Naturopathic
Licensing & Regulation
Naturopathic Doctor
Licensing & Regulation
After completing naturopathic medical school at one of seven accredited campuses throughout the United States and Canada, graduates must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to qualify for licensure. Once licensed, NDs may be required to take additional exams and meet respective state/provincial conditions, including background checks and continuing education.
Naturopathic students attend four-year, in-residence medical schools, where they study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology.
What do licensure and regulation do?
- Protect patients by ensuring doctors have the necessary medical knowledge and clinical skills to provide safe and effective care
- Ensure providers meet continuing education standards
- Expand access to established and regulated care
- Formally recognize naturopathic doctors within a jurisdiction
- Open opportunities for inclusion in government-funded programs
- Support the healthcare community and foster interprofessional practice
Which states provide naturopathic licensing?
Twenty-six U.S. jurisdictions offer naturopathic licensure or certification, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Canada, six provinces and one territory regulate naturopathic doctors. For more information on licensure, visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Which states allow naturopathic doctors to prescribe medication?
Although naturopathic doctors do not typically prescribe pharmaceutical drugs as a first line of treatment, prescription medication is sometimes necessary to help restore optimal health. As of 2022, more than half of states that license NDs allow for some degree of prescribing. Scope of practice and the type of medicines that can be prescribed varies by state. Always discuss questions about specific medications with your provider.
How do naturopathic doctors work as primary care providers?
Naturopathic doctors are officially recognized as primary care providers in several states. As a primary care provider, an ND serves as the first point of contact for you and your family within the healthcare system, guiding your care and promoting overall health and wellness.
Do naturopathic doctors accept Medicaid or Medicare?
Because Medicaid coverage is governed at the state level, states must determine whether naturopathic services are covered by Medicaid. As of 2022, six states covered Medicaid for NDs.
Medicare, governed at the federal level, currently does not recognize naturopathic doctors as an eligible provider type. Medicare inclusion is a primary goal of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. If you would like to support this effort, we encourage you to speak up!
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a naturopath?
Naturopathic students complete a minimum of 4,100 hours of class and clinical training at accredited medical schools. Educational programs incorporate the latest advances in science and natural approaches to illness prevention and management.
More than 1,200 hours of hands-on, supervised clinical training are required before a naturopathic student can become a doctor or physician. Once in practice, licensed NDs can order blood tests, X–rays, and MRIs, and, in some states, prescribe medicine and perform minor surgeries and in-office procedures. NDs carry malpractice insurance and are required to complete continuing education courses.
The terms naturopath and naturopathic doctor are often used interchangeably by healthcare professionals, the media, and the public. However, they refer to different levels of training and qualifications. Licensed naturopathic doctors complete accredited medical education, while unlicensed or unlicensable naturopaths may have varying levels of training, sometimes from online or correspondence programs that are not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. As a result, these individuals are not eligible to take the NPLEX licensing exam or obtain licensure in any regulated jurisdiction in North America.
Understanding the distinction between licensed NDs and unlicensed naturopaths is essential for making informed healthcare decisions and choosing the provider best suited to your needs.
