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How Can I Become a Naturopathic Doctor in 2024? Schools, Programs, Salary & Cost

Do you know you can help people gain their wellness by just using their natural ability? It is very easy! Take up a career in Naturopathy.

There is joy in becoming a Naturopathic physician because it is a very lucrative profession that comes with a great reward.

This article will give you mind-blowing tips on how to become a licensed Naturopathic doctor or physician, the various Naturopathic medical school programs, and cost.

You will learn about the amazing career parts of Naturopathic medicine. The first section describes Naturopathic medicine and the roles of licensed Naturopathic doctors. the salary educational and training requirements.

Correspondingly, the second section summarizes the various institutions that offer programs in Naturopathic medicine, their locations, fees, accredited programs available, acceptance and graduation rates.

The third section examines the Job prospects and salary of Naturopathic physicians. read through to get the best out of this publication.

Table of contents

Who is Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathy is a system in medicine that uses natural or traditional remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies such as yoga, meditation,  massage, diet, herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.

A naturopathic doctor is a trained primary care physician who identifies the causes of illnesses and uses the body’s natural ability, including herbs, exercise, meditation, massage, hydrotherapy, and nutrition, to bring about wellness and balance.

A brief history of Naturopathy

So many years ago, new intellectual movements, spiritual philosophies, and medical practices came into the United States. Various healthcare methods, including homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and naturopathy, were founded during this era and gained popularity in the United States.

Other new philosophies like yoga, were more spiritually oriented and helped propagate the idea that the primary source of physical health is one’s mental and spiritual state.

In the early 1800s, Naturopathy was brought to the United States from Germany, but some of its treatments are centuries-old and today, it combines traditional treatments with modern science.

What are the Easy Steps to Becoming a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor?

Healthcare can be a very lucrative and rewarding career; Naturopathy is no exception. it combines elements of traditional medical techniques with alternative therapeutic practices. Below is the step by step guide on how to become a licensed Naturopathic Physician.

Enroll in a Naturopathic Medical School

When choosing a naturopathic medical school, it is important to consider the cost, location and choose the accredited programs. Attending a school that is not accredited may decrease your marketability and job prospects.

The core curriculum of naturopathic medical school begins with a foundation in traditional medical subjects, such as physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology.

Basically, this clinical training is often pursued in the specialty area of naturopathic medicine that the student would like to ultimately practice, supervised by licensed NDs who themselves have completed the requisite specialty training.

Obtain a Licensure

In other to obtain licensure, you have to first complete a 4-year naturopathic degree program, pass the NPLEX and enroll in the postgraduate residency program.
During the residency practice, you work directly with patients under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor and gain experience in a clinical setting.

Although there are no universal licensing requirements or processes, you will need to meet specific requirements and standards for your location.
In addition, obtaining licensure will enable you to open your own practice ones you have gain experience.

Accredited Schools for Naturopathic Programs

To get the best of this career path, you should aim to become a licensed naturopathic doctor. first of all, you must graduate from a four-year, professional-level program at a naturopathic medical school.

Upon graduation, you must take the NPLEX exams to be eligible for licensure. Below is the list of schools approved for naturopathic medicine, their programs and cost. All of the naturopathic medicinal programs for the listed schools have been accredited by the CNME.

National University of Natural Medicine

TutionAcceptance rate
21,141 USD 82%

The National University of Natural Medicine is a private university of naturopathic medicine located in Portland, Oregon. The school was founded in 1956, the estimated number of student is ‎575.

Basically, NUNM combines primary care with the foundation of evidence-informed natural medicine. They also focus on experiential education and the students benefit from a preceptorship program, simulation labs, diverse clinical experiences, internships, and research.

In addition, the NUNM offers the following programs:

  • Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
  • Oriental Medicine (MSOM)
  • Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR)
  • Nutrition (MScN)
  • Global Health (MScGH)
  • Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences (BSiHS)
  • Master of Arts in Community Organizing and Social Activism
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
  • Accelerated BScN to MScN
  • Master of Arts in International Development and Service

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Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

TutionAcceptance rate
$21,990 CAD 73%

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is a private non-profit institution located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The school was established in 1978 and the estimated number of students is 550.

CCNM offers research in Naturopathic medicine, creative ideas, new research and new approaches to health care. Also, the school program is broadly composed of three main areas of study: the biomedical sciences, the clinical sciences, and the art and practice of naturopathic medicine.

