Naturopathic Medicine FAQ

7/30/2019 Naturopathic Medicine FAQ

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Naturopathic Medicine FAQOur FAQ answers your curiosities and concerns about becoming a naturopathic physician. Please continue your

research on naturopathic topics of interest by following the links given to additional resources. Feel free to contact

usif you have questions that are not adequately addressed here. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to

respond to everyone.

Naturopathy/naturopathic medicine

THE EDUCATION

Education & schools

Admission & application

Accreditation & licensure

The AANMC

THE PROFESSION

Naturopathic medical practice

Career trends

Visiting a naturopathic doctor

Naturopathy/naturopathic medicine

Q: What is naturopathy and naturopathic medicine?

Q: How popular is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the public?

Q: What are the fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine?

Q: What is naturopathy and naturopathic medicine?

A: Naturopathy is a traditional approach to health that is holistic, meaning that it encompasses the whole being. It is

based on natural and preventative care. Naturopathic medicine combines many methodologies, such as acupuncture,

massage, chiropractic adjustment, homeopathy and herbal cures, along with sensible concepts such as good

nutrition, exercise and relaxation techniques. Some refer to it as alternative care, which is ironic, since naturopathy

and naturopathic medicine are rooted in many age-old remedies that predate whats known as modern medicine. A

core concept is one of doing no harm, and complementing any necessary treatment. The terms naturopathy and

naturopathic medicine are often interchangeable.

Q: How popular is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the public?

A: Sixty-eight percent of adults have used at least one kind of alternative or complementary therapy. In hospitals

and integrative clinics, treating ailments from menopause to cancer, public use of CAM is on the rise. Source: Harvard

Medical School survey, Annals of Internal Medicine, August 2001.

Q: What are the fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine?

A: The six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine are principles adhered to by naturopathic doctors, similar

to the Hippocratic Oath. They are:

1. The Healing Power of Nature: Trust in the bodys inherent wisdom to heal itself.

2. Identify and Treat the Causes: Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.

3. First, Do No Harm: Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.

4. Doctor as Teacher: Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.

5. Treat the Whole Person: View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.

SearchBastyr University

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

National College of Natura l Medicine

National University of Health Sciences

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

University of Bridgeport

HOME THE SCHOOLS EDUCATION NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE EVENTS CAREERS MORE INFO FOR ADVISORS

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THE EDUCATION

Education & schools

Q: Which classes or literature would be helpful prior to enrollment in a naturopathic physician program?

Q: What course of action is suggested prior to pursuing a formal, accredited ND program?

Q: Which undergraduate degree should be pursued, and from where?

Q: What is the education of a naturopathic physician like?Q: How much hands-on experience treating patients do ND students gain?

Q: What international opportunities exist to study or practice naturopathic medicine?

Q: What do ND students learn about allopathic medicine?

Q: Which classes or literature would be helpful prior to enrollment in a naturopathic physician program?

A: For a basic science foundation and overall exposure to help prepare you for naturopathic medical studies, consider

the following:

Q: What course of action is suggested prior to pursuing a formal, accredited ND program?

A: Investigate more than one of the naturopathic medicine (ND) schools by visiting their campuses, if possible.

Another very convenient way to get a taste of all the schools is to join us for AANMCs Prospective Student Day in

the summer, or for one of our Informational Forums in the fall, held in various cities across the US. Youll also find

admissions advisors at several career and college fairs throughout the country. Find event dates and locations.

Q: Which undergraduate degree should be pursued, and from where?

A: To learn more about the academic path to pursuing an ND degree, which undergraduate degree to pursue, from

what college, and what ND school admissions advisors look for in their incoming students, read our editors response

in our Questions Answeredcolumn.

Q: What is the education of a naturopathic physician like?

A: The AANMC member schools are four-year professional level medical programs that result in a doctor of

naturopathic medicine degree/diploma (ND). Students are educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD or DO

as well as the latest advances in sc ience in combination with natural approaches to therapy, disease prevention, and

clinical education. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete

four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine

and counseling.

