Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the body's innate healing ability. Through naturopathy traini...
Naturopathic Medicine Career
When they first meet with patients, naturopathic doctors (NDs) will spend significant time gathering information from patients on their health history, current conditions, genetic, environmental, spiritual and social makeup. Taking all of these health factors into consideration, the ND will devise a customized treatment strategy based on principles of naturopathy training.
Treatment plans might include homeopathic remedies, herbs, nutrition counseling and even psychological counseling to help clients overcome mental health issues preventing them from achieving wellness.
What You'll Study in Naturopathic Medicine School
Naturopathy training classes will vary slightly from school to school. In general, though, you can expect course work at naturopathic schools to include the following:
Naturopathic theory and philosophy
Anatomy and organ systems
Biochemistry
Research and statistics
Botanical Medicine
Therapeutic manipulation
Clinical nutrition
Homeopathy
Clinical practicum
Average Length of Study
Training at naturopathic schools involves four years of graduate-level study and requires that students hold at least a four-year bachelor's degree to apply. When you complete your naturopathy training, you will earn a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (ND) and will be eligible for state licensure.
Average Tuition
Tuition for naturopathy training is approximately $25,000 per year for full-time enrollment. Naturopathic schools typically offer financial aid, scholarships and other assistance to help students cover tuition costs.
Naturopathic Medicine Certification
Earning board certification as a naturopathic doctor demonstrates that you meet the highest levels of proficiency and competency in your profession. You can earn Doctor Licensure through the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE), which requires candidates to graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school and pass rigorous national board exams.
Approximately one-third of all states currently regulate naturopathic practice, and each year, more states are developing legislation that enables their ND's to become licensed.
Naturopathic Medicine Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), alternative medicine careers, including naturopathic medicine, can anticipate nearly a 42 percent increase in employment through 2018. The public's ever-increasing demand for preventive care that reduces the risks of contracting diseases or chronic illnesses is one of the main catalysts for the projected job growth in the alternative medicine profession.
Naturopathic Medicine Salary
Naturopathic doctors can earn between $43,000 and $102,000 a year, according to PayScale.com. Factors such as experience, location and employer type have the most impact on naturopathic salaries. Self-employed naturopathic doctors typically earn the highest salaries followed by those who work in private practice for a firm.
Here are some Naturopathy Pictures (click to view)
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