Based on the philosophy that the body is the wholeness of all systems and parts, a naturopathic doctor (N.D.) is dedicated to holistically treating a person’s body by making use of natural treatment and healing strategies alongside traditional medical practices. Naturopathic medicine represents alternative treatment techniques, such as acupuncture, osteopathy, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, shiatsu and herbal therapy, along with a wholesome organic and healthy diet, while stressing the importance of illness prevention and overall wellness. This is known as holistic medicine, treating the entire body, mind and soul.
If a naturopathic doctor career sounds like something you’d like to pursue, this information will help you learn about the training required for this type of medical work. Here’s how you can become a doctor of naturopathy.
- Learn about naturopathic and holistic medicine. Similar to other medical doctors, an N.D. uses traditional procedures to perform physical examinations and run diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds and x-rays. He takes into account the symptoms and medical history of the patients but also looks into their psychological being, believing that doing so will point him to the causes and potential treatments of illnesses and medical conditions. A naturopathic physician is unlike other medical doctors in that he or she uses alternative and natural techniques to treat illnesses. You will learn about the usefulness of herbs, foods and aromatherapy oils often used in conjunction with relaxation, meditation and other alternative therapies.
- Earn your degree. An undergraduate degree in science is the minimum educational requirement to become a doctor of naturopathic medicine. Additional pre-med studies, which are completed within three years, are also often required. In addition, aspiring naturopathic doctors should take subjects like anatomy, biochemistry and physiology to gain admission to a naturopathic medical school. The requirements for admission vary from school to school so it is best to check with your school of naturopathic medicine to see what they require.
- Complete your naturopathic medical education. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits educational programs for naturopathic medicine. The courses for naturopathic medicine are completed within four years, with the first two years spent on taking subjects the same as those offered in traditional medical career training and education, such as physiology, anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology, and the optional holistic therapies like botanical medicine, homeopathy, therapeutic nutrition, and psychological counseling. The last two years, on the other hand, are devoted to supervised clinical practice. A one- to two-year residency program for naturopathic physicians will need to be completed afterwards.
- Obtain your naturopathic doctor license. Only 15 states presently offer licensure to N.D.s, which include Arizona, California, Alaska, Connecticut, Utah, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Kansas, Montana, Washington, New Hampshire, Oregon and Vermont. The North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners is the licensing body for naturopathic doctors. Requirements generally include a passing score on the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX), which is a two-part exam, and completion of naturopathic medical education from a CNME-accredited institution. After you receive your license, you will be known as a Naturopathic Doctor, or N.D. and may use that title after your name. To maintain his license, a naturopathic doctor has to pursue continuing education, requirements of which are determined by the individual states.
- Establish a medical career in a preferred work setting. A naturopathic doctor can work in different kinds of settings. Naturopathic centers, research laboratories, natural medicine manufacturers and public health agencies. You can also open up your own private practice in your community.
- Your opportunities are endless with this career. An N.D. is considered a primary health doctor, and because the number of people seeking medical help is increasing, employment opportunities for N.D.s are expected to grow tremendously. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are projected to have, at the most, a 13% increase until 2018. The salary rate is comparatively good. In 2011, NDs were reported to take home an annual income of over $69,000 and can go as high as $186,000 for being a primary care physician. As natural and holistic healthcare become more and more popular, so do the job opportunities for this kind of career.
The world of naturopathic medicine is quickly becoming an exciting field. You can learn and teach others so much about health promotion through natural holistic practices. If you have a strong interest for natural medicine and helping people achieve good health and overall well-being, then becoming a naturopathic doctor may be just the right career for you.