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How to become a Naturopathic Doctor?
Share your journey & guide aspiring Naturopathic Doctors on their path!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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2 answers
Olesia Shevelova MD 🇺🇦
dietitian
2
Answers
Kiev, Ukraine
Updated
Olesia’s Answer
It is necessary to understand that not in all countries a naturopath is a medical worker and not all people perceive a naturopath as a doctor of evidence-based medicine.
You need to choose a specialty in naturopathic medicine, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, or sports medicine, and learn about their prospects in your state.
I recommend focusing on science courses like biology, chemistry and physics during your schooling.
You need to choose a specialty in naturopathic medicine, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, or sports medicine, and learn about their prospects in your state.
I recommend focusing on science courses like biology, chemistry and physics during your schooling.
Amina Bahar
PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT
22
Answers
Cambridge, Maryland
Updated
Amina’s Answer
Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) involves several steps, including obtaining the necessary education, gaining clinical experience, and obtaining licensure. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pursue a career as a Naturopathic Doctor:
1. Educational Requirements
**High School:**
- Focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Excel in mathematics and English to develop strong analytical and communication skills.
**Undergraduate Degree:**
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis on pre-medical sciences.
- Common majors include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or health sciences.
- Complete prerequisite courses required for naturopathic medical school, typically including:
- General Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Psychology
- Biochemistry
- Humanities/Social Sciences
2. Naturopathic Medical School
**Accredited Programs:**
- Apply to accredited naturopathic medical schools. In North America, look for schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).
- Programs are typically four years in length and include coursework in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapies.
**Core Curriculum:**
- Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, physical medicine, and counseling.
- Gain hands-on clinical experience through supervised internships and rotations in naturopathic clinics.
### 3. Clinical Experience
**Internships and Rotations:**
- Complete required clinical internships and rotations in various healthcare settings to gain practical experience.
- Work under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors and other healthcare professionals.
4. Licensure and Certification
**Board Exams:**
- After graduating from an accredited naturopathic medical school, pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).
- The NPLEX is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) and is required for licensure in most jurisdictions.
**State Licensure:**
- Obtain licensure in the state or province where you plan to practice. Requirements vary, so check with the local regulatory board for specific criteria.
- Some states require additional exams or continuing education for licensure.
### 5. Continuing Education and Professional Development
**Continuing Education:**
- Participate in continuing education courses to stay current with advancements in naturopathic medicine and to maintain licensure.
- Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars offered by professional organizations such as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
**Specialization:**
- Consider specializing in a particular area of naturopathic medicine, such as pediatrics, oncology, or women's health.
- Pursue additional training and certification in your chosen specialty.
6. Professional Practice
**Setting Up Practice:**
- Decide whether to start your own practice, join a group practice, or work in an integrative healthcare setting.
- Obtain necessary business licenses, insurance, and establish office procedures.
**Networking and Marketing:**
- Build a professional network with other healthcare providers.
- Market your services through community engagement, online presence, and collaboration with other health professionals.
1. Educational Requirements
**High School:**
- Focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Excel in mathematics and English to develop strong analytical and communication skills.
**Undergraduate Degree:**
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis on pre-medical sciences.
- Common majors include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or health sciences.
- Complete prerequisite courses required for naturopathic medical school, typically including:
- General Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Psychology
- Biochemistry
- Humanities/Social Sciences
2. Naturopathic Medical School
**Accredited Programs:**
- Apply to accredited naturopathic medical schools. In North America, look for schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).
- Programs are typically four years in length and include coursework in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapies.
**Core Curriculum:**
- Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, physical medicine, and counseling.
- Gain hands-on clinical experience through supervised internships and rotations in naturopathic clinics.
### 3. Clinical Experience
**Internships and Rotations:**
- Complete required clinical internships and rotations in various healthcare settings to gain practical experience.
- Work under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors and other healthcare professionals.
4. Licensure and Certification
**Board Exams:**
- After graduating from an accredited naturopathic medical school, pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).
- The NPLEX is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) and is required for licensure in most jurisdictions.
**State Licensure:**
- Obtain licensure in the state or province where you plan to practice. Requirements vary, so check with the local regulatory board for specific criteria.
- Some states require additional exams or continuing education for licensure.
### 5. Continuing Education and Professional Development
**Continuing Education:**
- Participate in continuing education courses to stay current with advancements in naturopathic medicine and to maintain licensure.
- Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars offered by professional organizations such as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
**Specialization:**
- Consider specializing in a particular area of naturopathic medicine, such as pediatrics, oncology, or women's health.
- Pursue additional training and certification in your chosen specialty.
6. Professional Practice
**Setting Up Practice:**
- Decide whether to start your own practice, join a group practice, or work in an integrative healthcare setting.
- Obtain necessary business licenses, insurance, and establish office procedures.
**Networking and Marketing:**
- Build a professional network with other healthcare providers.
- Market your services through community engagement, online presence, and collaboration with other health professionals.