The Critical Difference Between Licensed Naturopathic Doctors and Naturopaths: Is an ND a "Real" Doctor?
You know that feeling when someone confidently tells you something about yourself that's completely wrong?
I've lost count of how many times I've heard comments like:
"You're not a real doctor."
"You didn't get an actual education."
"Zero medical doctor training."
My personal favorite was: "If the training is 4 years and you say 3 are nutrition, that doesn't leave much room for pathophysiology or anatomy."
Hmm, if only they knew...
The confusion between licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) and naturopaths is widespread, and it matters - not just for practitioners like me who spent years in rigorous medical training, but for YOU, someone who deserves to make informed choices about your family's healthcare.
So let's clear this up once and for all!
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors: Real Medical Training with a Natural Focus
As a licensed naturopathic doctor who graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, I underwent 6 years of in-person graduate-level medical education. This included:
A comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis (yes, just like MDs!)
Over 4,400 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction
More than 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training
Passing rigorous board examinations (NPLEX) in both basic and clinical sciences
Obtaining state licensure that requires ongoing continuing education
The principles that guide my practice (and those of all licensed naturopathic doctors) include:
Treat the whole person
Identify and treat the root cause
Doctor as teacher (this is my favorite!)
Trust that nature heals
First do no harm
Focus on prevention
In many states, licensed naturopathic doctors can serve as primary care providers, diagnose conditions, order lab tests, and even prescribe certain medications when appropriate. We're trained to recognize when natural approaches are best and when conventional medical interventions are necessary. It's also important to know sometimes both is the best answer.
| Criteria | Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) | Naturopath |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 4-year accredited medical school (graduate level) + prerequisites (typically 4-year bachelor's degree) |
Online courses or short programs As little as 44 hours of training |
| Training Hours | 4,400+ hours of classroom & laboratory instruction 1,200+ hours of supervised clinical training |
Minimal to no required clinical training No standardized curriculum |
| Medical Curriculum |
|
|
| Board Certification | Required to pass comprehensive NPLEX board examinations (basic science and clinical) | None required |
| Licensure | Licensed in 24 states, DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands | No state licensing or regulation |
| Regulatory Oversight | State medical boards | None |
| Title Protection | Protected title in licensed states | Unregulated title |
| Continuing Education | Required ongoing education to maintain license | No requirements |
| Medical Scope |
|
|
| Insurance Coverage | Often covered by insurance in licensed states | Rarely covered by insurance |
| Educational Institutions |
Accredited schools like:
|
Various unaccredited programs with minimal oversight |
What This Means For You
When choosing a healthcare provider for natural approaches, understanding these differences is crucial. A Licensed Naturopathic Doctor offers the unique blend of natural medicine philosophy with comprehensive medical training, allowing them to:
- Safely integrate natural therapies with conventional treatments
- Recognize when symptoms require urgent medical attention
- Understand potential herb-drug interactions
- Provide evidence-based natural solutions
- Work collaboratively with your conventional providers
Always verify credentials by asking where your provider received their education, checking their state licensure, and looking for the "ND" or "NMD" designation from an accredited institution.
Your family's health deserves properly trained professionals who can offer you the best of both worlds.
I'm even more unique because I also studied Chinese Medicine, earning a Masters in Oriental Medicine alongside my ND. Plus, I've studied Western Herbalism for over 30 years, along with bodywork, nutrition, Reiki, and Core Synchronism/integrative cranial therapy.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the incredible support I have received from Dr Jen. She was my instructor at acupuncture school, her dedication to teaching and deep understanding in western and eastern medicine showcasing her unique approach to healthcare. With a wealth of experience in clinical practice and academia, she has a remarkable talent for breaking down intricate topics into bite-sized, understandable pieces. Dr Jen employs engaging storytelling, real-life examples, and relatable analogies that resonate with patients and students. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, Dr Jen shines as a beacon of integrative medicine. ”
Naturopaths: A Different Path Entirely
Now, let's talk about naturopaths (without the "doctor" designation).