Q: How much hands-on experience treating patients do ND students gain?

A: For at least the final two years of their medical program, students intern in clinical settings under the close

supervision of licensed professionals.

Q: What international opportunities exist to study or practice naturopathic medicine?

A: Many NDs work overseas, either for a brief educational or cultural experience, or as a long-term lifestyle choice --

stemming either from a desire to see the world (by staffing a cruise ship spa or clinic), or to help others by offering

their health care services to extremely impoverished communities or villages.

Whatever the motivation or location, the experience of these physicians always becomes one thats rich and colorful,

rewarding and mutually beneficial. For a variety of examples, read our editors response in our Questions Answered

column.

Q: What do ND students learn about practicing conventional, allopathic medicine?

A: ND students are educated in the same basic sciences and pharmacology, drug/herb/vitamin interaction and

contraction (wound healing) as allopathic medical students. Some AANMC-member schools require more hours of

basic and c linical science than many top allopathic medical schools.

6. Prevention: Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

Read the "Textbook of Natural Medicine" a very comprehensive and often-used reference among NDs

and MDs as well.Browse various topics in natural health and medical journals, and related publications. (Some are

membership- or subscription-based.)

Earn a bachelors degree, preferably with a pre-medical or other science major. Learn more about

prerequisites.

Research all you can about natural medicine and potential universities prior to pursuing an ND degree.

Explore a few other resources about naturopathic medicine.

Read our Academic Prerequisites page.

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Admission & application

Q: What are the admissions requirements?

Q: What academic prerequisites are required to enter naturopathic medical school?

Q: What qualities do admissions counselors look for in prospective naturopathic medical students?

Q: What about advanced standing?

Q: What are the AANMC school application procedures?

Q: What are the admissions requirements?

A: In evaluating candidates for naturopathic medical programs, admissions counselors look for students who want to

be challenged academically, yet feel comfortable relying on their own intuition and creativity. They look for high-level

critical thinkers who are flexible enough to deal with the challenge of formulating personalized treatment plans.

Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the internal qualities essential to becoming naturopathic physicians,

including concern for others, integrity, curiosity, motivation and a strong belief in the efficacy of natural medicine.

Q: What academic prerequisites are required to enter naturopathic medical school?

A: Prior to admission into a naturopathic medicine programs, the typical entering ND student has completed three

years of pre-medical training and earned a bachelor of science degree. While no specific major is required foradmission, students are expected to have completed courses in English and the humanities, as well as math, physics

and psychology, with a strong emphasis on chemistry and biology. Courses that will help prepare students for the

naturopathic course of study include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, botany and developmental psychology. In

addition to prerequisite course work, prospective students must demonstrate appropriate observational and

communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual abilities, integrative and quantitative abilities, and

behavioral and social maturity. Learn more about specific recommended prerequisite courses.

Q: What qualities do admissions counselors look for in prospective naturopathic medical students?

A: Counselors look for high-level critical thinkers who demonstrate integrity, curiosity, motivation, concern for others

and a strong belief in the eff icacy of natural medicine. Learn more about admission requirements.

Q: What about advanced standing?How long is the course of study for a board-certified, degreed medical

professional to earn an ND degree, and what does it entail?A: Many osteopaths, chiropractors and medical doctors, as well as acupuncturists and nurse pract itioners seek to

expand their knowledge and their practice with a degree in naturopathic medicine. And many are eligible for advanced

standing credit upon entering any of the AANMC-member schools. The type and amount of advanced standing will

depend upon the type of medical degree already achieved (MD, DO, DC, etc.), and on the college attended.

Advanced standing for students who hold one of these medical degrees can vary anywhere from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2

years. For more information on advanced standing, or to ask an admissions advisor more detailed questions, read our

editors response in our Questions Answeredcolumn.

Q: What are the AANMC school application procedures?

