.s are Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington.

Salary

$38,000-60,000

Employment Opportunities

Naturopathic physicians practice in virtually every state and Canadian province as well as in many foreign countries under various legal provisions.

Programs

The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education presently accredits three colleges of Naturopathic Medicine in the United States:
 
Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr. NE, Kemore, WA 98011  (425) 602-3100
National College of Naturopathic Medicine, 11231 SE Market St., Portland, OR 97216 (503) 499-4343
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health, 2140 East Broadway, Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 858-9100

Professional Association

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
601 Valley Street, Suite 105
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 298-0126
 

Last updated:  June 25, 2001