Someone calling themselves a "naturopath" may have completed a short course or online program with minimal requirements. For example, I found a program offering "naturopathy practitioner training" with just 44 hours of online instruction for $145.
These programs typically:
Require no in-person clinical training
Have no standardized curriculum
Offer no board certification
Have no state licensing or regulation
Include no ongoing education requirements
Provide no oversight from state medical boards
While naturopaths may have valuable knowledge about nutrition or herbs, they lack the comprehensive medical training required to diagnose conditions, understand complex pathophysiology, or safely integrate natural therapies with conventional treatments.
This is why asking "is a naturopathic doctor a real doctor?" is so important - the answer depends entirely on whether you're seeing a licensed naturopathic doctor or simply a naturopath without medical training.
Why This Distinction Matters for Your Family
When you're looking for alternative health support, especially for your children, knowing the difference between a licensed naturopathic doctor and a naturopath is crucial.
Licensed naturopathic doctors like me can:
Serve as part of your family's healthcare team
Help you navigate between natural and conventional treatments
Identify when symptoms need urgent medical attention
Understand potential herb-drug interactions (super important if you're taking medications!)
Provide evidence-based natural solutions
Work alongside your conventional providers
I always encourage my patients to maintain relationships with their primary MDs. This ensures you have easy access to the conventional medical system for antibiotics, insurance-covered resources like imaging, and emergency care when needed.
““I have been seeing Dr. Clemons for several months now and feel very fortunate to have found her. She has started me (and my husband) on the road to well-being and healing the body - not only in a therapeutic approach but also in a spiritual manner, encouraging me as I go along. I have not felt this good in my body for a very long time.””
The Integrative Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
The most powerful healthcare approach combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies. As I often tell my patients, it's not about rejecting pharmaceuticals completely - it's about using them wisely and appropriately.
Having trained in both pharmaceuticals and herbs, as a licensed naturopathic doctor I can help you:
Understand potential drug-drug and drug-herb interactions
Identify nutrients depleted by medications (like birth control pills)
Create comprehensive health plans that respect both approaches
Know when to use natural remedies and when conventional care is necessary
The conventional medical system often follows a "medicate first, symptom suppression" approach, only suggesting alternatives "when nothing else works." Imagine if we flipped that model - starting with nutrition, lifestyle, and natural therapies, then adding conventional treatments when necessary. Many patients would experience better outcomes with fewer side effects.
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors vs. Medical Doctors: Understanding the Differences
"So are you like a regular doctor?" This is another question I hear all the time, and it's a good one! Let's break down how licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) and medical doctors (MDs) compare:
Educational Foundations: More Similar Than You Might Think
Both licensed NDs and MDs receive extensive training in the basic medical sciences:
Anatomy and physiology
Biochemistry and pathology
Clinical diagnosis
Laboratory diagnosis
Emergency medicine
Both complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical training and must pass comprehensive board exams to become licensed.
The first two years of curriculum are remarkably similar - we're all learning the same human body! Where we begin to diverge is in the approach to treatment.
Philosophy and Approach: Here's Where We Differ
Medical Doctors (MDs):
Focus primarily on diagnosing and treating disease
Excel at emergency care and acute interventions
Use pharmaceuticals and surgery as primary treatment tools
Typically spend 7-15 minutes with each patient
Follow standardized protocols for specific conditions
Receive minimal training in nutrition (average of 19-25 hours total)
Limited education on lifestyle medicine or preventative approaches
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs):
Focus on identifying and addressing root causes
Emphasize prevention and whole-person wellness
Use a therapeutic hierarchy starting with least invasive approaches
Typically spend 30-60 minutes with each patient
Develop individualized treatment plans
Receive extensive training in clinical nutrition (hundreds of hours)
Comprehensive education in botanical medicine, lifestyle modification, and mind-body therapies
Treatment Toolbox: Different Tools for Different Jobs
MDs are extensively trained in pharmaceutical management and surgical interventions. They have knowledge of drug mechanisms and when to use them - skills that can be life-saving in acute situations.
