To obtain a naturopathic medical credential (ND) that qualifies the recipient to sit for licensing examination – students must have the following:
Prerequisites including three years of pre-medical sciences at a University with a cumulative grade point average (3.00) on a four-point scale. Prerequisite courses: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, english, psychology and humanities.
Successfully complete a 4-year, in-house, post-baccalaureate, graduate degree program in an accredited medical school program that includes more than 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
The accreditation standards for the education of NDs, MDs, and DOs are all examined under the same microscope by the U.S. Department of Education, and all three accreditors operate in accordance with the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors guidelines for effective practice. The standards that naturopathic medical programs must meet are equivalent in rigor to those of MD and DO medical programs.
Pass the NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations) board exams that are written after the 2nd year (Part I – Biomedical Science Examination) and 4th year (Part II – Clinical Science Examinations) of study. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all licensing jurisdictions for Naturopathic doctors in North America and is directed by the NABNE (North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners).
Meet the Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits as required by the state regulatory boards on an ongoing basis.
Naturopathic Doctors undergo training similar to medical doctors in addition to training in naturopathic disciplines. The four areas of training in the 4- year, full-time Naturopathic Medicine curriculum are: (Click Here For Complete Curriculum)
Basic Sciences:
This area of study incorporate anatomy, human physiology, histology, embryology, macro & microbiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology and human pathology.
Clinical Disciplines:
This area of study includes gastroenterology, pediatrics, endocrinology, gynecology, emergency medicine rheumatology, radiology, naturopathic assessment and orthopedics.
Naturopathic Disciplines:
There are six major disciplines that define the areas of naturopathic practice. Each discipline is a distinct area of practice and includes principles of practices as well as therapeutic skills and techniques. They include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulation and lifestyle counseling.
Clinical Experience:
All students must complete 1,500 hours of clinical requirements, have 700 patient contacts, and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.