A: Standard application requirements may include an application, letters of recommendation, essay and/or

prerequisite coursework. For complete information on application processes and deadlines, feel free to request

information directly or contact the individual institutions:

Bastyr University

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

National College of Natural Medicine

National University of Health Sciences

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine

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Accreditation & licensure

Q: What is the accreditation system for naturopathic medical programs and schools?Q: Can anyone with an ND degree/diploma practice naturopathic medicine anywhere, or do they have to

obtain licensure in their own state or province?

Q: Which US states and Canadian provinces currently license naturopathic physicians?

Q: Why doesnt the AANMC represent any online degree programs?

Q: Does graduating from an accredited online program still allow one to practice as an ND?

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Q: What is the accreditation system for naturopathic medical programs and schools?

A: The AANMC recognizes the following accrediting institutions:

Learn more about the licensure of naturopathic doctors.

Q: Can anyone with an ND degree/diploma practice naturopathic medicine anywhere, or do they have to

obtain licensure in their own state or province?

A: In order to practice in a licensed state or province, an ND must obtain and maintain a license in that state or

province. This requirement does not apply to NDs practicing in yet unlicensed states and provinces.

Graduates from naturopathic medical schools are eligible to practice in any province or state in which they meet the

licensing or other requirements set forth by that province or state. In the provinces and states which license

naturopathic physicians, ND graduates are required to pass rigorous professional board exams (NPLEX) in order to be

licensed as primary care general practice physicians. Only graduates of naturopathic medical schools acc redited by

the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) are eligible to sit for the professional board exams in licensed

states and provinces.

Q: Which US states and Canadian provinces currently license naturopathic physicians?

A: In the United States:

Alaska

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Hawaii

Idaho

Kansas

Maine

Minnesota

Montana

New Hampshire

North Dakota

Oregon

Utah

Vermont

Washington

Washington, D.C. Puerto Rico

In Canada:

British Columbia

Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Saskatchewan

View a map of all licensed states, provinces and territories in North America.

Scope of pract ice regulations vary among licensed states and provinces, as do the parameters and restrictions for

practitioners located in as yet unlicensed venues. Legal provisions still allow naturopathic doctors to consult with

atients, making recommendations and suggestions based on rior diagnosis, in several of the yet unlicensed states

College accreditation is issued by the US Department of Education (ED).

All US AANMC member schools have been accredited or are in candidate status for accreditation by an

ED-approved regional accrediting agency.

Programmaticaccreditation is issued by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).

In addition, each of the individual naturopathic medicineprograms of the member schools have been

accredited or are candidates for accreditation by the CNME, the recognized accrediting body for

naturopathic medical programs in North America.

Doctor licensure is granted by North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE).

Students graduating from the naturopathic programs of AANMC member schools are then eligible to sit for

the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), administered by NABNE. Passing the NPLEX is

required before a doctor of naturopathic medicine can be licensed by a state or provincial jurisdiction as a

primary care general practice physician.

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and provinces.

Q: Why doesnt the AANMC represent any online programs?

A: The AANMC believes that becoming a naturopathic physician is not something that can adequately be

accomplished through an online or correspondence course. Physicians carry an awesome responsibility, and must be

trained accordingly. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, and any mistakes that they make can have major

repercussions for their patients. A physicians education and training must adequately qualify them for this role. It is

a major undertaking requiring years of academic preparation and hands-on clinical experience.

Naturopathic medical students at acc redited ND colleges study the same core medical sciences as MD students; they

receive many hours of supervised clinical training, learning to diagnose disease and gaining experience treatingpatients. To understand more about AANMC school requirements, accreditation, and the implications for your career

as a practicing ND, read about the seven AANMC acc redited naturopathic medical colleges. Read our editors

response in our Questions Answeredcolumn.

Q: Does graduating from an accredited online program still allow one to practice as an ND?

A: In order to work as a general practice naturopathic doctor (ND) in a licensed state or province, one must first

graduate from a four-year, professional-level program at a federally accredited naturopathic medical school, none of

which offer any online programs. View the full licensure requirements.

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The AANMC

Q: What is the AANMC?

