Naturopathic Physician

Your Fit

Income

$114K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Naturopathic Physician?

A Naturopathic Physician is a healthcare provider who practices naturopathy, a form of medicine that combines natural remedies with traditional medical practices to promote healing and wellness. They focus on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

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Test scores

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How much does a Naturopathic Physician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$65K per year	$83K per year	$114K per year	$161K per year	$194K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $64K above the national average.

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What does a Naturopathic Physician do?

Work environment

Naturopathic Physicians often work in private practice, wellness centers, or integrative healthcare clinics. They may also be employed in hospitals, research facilities, or educational institutions. The work environment is typically calm and focused on providing a holistic approach to patient care, often involving consultations in a comfortable, office-like setting.

Quick task list

Conducts thorough patient assessments, including taking medical histories and performing physical examinations.
Develops individualized treatment plans using a range of natural therapies.
Prescribes natural medicines, such as herbs and supplements.
Provides lifestyle and dietary counseling.
Educates patients about health management and disease prevention.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Homeopathy: Using tiny doses of natural substances to help the body heal itself.
Botanical Medicine: Specializing in the use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: Incorporating traditional Chinese medicine techniques.
Nutritional Medicine: Focusing on diet and nutrition to improve health.
Physical Medicine: Utilizing methods like massage and hydrotherapy in treatment.

Description

Naturopathic Physicians approach healthcare from a holistic perspective, emphasizing the body's inherent ability to heal itself. They integrate conventional medical diagnosis and treatment with natural therapies. This approach involves a deep understanding of the natural healing process and the use of treatments that are in harmony with natural processes. Naturopathic Physicians strive to identify and treat the underlying causes of illness, rather than just the symptoms.

Education and prevention are key components of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic Physicians spend time educating their patients about lifestyle changes and self-care to promote optimal health. They often work closely with patients over time to monitor health and adjust treatments as needed.

The field of naturopathy is growing as more people seek holistic and preventive approaches to health. Naturopathic Physicians must keep up-to-date with medical research, including natural and conventional treatment modalities. They must be empathetic, good listeners, and able to build trust with their patients.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant impact on patients' overall well-being and quality of life.
Working in a field aligned with natural and holistic health principles.
Building long-term relationships with patients.
Having the flexibility to use a variety of treatment methods.

You might make a good Naturopathic Physician if you are...

Passionate about holistic and natural approaches to health and wellness.
Interested in a healthcare career that involves forming long-term patient relationships.
Keen on using a variety of natural therapies and treatments.
A good communicator who can educate and motivate patients.
Committed to continuous learning about health, wellness, and natural therapies.

Pros:

Rewarding work helping patients in a holistic manner.
Growing demand for natural and preventive healthcare.
Autonomy in practice, especially in private practice settings.

Cons:

Educational path can be long and costly.
The practice of naturopathy is not universally recognized or regulated, which can limit practice opportunities.
Building a patient base may take time and effort.

How to become a Naturopathic Physician

Typical education

Becoming a Naturopathic Physician typically requires a 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by 4 years of naturopathic medical school. Graduates must also pass a professional board exam to be licensed as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in states where naturopathy is regulated.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic principles of human physiology and natural sciences.
Psychology to gain insights into human behavior and wellness.
Health education to learn about holistic health practices and lifestyle choices.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities, especially those offering holistic treatments.
Joining or starting a wellness or natural health club.
Engaging in activities that promote a holistic approach to health, such as yoga or meditation.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree, focusing on pre-medical studies, biology, or a related field.
Attend a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).
Complete clinical training in naturopathic medicine.
Pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to become a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND).
Gain experience through internships, residencies, or working with experienced practitioners.

More resources

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) - Provides resources and support for naturopathic physicians.
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) - The accrediting agency for naturopathic medical programs in North America.
Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) - Offers information about the licensing examination for Naturopathic Doctors.
Institute for Natural Medicine - Promotes public awareness and education about naturopathic medicine.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine - Features research and review articles in the field of alternative and complementary medicine.

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