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ABOUT NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS
A naturopathic doctor (ND) is clinically trained in primary care with an emphasis in natural therapeutics. They have completed a post-graduate, 4-year residential medical school program. Curricula at the seven accredited naturopathic medical schools are comparable in basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, to traditional medical school. In addition, naturopathic science courses include nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, mind/body medicine and other therapeutics. Along with this coursework, at least two years of supervised clinical rotations are required.
In the United States, currently 15 states and the District of Columbia have licensing laws for NDs. While these states have varying scopes of practice, they each require graduation from one of the seven accredited programs, passage of a national board exam and continuing education. In these licensed states, naturopathic doctors may serve in a primary care capacity and may be considered for insurance reimbursement.
You can learn more about naturopathic doctors, their education and licensing efforts with the references provided on our Resources Page.