Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained and regulated at the state level to practice naturopathic medicine safely and effectively. However, it’s important to know that titles like “naturopathic doctor,” “naturopathic physician,” and “naturopath” are often used interchangeably, sometimes by individuals without the same level of training or licensure. Understanding the difference between licensed NDs and unlicensed practitioners can empower you to make informed, confident choices about your health care.
Scope of practice
Naturopathic doctors can order diagnostic tests such as blood tests, X–rays, MRIs, and, in some states, prescribe prescription drugs and hormones and perform minor surgery and office procedures. According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) 2015 survey of alumni, 50 percent of naturopathic doctors practicing full-time self-report as primary care physicians, while 28 percent report working as natural health specialists.
In addition, like conventional medical doctors (MDs), a growing number of naturopathic doctors choose to focus their practices in specialty areas. Specialty associations currently exist for endocrinology, environmental medicine, gastroenterology, intravenous therapies, pediatrics, primary care medicine, and oncology.
State-mandated regulatory bodies oversee standards of practice, complaints, and discipline for all licensed jurisdictions. Licensed naturopathic doctors carry malpractice insurance and maintain a commitment to lifelong learning through continuing education. These requirements are safeguards to ensure patients’ rights to quality naturopathic care.
Education and Oversight
Naturopathic medical students attend four-year, accredited, in-residence naturopathic medical schools, where they study biomedical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology. Their medical education incorporates the latest advances in science and natural approaches to illness prevention and management. Students complete a minimum of 4,100 hours of class and clinical training, including over 1,200 hours of hands-on, supervised clinical training.
The exam required to qualify for naturopathic doctor licensure is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners. The Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) is a two-part examination. Only students and graduates from accredited or candidate naturopathic programs are eligible to sit for the NPLEX.
In some states with laws regulating naturopathic doctors, the use of the term “naturopath” or “naturopathic physician” by anyone other than a licensed naturopathic doctor is prohibited. However, not all states regulate naturopathic doctors and not all states that do protect the term “naturopath.”
Unlicensed naturopaths can have varied levels of education and experience, often from a purely online or correspondence format. Such education is not overseen by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and does not qualify students to take the NPLEX examination or apply for licensure in any regulated jurisdiction in North America.
Special thanks to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) for contributing to this post.
