To work as a naturopathic physician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• graduate from a naturopathic medical school.

Education after high school

Naturopathic schools take about four years and grant a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree. Be sure to look for an accredited program if you want to become a licensed naturopathic physician.

In a naturopathic program, you study anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and public health. You also learn how to take a medical history, examine patients, and make a diagnosis.

Before entering naturopathic school, most students earn a bachelor's degree. A pre-medicine or science major is recommended. If you earn a liberal arts degree, be sure to take required courses in physics, biology, and chemistry.

On-the-job training

While in naturopathic medical school, you spend much of the last two years working in a clinical setting. Clinical work emphasizes diagnosing and treating patients with natural remedies and practices.