How to Find Accredited Naturopathic Schools

How to Find Accredited Naturopathic Schools



Naturopathic medical colleges are graduate institutions that offer complete physician training comparable to allopathic medical schools. Students who want to become primary care providers in states that license naturopathy need to attend accredited naturopathic schools. Unsanctioned programs may be limited to one modality, and content may vary. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education evaluates accredited schools periodically to ensure the highest standard of comprehensive natural health care education. Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine that can encompass a variety of treatments like acupuncture, massage and nutritional counseling to treat many different conditions, including allergies, asthma and arthritis.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Know What You're Looking For




1


Distinguish between the N.D. and N.M.D. degrees and other designations, such as D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) or L.M.T. (Licensed Massage Therapist), which do not have the same prescriptive and practice rights as licensed by the states. Among these certifications, only N.D.'s or N.M.D.'s are accepted by hospitals and insurance agencies as primary care providers.





2


Learn more about what to expect from naturopathic medical programs at the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges Web site (see Resources below).





3


Compare the 6 accredited schools that offer the N.D./N.M.D. program in the United States and Canada. These are the Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington (near Seattle); the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Western Canada; the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto; the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon; the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona; and the College of Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.



Find Accredited Schools




1


Contact accredited schools for information about tuition, financial aid and program details.





2


Set up a campus visit to find the right school for you.








Tips & Warnings










Accredited naturopathic schools offer the N.D. or N.M.D. degree. These doctors are licensed to practice in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington or Washington, D.C., as well as in Canada.








Like conventional medical schools, tuition at naturopathic colleges is expensive, but the schools have access to equal federal scholarship opportunities in addition to privately funded aid.








A certificate from a non-accredited college will not qualify you for licensing by the state.








Internet-based or remote learning programs are not recommended or accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (see Resources below).








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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