Q: What are AANMC membership requirements?

Q: Does the AANMC accredit its member schools?

Q: Does the AANMC host virtual events?

Q: What is the AANMC?

A: The Association of Acc redited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) was established in February of 2001 to

propel and foster the naturopathic medical profession by act ively supporting the academic efforts of ac credited and

recognized schools of naturopathic medicine in North America. The AANMC is a non-profit association.

Q: What are AANMC membership requirements?

A: To earn and maintain AANMC membership, an ND school must be accredited or in candidate status for

accreditation by a regional accrediting agency approved by the US Department of Education (ED). Furthermore, the

schools ND program itself must be accredited or in candidate status by the Council on Naturopathic Medical

Education (CNME). Learn more about accreditation &licensure.

Q: Does the AANMC accredit its member schools?

A: No, the AANMC simply offers membership to represent the accredited schools, however proper accreditation is a

requirement for all member schools.

Q: Does the AANMC host virtual events?

A: As much as the AANMC would love to hold Naturopathic Medicine Informational Forums in every single state, it is

just not feasible. However, this year we have introduced new virtual events that youll be able to attend no matter

where you are: interactive, online Naturopathic Medicine Informational Webinars.

Attending an AANMC Webinar gives you the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of leaders in the field of

naturopathic medicine, just as you would at an on-site forum. The difference is that Webinars take place online, in

real time, so you can attend from literally anywhere in the world! Our Webinar archive will be ready for viewing soon;

to receive an alert when it is available, register here for our e-newsletter.

Well continue to host Webinars throughout the year. To take advantage of this great opportunity, watch our Events

page for the next scheduled Webinar, and register today!

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THE PROFESSION

Naturopathic Medical Practice

Q: Whats the typical patient schedule of an ND?

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Q: Do NDs base their diagnoses and treatments primarily on ancient healing practices or on current medical

and scientific breakthroughs, or both?

Q: What kind of participation or interaction do NDs have with the conventional, allopathic medical

community?

Q: Once I become a doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND), will my patients have to choose between natural

medicine and conventional medicine?

Q: Whats the typical patient schedule of an ND?

A: To allow for thoughtful, in-depth exchanges with each patient, NDs are likely to schedule no more than 10

appointments per day. As primary care providers, NDs make it their top priority to take enough time to learn about

each patient, his/her family, and his/her lifestyle outside of the doctors office. Find other professional organizations

in the CAM industry.

Q: Do NDs base their diagnoses and treatments primarily on ancient healing practices or on current medical

and scientific breakthroughs, or both?

A:Todays naturopathic physicians artfully blend modern, cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with

ancient and traditional methods. These physicians are succeeding in their goal to present the world with a healing

paradigm founded on a rational balance of tradition, sc ience and respect for nature. Because naturopathic physicians

believe in understanding patients from the cellular level up, they actively pursue the latest biochemical findings

relating to the workings of the body and the dynamics of botanical medicines, nutrition, homeopathy and other

natural therapies. Their diagnoses and therapeutics are increasingly supported by sc ientific evidence.

Q: What kind of participation or interaction do NDs have with the allopathic medical community?

A: Because they view natural remedies as both complementary and primary, NDs cooperate with other medical

professionals, referring patients to allopathic medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists whenever appropriate.

Q: Once I become a doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND), will my patients have to choose between natural

medicine and conventional medicine?

A: Absolutely not. With the use of natural medicine steadily on the rise, more people are realizing that both natural

and conventional approaches together can play a significant and instrumental role in meeting most or all of their

health care needs. Patients are therefore seeking integrative approaches to managing their own health. And the

medical establishment is adapting.

To learn specifics about how natural and conventional therapies can work together for you and your future patients,and to hear some common misconceptions addressed, read The facts about natural medicine by Jane Guiltinan, ND,

core faculty member at Bastyr Universitys School of Naturopathic Medicine, and immediate past president of the

AANP (The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians).

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Career trends

Q: How many NDs are practicing today, and is the profession growing?

