There are different types of Naturopaths (NDs).

Some, in unregulated areas, are self-appointed or earn their degrees through mail order schools. 

The North American Naturopathic profession is a physician level Naturopathic Doctor (ND) with clinical training and experience that allows them to work in conventional medical settings using standard diagnostics and prescriptions. NDs are licensed to practice at this level in 22 states and provinces.

3 Types of Physicians

There are differences between ND physicians and the other 2 types: Medical Doctors, (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathy, (DOs) who practice in the US and Canada.

1. NDs don’t do Major Surgery Rotations. We do practice minor surgery, including foreign body removal, sutures, etc.
2. NDs are trained in approaches that the naturopathic profession considers vital to proper administration of primary care:
   1. Nutrition, classwork and clinical training a few credits short of a Clinical Nutritionist degree, but including coursework that Clinical Nutritionists do not receive, such as nutrient therapy,
   2. Coursework and clinical experience in counseling,
   3. Coursework and clinical experience in physical medicine, which includes modalities similar to physical therapy, personal training, and chiropractic, and
   4. Coursework and clinical experience in using botanical medicine, the science-based version of herbal medicine

ND Education and Accreditation

ND training is determined by several organizations:

• Council on Naturopathic Medical Education: Accrediting naturopathic doctoral programs in the U.S. and Canada
• Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities: The FMNRA’s mission is to protect the public by connecting regulatory authorities and promoting standards of excellence in the regulation of naturopathic medicine in North America.
• North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners: Qualification Testing Ensuring the Professional Qualifications of NDs

ND education is administered by a network of accredited schools which teach according to the standards set by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.

• Association of accredited NM Colleges
• Naturopathic medical student Association

Legislative Regulation and Licensing


The ND profession is occasionally opposed by state medical associations who ignore our training and safety record in these states and work to promote the financial interests of their members instead of the health of the residents of their state.

ND state organizations work toward licensure in each jurisdiction:

• Regulated States and Regulatory Authorities
• Regulated States and Authorities

Professional Associations and Organizations


NDs also have a number of organizations that support the profession

• Institute for Natural Medicine
• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
• Natural Medicines Journal: Scientifically valid, clinically relevant information within the peer-reviewed monthly Journal and online resources.
• WORLD NATUROPATHIC FEDERATION: The World Naturopathic Federation (WNF) represent naturopathic organisations from around the world