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Naturopathic Doctor (ND) FAQ
Most of the health care professionals in the Infection Care Network™ are Naturopathic Doctors, or NDs. NDs commonly have experience using many of the same natural methods and principles described in the book C. diff. Treatments & Remedies. This page will help you to better understand Naturopathic Medicine and answer the most common questions about NDs.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
What are the professional standards for an ND?
What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
Naturopathic physicians use natural methods combined with modern science. Naturopathic medicine focuses on natural, holistic and preventative measures, working with the bodies inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal balance, wellness and health.
Naturopathic doctors work in private practice, clinics and hospitals. NDs practice in the United States and Canada and undergo rigorous training before becoming licensed health-care providers. NDs provide individual and family health care and can treat all medical conditions. NDs can also perform minor surgeries. While NDs are trained in prescription drugs, they focus on using natural methods if at all possible.
What are the professional standards for an ND?
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) receive a Naturopathic Medicine degree from an accredited four-year program prior to sitting for examination in states and provinces that license NDs. Naturopathic colleges are graduate level, four-year medical schools with admissions requirements similar to other medical schools. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (ND) is given to graduating NDs after completing classroom and hands-on clinical rotations.
The national organization of the ND profession is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (Washington, DC). There are four accredited naturopathic medical schools in the United States., plus one in Canada:
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Bastyr University
- National College of Naturopathic Medicine
- University of Bridgeport College of Natural Medicine
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in states that license NDs. States that license NDs have an association of Naturopathic Doctors in the state. In these states, NDs must graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school and pass postdoctoral board examinations (NPLEX) to receive a license. Licensed NDs must undertake continuing education requirements annually as mandated by the state.
In states that do not license NDs, naturopathic medicine is not regulated. However, NDs licensed in another state may still practice in unregulated states. In unregulated states, people can use the title of "ND" without attending an accredited ND medical school. The title of ND may be awarded after completing only correspondence coursework in such states. When looking for an ND in an unregulated state, be sure to carefully examine their credentials to ensure they meet your personal needs and your desired requirements of education and licensure.
The following states, territories and district presently license naturopathic doctors: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands and Washington.
Disclaimer: Embrace Health, Inc. and Michelle Moore do not endorse any particular health care provider. You must satisfy for yourself the validity of the professional qualifications and standing of any health care provider you contact as a result of a listing in our Infection Care Network™ or any of our website or published materials and resources.