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National University of Health Sciences

TutionGraduation rate
$13,987 78%

National University of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit educational and research institution located in Lombard. The school was founded in 1906 and fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education of the American Chiropractic Association.

NUH is recognized as a Candidate for accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and was accredited by North Central 

Also, the school offers degrees in chiropractic, naturopathic, oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and biomedical science. The programs offered are listed below.

In addition, the schools offer varieties of medical programs listed below

  • Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
  • Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
  • Master of Science in Acupuncture
  • Associate of Applied Science Massage Therapy

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Bastyr University

TutionGraduation rate
$26,743 76%

Bastyr University was founded in 1978. The school is an alternative medicine university with campuses at Seattle, Washington and San Diego, California.

Basically, BU offers an accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program that enables students to receive clinical training in Seattle at the largest natural health clinic in the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and at external clinics on the two campuses respectively. Also, the School offers Bachelor and Masters of Science in major courses degrees listed below.

Undergraduate programs are:

  • Nutrition and Culinary Arts
  • Herbal Sciences
  • Integrated Human Biology
  • Nutrition (with optional Didactic Program in Dietetics)
  • Health Psychology
  • Nutrition and Exercise Science

Graduate Programs include:

  • Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • Midwifery
  • Nutrition (with optional Didactic Program in Dietetics)
  • Clinical Health Psychology
  • Nutrition for Wellness
  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
  • Master of Public Health

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Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine

TutionAcceptance rate
 $18,189 56%

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine is a medical school located in British Columbia.

BINM medical school is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and basically offers the basic sciences as one integrative course and courses are taught exclusively by licensed, practicing Naturopathic physicians.

Also, the school has over 20 clinical instructors and the ratio in clinical education ranges from four to eight students per supervising naturopathic doctor.

In addition, the school offers Traditional Asian Medicine as part of the curriculum. All naturopathic medicinal programs including the ones listed above have been accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education(CNME)

The school curriculum is listed below:

  • Physical medicine
  • Botanical medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Pathology
  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Laboratory Diagnosis
  • Clinical and laboratory diagnosis
  • Minor surgery
  • Lifestyle counseling
  • Acupuncture & Traditional Asian Medicine
  • Traditional Asian Medicine

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Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (SCNM)

TutionAcceptance rate
 $136,85080%

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine is a private not-for-profit naturopathic medical school in Tempe, Arizona, founded in 1993.

Basically, SCNM offers naturopathic therapies within the ND program, including acupuncture and injection therapies, they use very effective methods including early clinical experiences, team-based learning, and a body-systems approach for teaching the basic sciences.

Also, the school offers a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) which covers topics in nutrigenomics and microbiomics. The aim is to educate students in nutritional sciences, self-care, whole food nutrition, and the responsible use of dietary supplements.

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What is Naturopathic Doctor Salary and Career Outlook?

Apparently, the average annual income for an entry-level in this profession is $85,600 and the median annual salary is $73,960. Also, those with 4 to 10years of working experience earn $141,330 or more. In the BLS record, these figures may coincide with those of other healthcare professions, including chiropractors, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists.

Just like other medical practitioners, you can determine the growth of your income and built a solid career by your ability to build personal networking techniques and the use of social media platforms.

In addition, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of new jobs for both allopathic and osteopathic doctors is expected to increase by 22 percent between 2018-2024.

The rapid growth of the population and the increasing age of the existing population are expected to necessitate the need for increased numbers of health care providers.

Conclusion

Becoming a Licensed Naturopathic doctor can be very Lucrative and fulfilling. Just like other healthcare professions, your career path begins from high school. You have to focus on the selection of science-based courses including Biology and chemistry because they’ll provide the foundation you will require for advanced coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.

You will have to consider humanities too because they teach communication skills that you’ll need in your later practice and also focus on maintaining good academic scores and CGPA.

After graduation, your next step is a four-year bachelor of science degree. Carefully review the admissions requirements for the naturopathic colleges you’re interested in attending.

After completion of your bachelor program, you enroll in accredited naturopathic medical schools such as the ones listed in these publications.

Lastly, you will have to pass your NPLEX exams, obtain your licensure and also register with the required professional bodies for effective marketing and referral.

References

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