Guest Author - D. Lynn Byrne, Ph.D.
So, you want to be a doctor. You don’t want to be a regular, every day, prescription writing, “hmm-mmm” sort of doctor. You’re interested more in providing holistic care-- natural remedies, homeopathy, or acupuncture even. Is there a medical program out there for you? Absolutely!
What sort of degree do you pursue (if not the regular M.D./D.O.) and where can you find a university that teaches this kind of medicine? You, my friend, appear to be the perfect candidate for the N.D.—or, in layman’s terms, a degree in “Naturopathic Medicine.”
What is an N.D.?
According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), an N.D. is a licensed, board certified, primary care medical doctor whose medical training included courses in nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, counseling and psychology.
Which institutions offer the N.D.?
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of schools in the U.S. or Canada that offer the N.D. so it’s likely you’ll have to do some traveling if this is a field you’re interested in. Schools of Naturopathic Medicine are available, however, in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington, and Ontario, Canada.
Where can you work after you earn your N.D.?
Naturopathic physicians are still struggling with issues related to licensure in the U.S. and Canada. Unless you’ve also earned a standard M.D. along with your N.D., your ability to practice medicine as an N.D. is limited. According to the AANP, N.D.’s may practice naturopathic medicine in only 12 U.S. states (mostly the east and west coast states) and four Canadian provinces. The association notes, however, that many states are in process of introducing legislation to allow for N.D.’s and the list of states where N.D.’s may practice is expected to grow.
Where can you find more information?
If you would like more information on becoming a Naturopathic Physician, visit the website for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
