NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

The Naturopathic Physician:

A Naturopathic Physician diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases its treatment of all physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the body, utilizes physiological, psychological and mechanical methods such as air, water, heat, earth, phytotherapy, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, minor and orificial surgery, mechanotherapy, naturopathic corrections and manipulation, and all natural methods or modalities, together with natural medicines, natural processed foods and herbs, and natural remedies. Excludes major surgery, therapeutic use of x-ray and radium, and use of drugs except those assimilable substances containing elements or compounds of bodily tissues and are physiologically compatible to body processes for maintenance of life.

For admission into most naturopathic medicine programs, students must have completed three years of pre-medical training and earned a bachelor of science degree.  While no specific major is required for admission, students are expected to have completed courses in English and humanities, as well as math, physics and psychology, with a strong emphasis on chemistry and biology.  Courses that will help prepare students for the naturopathic course of study include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, botany and developmental psychology.  In addition to prerequisite course work, prospective students must demonstrate appropriate observational and communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual abilities, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social maturity.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website provides additional information.

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American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges, 2002:  [http://www.aanmc.org/]

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website provides additional information.

Requirements of Schools of Naturopathic Medicine

All of the ND programs of AANMC-member schools require a base of undergraduate science courses that include physics, biology, and general and organic chemistry. Math and psychology courses may also be specified. Check with each school you are considering in order to ensure that all prerequisite requirements are met.

In addition to the required coursework, additional courses to strengthen your background and to better prepare you for a naturopathic course of study include:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Botany
• Developmental Psychology

Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges  (www.aanmc.org)

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Resource Links:

• The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians  (www.naturopathic.org/index.aspx)
• Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges  (www.aanmc.org)

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