Naturopathic Medical Education

From Health Facts
Jump to: navigation, search
See Also Naturopathic Principles
See Also Naturopathic Theories and Practice
See Also Naturopathic Therapies

To obtain a naturopathic medical credential (ND) in North America the following naturopathic medical educational standards must be met:

  • Prerequisites including three years of pre-medical sciences at a University with a cumulative grade point average 3.00 on a four point scale. Prerequisites vary by naturopathic medical college but typically include: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory psychology and humanities.
  • Successfully graduate from a 4-year, full-time accredited naturopathic school
  • pass standardized exams after the 2nd and 4th year of study.
  • pass provincial or state regulatory requirements
  • meet the continuing medical education requirements of their provincial or state regulatory boards

Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges

Areas of Training

Naturopathic Doctors undergo training similar to medical doctors plus they include the naturopathic disciplines. The four areas of training in the four year, full-time Naturopathic Medicine curriculum includes:

  1. Naturopathic Foundations including naturopathic history, philosophy, principles and theories.
  2. Medical Knowledge including Basic Sciences This area of study includes anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology and pathology and Clinical Disciplines Diagnostic medicine areas of study are physical and clinical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, radiology, naturopathic assessment and orthopaedics. Clinical Experience All students must complete 1,500 hours of clinical requirements and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.
  3. Naturopathic Therapies There are six major disciplines that define the areas of naturopathic practice. Each discipline is a distinct area of practice and includes both diagnostic principles and practices as well as therapeutic skills and techniques.
  4. Business ethics and practices.