As licensed naturopathic doctors, we have a broader toolbox that includes:
Clinical nutrition
Botanical medicine
Lifestyle counseling
Physical medicine
Homeopathy
Hydrotherapy
Mind-body medicine
And yes, pharmaceutical prescribing (in many states) when appropriate
Think of it this way: MDs are specialists in managing disease, while licensed Naturopathic Doctors are specialists in creating health. Both are valuable!
When to See Each Type of Doctor
Consider seeing an MD for:
Medical emergencies
Severe acute conditions
Surgery or trauma care
Advanced diagnostic testing
Management of certain chronic diseases that require pharmaceutical intervention
Consider seeing a licensed naturopathic doctor for:
Preventative care and wellness optimization
Chronic conditions that haven't responded well to conventional approaches
Desire for natural approaches or reduced medication dependence
Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
Integrative cancer support (alongside conventional treatment)
Holistic pediatric care
We're Better Together: The Power of Integration
Here's what I truly believe after two decades in practice: patients receive the best care when MDs and licensed naturopathic doctors work together.
I often say, "I'm not anti-doctor, I'm pro-empowerment." There's absolutely a time and place for pharmaceuticals, surgery, and conventional approaches. My goal isn't to replace your MD but to complement their care and help you navigate both worlds effectively.
Many of my patients maintain relationships with their primary care physician, specialists, and me. This integrated approach ensures they have access to the full spectrum of healthcare options and can make informed choices based on their unique needs and values.
How to Verify Your Licensed Naturopathic Doctor's Credentials
If you're considering working with a naturopathic practitioner, here's how to verify their training:
Ask where they received their education (accredited naturopathic medical schools include Bastyr University, National University of Natural Medicine, Southwest College, and Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine)
Look for the designation "ND" or "NMD" (Naturopathic Medical Doctor)
Ask about their board certification
Remember, a true licensed naturopathic doctor will be transparent about their qualifications and limitations. They'll work collaboratively with your other healthcare providers and refer you to specialists when appropriate.
Trust Your Family's Health to Qualified Professionals
Your family's health is too important to entrust to practitioners without proper training, no matter how well-intentioned they may be. By understanding the significant difference between licensed naturopathic doctors and naturopaths, you can make informed choices about who guides your wellness journey.
Have you worked with a licensed naturopathic doctor before? Do you have questions about integrating natural medicine into your family's healthcare? Drop me a line - I'm always happy to help you navigate these waters!
““I received an acupuncture treatment as a graduation present and it was the perfect way to address my post-college anxiety and fatigue. The clinic provides a beautiful and relaxing environment. Dr. Jen put me entirely at ease and targeted my treatment towards my unique concerns. I felt very well during and afterwards. “ ”
Frequently Asked Questions About Licensed Naturopathic Doctors
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Yes, a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND or NMD) is a real doctor who has completed a 4-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school and extensive clinical training. Licensed NDs are trained as primary care providers who can diagnose and treat medical conditions. However, it's important to distinguish between licensed naturopathic doctors who have completed accredited medical programs and individuals who call themselves "naturopaths" without proper medical training.
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Both NDs and MDs are medically trained doctors, but they have different approaches to treatment. MDs (Medical Doctors) focus primarily on pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, while NDs (Naturopathic Doctors) emphasize natural treatments, prevention, and addressing the root causes of illness. Licensed NDs receive similar training in basic medical sciences but additional specialized training in nutrition, botanical medicine, and other natural therapies.
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You can find a licensed naturopathic doctor through the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians directory, your state's naturopathic medical association, or by checking your state's licensing board. Always verify that the practitioner is licensed and graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical school. NDs are licensed in 24 states as well as US Territories including Washington DC, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.
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Licensed naturopathic doctors are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, from acute health concerns to chronic illnesses. Common areas of focus include digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, allergies, chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health. NDs excel at addressing complex, chronic conditions through a holistic approach and can work alongside conventional treatment for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Ready to Experience the Difference of Working with a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor?
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