Q: Do NDs typically find positions in natural medicine clinics, or follow other health-related career paths?

Q: What is a common salary for an ND?

Q: How do NDs rank in terms of income satisfaction and career satisfaction?

Q: How can I serve those who need it the most?

Q: What types of professional resources exist for naturopathic doctors?

Q: How many NDs are practicing today, and is the profession growing?

A: There are an estimated 5,000 licensed NDs practicing in North America today, approximately 3,500 of which

practice in the U.S. This number has more than tripled over the past 10 years, no doubt in response to the growing

patient interest. As it grows, the ND profession continues to spark the interest of those dissatisfied with

conventional medicine. Learn more about the growth of the profession and other career trends , and read about the

job outlook for NDs.

Q: Do NDs typically find positions in natural medicine clinics, or follow other health-related career paths?

A: Some ND graduates choose to work in integrative or private practice clinics, while some establish and operate

their own private practices. Others go on to become research sc ientists, natural pharmacists, public health

administrators, consultants to industry, employees of insurance companies and other organizations, or advisors to

other health care professionals. Learn more about ND careers and practice.

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Q: What is a common salary for an ND?

A: There exists a very wide income range among practicing NDs. (Its important to note that many NDs are not

salaried, but rather are self-employed.) On average, industry data shows that an established ND who runs or

partners in a large, busy practice makes an average estimated net income of $80,000 to $90,000 per year and may

make upwards of $200,000. A beginning ND just starting up his or her practice, working part-time or building a staff,

generally earns less than these averages for the first years of pract ice. Early residency positions reflect incomes

between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.

Realize that the dollar figure can and does vary greatly depending on several factors, including region and location,

type of c lientele served, fee schedules, business objectives and marketing plans, and willingness to work with

insurance carriers. To learn more about significant factors known to impact an ND's income, read our editors response

in our Questions Answeredcolumn.

The information above has been compiled from these sources: Survey of Naturopathic Physicians, AANMC, (Summer

2004); member survey conducted by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), the Canadian

Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and several AANMC-member colleges; and ExploreHealthCareers.org.

Q: How do NDs rank in terms of income satisfaction and career satisfaction?

A: Of naturopathic physicians surveyed, 71 percent reported satisfaction with their incomes, and an overwhelming

98 percent of our respondents reported satisfaction with their naturopathic medical career. - Source: "Survey of

Naturopa thic Physicians," AANMC, (Summe r 2004)

Q: How can I serve those who need it most?A: Many of the AANMC school alumni do choose to dedicate themselves to serving those lower-income patients who

need it the most either in local communities or in relief clinics abroad, in both urban and rural areas, either full-time

or as part-time volunteers. To read about just a few real life examples: read our editors response in our Questions

Answeredcolumn.

Q: What types of professional resources exist for naturopathic doctors?

A: National ND membership associations exist both in the US and in Canada. Find them listed here.

State- and province- level organizations also exist. Both ac tively support practicing NDs in terms of patient resources,

networking, licensure and public affairs efforts.

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Visiting a naturopathic doctor

Q: What is the typical ND-patient relationship like?

Q: How do I find a local ND?

Q: What is the typical ND-patient relationship like?

A: Naturopathic physicians encourage patients to take personal responsibility for their own health. They support

patients in this by teaching them the steps necessary to create and monitor their own wellness. Naturopathic

physicians strive to find the underlying cause of a patients illness, rather than treat symptoms exclusively.

Recognizing that each body is unique, naturopathic doctors tailor their treatments to meet the individual needs of

each patient. NDs honor the healing power of nature as one of the six fundamental principles of natural medicine.

Learn more about what to expect from a typical ND patient visit from the Canadian Association of NaturopathicDoctors (CAND).

Q: How do I find a local ND?

A: The absolute best place to find a qualified naturopathic doctor in North America is through the professions

national associations. These associations maintain active databases of licensednaturopathic doctors (NDs),

searchable by name and location.

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In the United States: the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).

In Canada: the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
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