To become a licensed naturopathic physician, student must attend a four year graduate level naturopathic school and must be educated in similar sciences of that of a medical doctor. In addition, naturopathic school students will study about holistic and noninvasive health approaches to disease prevention, and wellness optimization.
Naturopathic school students will usually attain a standard medical curriculum as well as four additional years of training in various natural healing modalities including acupuncture, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, counseling, homeopathy and even psychology.
In addition to physically attending naturopathic schools, students may also opt to enroll in online educational programs that may offer training for various health certifications. Currently, there are a few accredited naturopathic schools that offer diversified educational programs that include clinical training, degree and non-degree programs.
For individuals wishing to simply learn about naturopathy, a non-degree program may be an option. Curriculum pertaining to non-degree programs may include an overview of medicinal plants, introduction to homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and theories in relation to naturopathic medicine.
Students, who are seriously thinking about achieving a degree in naturopathic medicine, may opt to enroll in a degree program at a naturopathic school. Degree programs may include, but are not limited to a curriculum involving a four year, in-depth course in with comprehensive education and training in natural therapies and preventive medicine. Naturopathic school students who complete these degree programs successfully are often awarded a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and go on to becoming primary care physicians with an emphasis on natural and preventive medicine.
