There are various naturopathic careers to choose from including a naturopathic doctor, researcher, nutritionist, or herbalist.
Naturopathy is about helping patients find successful and natural complementary medicine, focusing on not just stopping the symptoms of an illness but going to the root of the problem. By focusing on the entire body, someone with a career in naturopathic medicine can focus on the individual needs of the patient.
The UWS Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program will provide the knowledge and understanding to succeed in this field of work.
These careers employ natural therapies such as nutrition-based or lifestyle counseling, to help ground the mind and body. By embracing a more holistic approach to health care, naturopathic careers in medicine promote good health. The goal of any job in naturopathic medicine is to create long-lasting change in a patient’s life, such as helping them to create healthy habits that promote a strong immune system, reject foods that have a higher chance of giving someone cancer, and have an active lifestyle that supports heart health.
Naturopathic Doctor
The American health care system faces significant challenges, with the National Academies of Science (NAS) giving it a failing grade. The criticism comes from the system’s focus on treating diseases rather than promoting overall health and well-being, which highlights a pressing need for a shift toward more holistic health practices. Naturopathic doctors are stepping forward to meet this need. By diagnosing and treating patients using natural therapies, including herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and physical modalities, naturopathic practitioners are instrumental in promoting holistic health care.
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) degree is specifically designed to train students to become licensed naturopathic doctors, focusing on whole-person medicine. Students learn to evaluate and address a wide range of essential factors that influence a patient’s inherent healing capacity. The program covers all essential aspects of naturopathic medicine, including diagnosis, treatment modalities, patient care, and practice management.
If you are interested in naturopathic medicine, you will have to go to medical school and receive your Naturopathic Medicine Doctorate (NMD). Naturopathic doctors can work in a variety of settings, from running a private practice to working in a hospital, after passing the two-part Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).
Naturopathic Researcher
Naturopathic researchers conduct scientific studies and clinical trials to explore the efficacy and safety of natural remedies and treatment modalities. Those who pursue this career in naturopathic medicine will design research studies, conduct experiments and data collection, collaborate with other researchers, and gather data documentation. Naturopathic research has received legitimacy over the years, strengthening health research.
If this job in naturopathy sounds interesting to you, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a medically related field such as chemistry or biology. A naturopathic researcher can work in a laboratory or conduct independent research. However, a bachelor’s degree is only a minimum requirement to enter this career path. An NMD may provide opportunities to expand your career and achieve greater success in this field.
Naturopathic Nutritionist
These jobs in naturopathic medicine specialize in using food as medicine, providing nutritional assessments, developing customized dietary plans, and offering guidance on nutrients that support optimal health. Naturopathic nutritionists cross-reference their patients and their diets. For specific groups such as nursing mothers, pregnant women, and athletes, naturopathic nutritionists can create a major impact in their patient’s lives by tailoring nutrition plans to meet their unique needs for physical performance and overall well-being.
Nutrition is a core component of naturopathic medicine. Individuals wanting to pursue a career in naturopathic nutrition should learn about the therapeutic uses of food and develop expertise in nutritional assessments, dietary planning, and personalized recommendations.
A naturopathic nutritionist requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but a more advanced degree such as an NMD is highly encouraged if you want to further your career as a nutritionist and achieve more success. Like other naturopathic medicine jobs, a nutritionist can work in a variety of settings, such as a clinic, as an independent consultant, or even in a nursing home.
Looking to Pursue a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree?
The demand for naturopathic professionals will continue to rise as long as more people recognize the benefits of holistic and integrative health approaches. Earning a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree puts you at the forefront of a shift toward patient-centered care that values prevention, personalized treatment plans, and collaborative health strategies. At UWS, we craft our program to arm you with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to excel in this important and growing field.
Visit our website to learn more about making a real difference in people’s lives.
Secure your place in the future of health care. Apply today.