What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

A legitimate naturopathic doctor (ND) attends an in-residence nationally accredited four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD) or osteopathic doctor (DO), but also studies holistic and non-toxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. Qualified NDs undergo rigorous training and must pass federally recognized national board exams (NPLEX). In addition to a standard medical curriculum, a ND also studies clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling.

NDs combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles, and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, NDs help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is a NDs role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

NDs work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, discomfort due to menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. Although NDs are trained to utilize all available prescription drugs and do so when necessary, the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents.

Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools

The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical College's (AANMC) accredited naturopathic schools meet both federal and academic standards. For your protection, ensure that any ND you visit has graduated from one of the following naturopathic medical schools and holds a medical license issued by a state regulatory authority:

Bastyr University

14500 Juanita Dr. NE

Kenmore, WA 98028-4966

Phone: (425) 823-1300, Fax: (425) 823-6222

Bastyr University - California Campus

4106 Sorrento Valley Boulevard

San Diego, CA 92121-1407

Phone: (858) 246-9700, Fax: (858) 246-9710

N ational University of Natural Medicine

049 SW Porter St.

Portland, OR 97201

Phone: (503) 552-1555

National University of Health Sciences

200 East Roosevelt Road

Lombard, IL 60148

Phone: (630) 629-2000, Fax: (630) 889-6499

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

(Sonoran University of Health Sciences)

2140 E. Broadway Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85282

Phone: (480) 858-9100, Fax (480) 858.9116

University of Bridgeport - College of Naturopathic Medicine

60 Lafayette Street

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: (800) EXCEL UB (392-3582) ext. 4108

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

1255 Sheppard Avenue East

Toronto, Ontario, M2K 1E2

Phone: (416) 498-1255, Toll Free: 1-866-241-2266

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine

300-435 Columbia Street

New Westminster, British Columbia, V3L 5N8

Phone: 604-777-9981, Fax: 604-777-9982

The information contained on this website is presented for educational purposes only. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified health care provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before making any changes to your healthcare routine. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Currently, 23 states, five Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have laws regulating naturopathic doctors (NDs). In these states and provinces, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from a four-year, in-residence naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license or registration. Licensed naturopathic physicians must fulfill state- or province-mandated continuing education requirements annually and have a specific scope of practice defined by the law in their state or province. States currently offering licensure and registration to naturopathic physicians include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin.

Scope of practice regulations vary among licensed/regulated states, as do the parameters and restrictions for practitioners located in as yet unlicensed venues. Legal provisions still allow naturopathic doctors to consult with patients, making recommendations and suggestions based on prior diagnosis, in several of the yet unlicensed states and provinces. Contact us to find out more information regarding these regulations.

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools

Do you have more questions?