Traditional Naturopath vs. Licensed Naturopath

For a patient who is seeking care from a naturopathic doctor, it can be confusing to read titles like “traditional naturopath” and “naturopathic physician” without clarification about the medical professional’s qualifications, training, and licensing. Once a patient understands the differences, he or she is in a better position to select the type of care they are seeking.

Because our practice offers care from licensed naturopathic doctors, we’ll start with some details about NDs and NMDs. A licensed ND (naturopathic doctor) or NMD (naturopathic medical doctor) is a primary care physician who is trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illness. NDs and NMDs are the same thing; most states use ND, and some states use NMD. Licensed naturopathic doctors have completed a doctorate from 4-year naturopathic medical school program, including over 4,100 hours of instruction and 1,200 hours of supervised hands-on clinical training. They have a degree from a four-year, in-residence doctoral degree program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). In addition to the standard medical curriculum, NDs and NMDs naturopathic medical school includes training in botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, counseling, homeopathic medicine, and physical medicine. They may work in private or group practices, medical schools, and integrative oncology care, as well as some governmental organizations. 

In comparison, a traditional naturopath may serve as a wellness coach or a health consultant, but he or she may not diagnose or prescribe treatment. Typically, traditional naturopaths complete an online program, don’t participate in standardized, on-site clinical training, and they are not licensable. Their programs do not follow a standard curriculum, and the schools are not accredited by the CNME and therefore are not recognized by the US Department of Education.  Like NDs and NMDs, “traditional naturopaths” may study homeopathy and botanical medicine, so they may have some understanding in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Because they are ineligible for licensing, many “traditional naturopaths” choose to use their training for personal health maintenance or to assist family and friends on their health journeys. 

Standards bring with them certain capabilities and expectations. It is important to know the background and degree of training that went into the recommendations you are receiving.  While laws vary by state, a licensed naturopathic doctor can diagnose and prescribe and hence can provide codes that may qualify for some insurance coverage and ability to utilize health savings accounts and flex accounts.

The naturopathic doctors at Prairie Naturopathic Doctors have all graduated from an accredited 4-year naturopathic medical school and are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your health, your family’s health, and the type and degree of care you are seeking. Your best health is our ultimate goal. 

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