Explore the rewarding world of naturopathic medicine with the University of Western States (UWS), where you can start your transformative journey towards becoming a naturopathic doctor (NMD). Learn more about the core of naturopathic medicine, steps to licensure, and training opportunities available at UWS, designed to prepare you for a fulfilling career in holistic health care.
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care practiced by naturopathic doctors (NMDs) to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. This approach to health care emphasizes patient education and self-care and uses natural medicines and therapies to support and stimulate an individual’s self-healing process. Naturopathic medicine is rooted in many healing traditions, including herbal therapy, nutrition, hydrotherapy and others. The naturopathic approach to healing is more than 100 years old and has recently experienced a resurgence as an increasingly health-conscious public utilizes natural therapies as a complement or alternative to more conventional approaches to medicine.
As the field has evolved, practitioners have incorporated evidence-informed approaches into diagnosis and treatment, while continuing to focus on the individual. Opportunities for licensure and scope of practice vary by jurisdiction. Many states, such as Oregon, offer broad scopes of practice affording NMDs status as primary care physicians and reimbursement opportunities with insurance companies and Medicaid. While many naturopathic doctors are trained in primary care, like conventional medical doctors (MDs), some choose to specialize or focus their practices.
Why become an NMD?
Naturopathic medicine applies an individualized, whole-person approach to health. Naturopathic physicians are trained to practice primary care medicine with an emphasis on conservative interventions and procedures that work with the body’s inherent healing capacity.
The American Association for Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of between 21,100 and 55,200 primary care physicians by 2032. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of persons over age 65 will increase by 48% by 2032, driving the demand for primary care. In addition, at the population ages, census data indicates that 1/3 of all currently active doctors will be ready to retire or close to retirement.
Because doctors of naturopathic medicine are trained as primary care physicians and have established primary care designation in a number of jurisdictions, the need for conservative, whole-person primary care services will continue to rise.
How Many Naturopathic Doctors Are in the U.S.?
According to the Institute of Natural Medicine, approximately 6,000 licensed naturopathic doctors are practicing in the U.S. This number reflects the growing acceptance and integration of naturopathic medicine within the broader health care system, with 23 states and territories offering licensure for naturopathic doctors. The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges projects the demand for naturopathic physicians to grow by an estimated 10% annually, highlighting the field’s expanding role in meeting the nation’s health care needs.
How to Become a Naturopathic Doctor
Pursuing a career as a naturopathic doctor (NMD) involves a dedication to understanding the body’s natural healing capacities and a commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.
Naturopathic Doctor Training:
To become a naturopathic doctor, you must undergo rigorous training that encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This begins with completing a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field, which lays the groundwork for advanced study in naturopathic medicine.
Following undergraduate education, aspiring NMDs must enroll in a four-year, graduate-level program at a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers basic sciences, naturopathic therapies, diagnostics, and clinical skills. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, working under the supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians.
Additionally, many naturopathic doctors choose to complete residencies or further training in specific areas of interest, although this is not always a requirement for licensure.
Education Requirements for Naturopathic Doctors:
The core educational requirements include:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical undergraduate education.
- Complete more than 1,200 hours of clinical training.
Naturopathic Doctor Licensure
While the process for obtaining licensure in each state and province is different, the majority of states that offer licensure typically follow this pattern:
- Pass Part I: Biomedical Science Examination, which may be taken after completing the basic science course identified by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE);
- Pass Part II: Core Clinical Science Examination, taken after graduating from the program;
- Pass Clinical Elective Examinations (there are three Clinical Elective Examinations that are required by some jurisdictions), taken after graduating from the program;
- Pass the Jurisprudence exam for the state/province in which you are applying to work;
- Apply to the state/province;
- Maintain the state/province-mandated continuing education requirements
More detailed information about applying for licensure/registration is available through the licensing organization for each state/province. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) provides information about U.S. states regulating the practice of naturopathic medicine and contact information for the regulatory authorities. Another resource for individual jurisdictions’ requirements is the Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities (FNMRA). The FNMRA provides a central location for all regulatory authority information including laws, CE requirements, licensing requirements and scope of practice.
Why Get an NMD degree from UWS?
Choosing the University of Western States for your naturopathic doctor training offers opportunities to learn from and work alongside leading professionals in the field. At UWS, you will:
- Study under licensed naturopathic physicians to receive more than 4,100 hours of training.
- Develop clinical skills with patients, under the supervision of experienced, licensed physicians (more than 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical training).
- Prepare academically to take the national licensing exams.
- Prepare academically to take the state jurisprudence licensing exams.
- Participate in naturopathic medicine specialty organizations.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Institute for Natural Medicine white paper
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Institute for Natural Medicine released a white paper titled, Naturopathic Physicians as Whole Health Specialists, in 2022. “This white paper provides supporting evidence for the profession’s significant and unique contributions to preventative, whole-person care and models of integrative clinical practice.” Read “Naturopathic Physicians as Whole Health Specialists” for more information.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program Accreditation
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), on April 6, 2023, approved the Eligibility Application submitted by University of Western States for the doctor of naturopathic medicine degree program. The Council’s acceptance of the application means that the program is authorized to proceed with its candidacy self-study process and to schedule an on-site evaluation. However, the acceptance of the application does not assure eventual candidacy or accreditation or mean that the program is formally recognized by the Council. For more information, contact the CNME using the contact form on its website (www.cnme.org) or call 413-528-8877 or at PO Box 178, Great Barrington, MA 01230.