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About Naturopathic Medicine
The distinct philosophy and practice of medicine that licensed naturopathic doctors offer.
Naturopathic Principles
Naturopathic medicine is guided by six core principles. Together, these principles shape how naturopathic doctors evaluate each patient, choose safe and effective treatments, and focus on long-term health instead of short-term symptom relief.
First Do No Harm
Naturopathic doctors prioritize the most natural, least invasive, and least toxic treatments that are appropriate for each patient.
Doctor as Teacher
Naturopathic doctors take time to educate patients so they can understand their health and actively participate in their own care.
Healing Power of Nature
The body has an innate ability to heal, and naturopathic doctors work to support and enhance that natural process.
Treat the Whole Person
Naturopathic care considers the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors.
Identify & Treat the Causes
Naturopathic medicine looks beyond symptoms to find and address the underlying causes of illness whenever possible.
Prevention
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes preventing disease by identifying risk factors early and promoting habits that support long-term health.
Therapeutic Order
The therapeutic order is a framework that naturopathic doctors use to guide treatment. It starts with the least-force interventions: first establishing the foundations of health (such as sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, and environment), then stimulating the body’s self-healing processes, supporting and restoring weakened systems, and addressing structural or physical alignment issues. Only after these steps are considered do we focus on targeted natural symptom relief.
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When needed, the therapeutic order also includes higher-force interventions such as prescription medications or surgery to control symptoms or suppress pathology. The goal is not to avoid these tools, but to use them judiciously and in the right sequence, while still addressing underlying causes and strengthening overall health whenever possible.
Naturopathic Medical Education
Accredited Programs & Standards
Naturopathic doctors are educated in four-year, doctoral-level naturopathic medical programs accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the only accreditor for naturopathic medical programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Member schools of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) meet rigorous academic and clinical standards, including at least two years of supervised clinical training and eligibility to take the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). Graduates of these programs are qualified to pursue licensure in states and provinces that regulate naturopathic medicine, and their education is recognized by national professional organizations such as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
Naturopathic medical education combines a full basic science curriculum with clinical training. The first few years of the program included classes in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology, along with training in physical and laboratory diagnosis. The last years of the program place students in supervised clinical settings, where they complete more than 1,200 hours of direct patient care in teaching clinics and community rotations under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors.
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Clinical education also includes in-depth training in naturopathic treatment modalities, such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle and mind-body counseling, physical medicine and manipulative therapies, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, minor office procedures, and pharmacology. This combination of biomedical sciences, diagnostic skills, and hands-on experience with a broad range of therapies is designed to prepare graduates to evaluate patients thoroughly and select appropriate, evidence-informed treatment plans within the scope of naturopathic practice in licensed jurisdictions.
Curriculum & Clinical Training
Licensing & Board Exams
Licensure for naturopathic doctors is based on graduation from a CNME-accredited naturopathic medical program and successful completion of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). NPLEX is a standardized, two-part national board exam that tests biomedical sciences as well as clinical knowledge and the safe application of naturopathic therapies. In U.S. states and Canadian provinces that regulate naturopathic medicine, passing NPLEX is a core requirement for obtaining a license to practice. Licensure laws typically also require proof of good professional standing, adherence to a defined scope of practice, and ongoing continuing education to maintain competence. Together, accredited education, national board exams, and state or provincial licensure create a framework that helps ensure naturopathic doctors meet consistent standards for training, safety, and professional accountability.