Doctoral Degree Program in Naturopathic Medicine
There are different approaches to medicine, and one of them involves a doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine. This article explores the class topics and credentials that come out of a doctoral program.
What Is a Naturopathic Medicine Doctoral Degree Program?
Naturopathic healers approach health issues in an integrated manner. They prevent and heal disease by treating the person as a whole and by using natural therapies. Some topics you will cover in a degree program in the field include conventional medicine practices, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Level</b></td><td>Doctoral</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree; prerequisite courses such as chemistry, biology, psychology and physics may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Class Subjects</b></td><td>Nutrition, environmental medicine, homeopathy, counseling</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensing</b></td><td>An exam administered by the NABNE board is required for licensure</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Work Environments</b></td><td> Private practice, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, group facilities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td>$63,646* (<i>for naturopathic doctor</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>4%** (<i>for physicians, all other</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirements">What Are the Admission Requirements?</h3><p>In order to apply for a doctoral degree program in naturopathic medicine, you will need to have a bachelor's degree. Generally, no specific undergraduate program is required. Some schools may require you to have completed certain prerequisites at the undergraduate level, such as chemistry, biology, psychology and physics courses. If you have not taken all of the prerequisite courses prior to applying, you should be able to take them before beginning your degree program.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyClassesBeLike">What Will My Classes Be Like?</h3><p>Naturopathic doctoral degree programs generally require a minimum of four years of study. Each year will build on the previous as you get deeper into the theory, principles and practice of naturopathic medicine. At some point after graduating, you will probably have to participate in a residency program in which you work and learn alongside a naturopathic medical professional. Your coursework will include a broad range of information necessary to practicing naturopathic medicine and could include classes like:
</p><ul><li>Nutrition
</li><li>Counseling skills
</li><li>Environmental medicine
</li><li>Homeopathy
</li><li>Macro and micronutrients
</li></ul><p>Doctoral degree programs in naturopathic medicine are very hands-on in nature and, for this reason, online programs are not generally offered.
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereRequirementsToPractice">Are There Requirements To Practice?</h3><p>In order to become a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) you will need to take an exam offered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). To take the main exam you must have graduated from or be enrolled in an approved academic program. Upon completing part one of the exam, there are three additional exams you may take in certain specializations, each with its own unique requirements.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCareerOpportunities">What Are the Career Opportunities?</h3><p>With growing interest in natural therapies and practices, you should be able to find a wealth of employment opportunities open to you. You may start a private practice, work in a hospital, nonprofit organization or other group facility or work in the public health industry.</p>