Become a Naturopathic Doctor
A doctor of naturopathy combines elements of traditional medical (allopathic) practice with alternative diagnostic and healing techniques such as acupuncture. Naturopathy treats symptoms from headache to menopausal conditions to digestive disorders. Become a naturopathic doctor in much the same way as you would pursue a conventional medical degree.
Instructions
Pursue Your Pre-Med Education
1. Attend an accredited 4-year university that offers a pre-medical track in biology, chemistry or psychology and confers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Most graduate schools will require a 2.5 grade point average.
2. Add to bachelor of arts training by taking additional science courses that satisfy prerequisites at the naturopathic colleges. You can enter medical school without having to earn a full B.S. degree.
Get Your Medical Degree
3. Find out what naturopathic practice entails. Talk to licensed physicians. Schedule an office visit for a health check and see for yourself what the doctor-patient relationship is all about. Learn more about deciding to become a naturopath at ScienceCareers.org (see Resources below).
4. Research colleges of naturopathic medicine. Expect a rigorous 4-year graduate program. The first 2 years focus on basic health sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, botany and developmental psychology. The remainder of the program offers more specialized study of natural medicine, including nutrition and homeopathy, as well as practical internships.
Tips Warnings
You'll find accredited graduate schools of naturopathy in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Connecticut and in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, ONLY. Tuition is expensive, similar to regular medical programs.
If you want to become a doctor and practice in the U.S., you will likely end up working in one of the 15 states that license naturopathic doctors: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington or Washington, D.C.
A degree from a non-accredited college will not qualify you to practice as a primary care provider.
An online or distance learning program is not recommended by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education as preparation for health care practice.
Some types of symptoms that should be immediately addressed with an M.D. consultation or emergency room visit include excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing or sudden loss of consciousness.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
Tags: become, naturopathic, doctor, about alternative, alternative medical, alternative medical technique, Become Naturopathic, care provider, graduate schools, health care, medical technique, Naturopathic Doctor
Related Posts:
Become A Maternity Nurse
Become a Maternity NurseMaternity nurses care for and educate women and families expecting a baby. When a woman goes into labor, a nurse checks her vital signs, determines how far along she is in...
Become A Vet Tech In Rhode Island
Veterinary technicians are animal health care professionals who assist veterinarians. Vet techs are similar to human nurses. They work under the supervision of the veterinarian performing duties f...
Become A Nurse Esthetician
A nurse esthetician is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced training and knowledge about the skincare industry. Nurse estheticians are authorized to perform advanced skin treatments such as mi...
Become An Egg Donor In Kentucky
Egg donation is an involved process with some prerequisites.One way to continue the circle of life is to become an egg donor. There are clinics in Kentucky that will pay for the right to harvest a...
Become A Drop Shipper
Become a Drop ShipperDrop shipping is an effective business tool used by sellers on auction sites. The way that drop shipping works is that the seller will take a requested order and pay a wholesa...
