Everything you need to know about naturopathic doctors, education, credentials, insurance coverage, and more.

1. What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

A naturopathic doctor is a licensed healthcare provider who attends a 4‑year doctoral naturopathic medical school, trained in both conventional medical sciences and natural, holistic therapies (nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle counseling, etc.), focuses on prevention, treating the whole person, and aiming to support the body’s ability to heal itself. Source

2. Are Naturopathic Doctors Real Doctors?

Licensed naturopathic doctors (often with the title “ND” or “NMD”) complete a 4‑year, in‑residence doctoral program in naturopathic medicine, accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). CNME was established in 1978 to ensure the high quality of naturopathic medical education in Canada and the U.S.The programs include basic medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, etc.) as well as “natural” or complementary therapies, plus clinical training.

Yes, they are doctors (they hold a doctoral degree, have undergone accredited training, and in licensed jurisdictions are regulated). To verify if your naturopathic doctor graduated with a doctoral degree from an accredited program, see the colleges below that are CNME approved. Source

3. Are Naturopathic Doctors MD’s?

Though not medical doctors (MD) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO). Their scope is different and new to the medical field now recognized as an (ND). Source

4. Are Naturopathic Doctors Covered By Insurance?

It varies by state. Six states cover naturopathic doctors under Medicaid as of 2022. Some insurance policies in some states may cover naturopathic services, others may not. It depends heavily on state law and the insurer. Source.

5. Are Naturopathic Doctors Licensed? If So What States?

Currently, 26 jurisdictions (23 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have licensing or registration laws for naturopathic doctors (NDs/NMDs). In these jurisdictions, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from accredited four-year residential naturopathic medical programs and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license or registration. Source

6. Can Naturopathic Doctors Prescribe Medication and or Antibiotics?

Several states permit NDs to prescribe limited controlled substances (typically Schedules III-V, which have a lower potential for abuse). These states include:

• Arizona

• California

• New Hampshire

• New Mexico

• Oregon

• Utah

• Vermont

• Washington

In California, NDs can prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances, but often require MD or DO supervision and a valid DEA number. Other states, such as Hawaii and Montana, allow NDs to prescribe legend drugs based on a specific naturopathic formulary. Some jurisdictions, like Kansas and Maine, require NDs to enter a collaborative agreement with a licensed allopathic or osteopathic physician to prescribe legend drugs.

States Where Naturopathic Doctors have Limited or No Prescribing Authority include:

• Alaska

• Connecticut

• Florida

• South Carolina

• Tennesse

Source

7. How To Become a Naturopathic Doctor?

Step 1: Complete a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent prerequisites) with required science coursework (biology, chemistry, etc.) Source

Step 2: Get accepted into a CNME‑accredited naturopathic medical college (4‑year, in‑residence). Source

Step 3: Study biomedical sciences, natural therapies, diagnostics, etc. Clinical training including supervised patient work is required. Source

Step 4: Pass the licensing board exam, called NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners or equivalent. Source

Step 5: Complete a postgraduate residency in states that require residency (few do). In most states, residencies are optional but recommended for advanced clinical training. Source

8. How Many Naturopathic Medical Schools Are There in the U.S.?

There are five accredited schools approved by CNME. Source

• Bastyr University - Kenmore, WA

• Bastyr University - San Diego, CA

• National University of Health Sciences - Lombard, IL

• National University of Natural Medicine - Portland, OR

• Sonoran Unvirsity of Health Sciences - Tempe, AZ

9. Which US Department of Education Regional Accrediting Agencies Accredit Schools with Naturopathic Medicine Degree Programs in the USA?

The US Department of Education regional accrediting agencies that accredit schools with naturopathic medicine degree programs in the USA are:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

Source

10. Where Do Naturopathic Doctors Work?

A common misconception is that naturopathic doctors (NDs) are opposed to mainstream or allopathic medicine. In reality, many NDs work alongside a wide range of healthcare professionals in both clinical and integrative settings, offering patients a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to care.

• City of Hope in (CA, AZ, IL, GA) has employed or works with NDs.

• Manchester Hospital / Griffin Hospital (Connecticut)

• Edward‑Elmhurst Health System (Chicago area)

• Upstream USA, an organization that provides comprehensive contraceptive care to patients across the United States.

• Oregon Integrated Health

They also work in private practices, medical clinics, research,  and wellness companies.

Source

11. Who are Licensed Naturpathic Doctors I Can Book an Appointment With?

Here are a few doctors who collaborate with major hospitals listed above:

• Vanessa Esteves, ND, MBA Source

• Daniel Kellman, ND, FABNO Source

• Lauren Young, ND Source

• Arvin Jenab, ND Source