Online Naturopathic Medicine Degrees

<p>You cannot earn a degree in naturopathic medicine online. According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC), online programs do not provide you with the adequate training necessary to become a naturopathic doctor (<i>www.aanmc.org</i>). For this reason, AANMC does not accredit any online naturopathic medicine schools. If you choose to study in an online program, you will not be eligible to sit for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX), which means you cannot become a licensed physician. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Degrees</b></td><td> The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) does not accredit online naturopathic medicine programs; to achieve licensure, an on-campus program must be completed</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Information</b></td><td> Common courses include human anatomy, biochemistry, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, therapeutic massage</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Many programs require the prior completion of courses in chemistry, psychology, math, physics</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Prospects</b></td><td> Opportunities to work in clinic or private practice, lab work, further study, as research scientist or teacher.</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $82,420 (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 0% (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3> <p>To earn a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) degree, you need to study for four to six years in a campus-based program. Your initial coursework covers foundational topics in human anatomy, biochemistry, and other subjects designed to strengthen your understanding of the human body and its basic functions. You also study the many diseases and ailments that you may encounter in your practice; these range from the ordinary, such as the common cold, to the potentially life-threatening, such as cancer. </p> <p>Further courses develop your understanding of the many forms of naturopathic medicine, including homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine and therapeutic massage. You learn the principles behind naturopathic medicine's many techniques and the ways in which they can be effectively used with patients. Most programs include extensive clinical observation time, during which you observe licensed naturopathic physicians. Over time, you begin to offer diagnoses and potential treatment plans to patients, always while working under close supervision. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatPrerequisitesWillINeed">What Prerequisites Will I Need?</h3> <p>You need to complete significant coursework as a prerequisite for admission into a N.D. program. Most programs require you to have completed multiple college-level courses in chemistry and biology. Additional courses may include physics, psychology and mathematics. Due to the demands of working in naturopathic medicine, you may also be required to demonstrate your overall mental, emotional and physical preparedness. This includes proving your skills in observation, communication and critical thinking. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3> <p>Upon completing your degree and passing the NPLEX, you can pursue many different careers. Opportunities are available to work as a naturopathic physician at a clinic or a private practice facility. If your passion is in advancing the field through lab work and further study, you can become a research scientist in natural medicine. You may also advance the field as an educator, policy advocate or writer.</p>