What Is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician?
A licensed naturopathic physician (ND) is a healthcare professional who has completed an accredited,doctoral-level naturopathic medical education and has met the examination and licensing requirements ofthe state or jurisdiction in which they practice.
The Education Behind the ND Degree
Becoming a licensed naturopathic physician requires graduation from a four-year, in-residence naturopathic medical program accredited or pre-accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).
The curriculum includes graduate-level biomedical sciences and clinical training. Students study subjects such as:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Physical & Clinical Diagnosis
- Laboratory Diagnosis
- Nutrition
- Botanical Medicine
Naturopathic Therapeutics
Education also includes supervised clinical training with patients, where students learn to evaluate health concerns, develop differential diagnoses, interpret laboratory findings, and formulate treatment plans.
National Licensing Examinations
Education alone does not make someone a licensed naturopathic physician. Graduates seeking licensure must meet examination requirements that generally include passing the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).
The NPLEX examination process includes:
- Part I — Biomedical Science Examination Evaluates the biomedical science foundation necessary for clinical training and practice.
- Part II — Core Clinical Science Examination Evaluates clinical knowledge and the application of that knowledge to patient care.
Depending upon the jurisdiction and scope of practice, additional examinations or requirements may also apply.
State Licensure
After completing an accredited naturopathic medical program and the required licensing examinations, the physician must meet the requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which they intend to practice.
Licensure provides professional oversight and establishes educational and competency standards designed to protect patients.
Requirements and the legal scope of naturopathic practice vary from state to state.
Why the Distinction Matters
The terms “naturopath” and “naturopathic doctor” can be confusing to the public.
Not everyone offering natural or holistic healthcare has completed an accredited four-year naturopathic medical program, supervised clinical education, national board examinations, and state licensing requirements.
When choosing a naturopathic practitioner, it is reasonable to ask:
- Did you graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school?
- Did you pass the NPLEX licensing examinations?
- Are you licensed as a naturopathic physician in this state?
At Naturopathic Health Center LLC, our doctors are licensed naturopathic physicians who have completed the professional education, clinical training, examinations, and licensing requirements necessary to practice naturopathic medicine.