What kind of training do naturopaths (N.D.s) have?
Naturopathic doctors have similar training to conventional health care practitioners such as dentists and medical doctors. Naturopathic doctors are required to successfully complete pre-medical studies at the university level before applying to an accredited naturopathic medical school. All of the doctors at NaturoMedica completed a 5 year post-graduate program. The post-graduate training is similar to that of a medical doctor, including basic sciences and clinical courses, with an emphasis on traditional medical interventions. In addition to this training, naturopaths are extensively educated in the philosophy and implementation of safe and effective natural therapeutics. Naturopathic physicians are trained in botanical medicine, vitamin/supplement therapy, homeopathy, pharmacology, nutrition, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. They also order laboratory tests and imaging studies as appropriate and refer patients to specialists when needed.
