An individual who wants to become a doctor of naturopathy will follow much the same path traditional doctors follow. They begin with college and then go on to medical school. The exception is that aspiring naturopathy doctors don’t attend traditional medical school. Instead, they attend graduate schools after college, typically studying for four additional years to prepare for this career.
A doctor of naturopathy generally combines some parts of traditional medicine with holistic methods of caring for patients. These doctors diagnose and treat patients, but do so with natural medicines and techniques. For example, they may use herbs and acupuncture regularly as well as a range of other natural treatments typically not used by traditional doctors.
The first step for someone who wants to become a doctor of naturopathy may be checking the laws in his region. These laws govern who may practice medicine and may even govern the practice of alternative medicine. In some places, doctors of naturopathy can be licensed while other jurisdictions do not require or permit licensing. Some jurisdictions may also have laws that place restrictions on when or how a naturopathy doctor can care for patients.
Once an individual knows the laws regarding practice as a naturopathic doctor, he can go on to seek the education he’ll need. Like the laws that govern practice, the educational requirements may vary from place to place. In most places, however, an individual will need a bachelor’s degree to enter a graduate program. It may be helpful to choose a premedical undergraduate program that includes sciences that will help the prospective doctor succeed in medical school, such as biology, chemistry, and psychology.
After undergraduate college, a person typically has to attend a college of naturopathic medicine to become a doctor of naturopathy. The programs offered might vary, but most require four years of study. The first couple of years usually focus on a foundation of health science study, including such subjects as anatomy, biology, and developmental psychology. The last two years are usually used to concentrate on natural medicine subjects, such as nutrition and hydrotherapy, which involves using water in treating conditions and diseases. The final years of schooling may also include internships.
A person will usually have to take a licensing exam to become a doctor of naturopathy. In some places, a doctor of naturopathy may be subject to peer review requirements as well. Background checks may also be a part of the licensing process.
