Please Note UM currently does not have a naturopathy school

Naturopathic Doctors (ND) practice a “distinct method of primary health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness. Naturopathic physicians seek to restore and maintain optimum health in their patients by emphasizing nature's inherent self-healing process, the vis medicatrix naturae. This is accomplished through education and the rational use of natural therapeutics” (AANP, 2013).

Naturopathic medical schools involve four years of additional training beyond a baccalaureate degree. The professional naturopathic physician “attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health)” (AANP, 2013).

For more information about becoming a naturopathic doctor please visit AANP.

Program Quick Facts 

Education Association: AANMC (Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges) 

Application Service: NDCAS (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Centralized Application Service) 

Entrance Exam: None

Length of program: 4 years

Residency Required: Optional