Naturopathic doctors (NDs) undergo a rigorous four-year residential training program at accredited naturopathic medical schools.
Their education covers the core biomedical sciences studied by MDs and DOs, but extends further into natural, non-toxic therapies focused on disease prevention and holistic well-being. The comprehensive naturopathic curriculum encompasses clinical nutrition, physical medicine modalities, homeopathy, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. After completing this extensive education, naturopathic doctors must pass demanding board examinations to obtain licensure for practicing as primary care physicians within their state or jurisdiction.
For more information on the core competencies of the graduating naturopathic medical student here: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC)
The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) plays a vital role in upholding the highest standards of education for the naturopathic medical profession. Established in 2001, its mission is to actively advance this field by supporting the academic efforts of accredited and recognized schools of naturopathic medicine. The AANMC member institutions meet rigorous regional and national academic standards for their accredited naturopathic medicine programs. These are the only Naturopathic Doctor (ND) degree programs recognized by the United States Department of Education, ensuring students receive a comprehensive and quality education that prepares them for success in this growing profession dedicated to natural and holistic healthcare.
- BASTYR University (Kenmore, WA and San Diego, CA)
- National University of Natural Medicine (Portland, OR)
- Sonoran University of Health Sciences (Tempe, AZ)
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, ON)
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus (New Westminister, BC)
- National University of Health Sciences (Lombard, IL)
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME)
Ensuring the highest standards in naturopathic medical education is the core mission of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). This accrediting body serves the public by voluntarily evaluating and recognizing naturopathic programs that meet or exceed its rigorous quality standards. Students and graduates of CNME-accredited or candidate programs are eligible to apply for the naturopathic licensing examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Successfully passing these exams allows naturopathic graduates to pursue state and provincial licensure in the United States and Canada. The CNME accreditation process plays a vital gatekeeping role, assuring that newly licensed naturopathic doctors possess the comprehensive knowledge and clinical training necessary to provide safe, effective natural medicine.
North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) and NPLEX
Graduates of approved naturopathic medical colleges must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to become licensed practitioners in any state, territory or province that regulates the naturopathic medical profession. The NPLEX exams serve as the standardized assessments required for naturopathic doctor licensure across North America. The North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) oversees this critical examination process, including approving qualified applicants to sit for the NPLEX and administering the exams themselves. Successful completion of the comprehensive NPLEX examinations ensures that licensed naturopathic physicians have demonstrated competency in all core areas of naturopathic medicine through their training and education. Passing scores on the NPLEX are a mandatory requirement for naturopathic medical licensure.