Naturopaths

Occupational Description

Doctors of naturopathic medicine or naturopaths are health practitioners who apply natural therapies. Their spectrum of expertise and practice comprises far more than fasting, nutrition, water, and exercise; it includes approved natural healing practices such as Homeopathy, Acupuncture, and Herbal Medicine, as well as the use of modern methods like Bio-Resonance, Ozone-Therapy, and Colon Hydrotherapy.

At a time when modern technology, environmental pollution, poor diet, and stress play a significant role in the degradation of health, a Naturopath’s ability to apply natural methods of healing is of considerable importance. By using natural therapies naturopaths are able to treat both acute and chronic ailments successfully. Providing personalized care to each patient, naturopaths see humankind as a holistic unity of body, mind, and spirit.

Doctors of naturopathic medicine (NDs) are trained as primary care providers and, as such, their scope of practice may include…

• Nutrition
• Botanical medicine
• Physical medicine
• Homeopathy
• Physical and clinical diagnosis
• Laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging
• Emergency medicine
• Psychology
• Pharmacology
• Minor surgery
• Acupuncture and Oriental medicine*

Naturopathic physicians learn to treat all aspects of family health and wellness, from pediatrics to geriatrics. They tailor their therapies to meet the individual needs of each patient, factoring in physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects before prescribing a course of treatment. Because they view natural remedies as complementary as well as primary, naturopathic physicians cooperate with other medical professionals, referring patients to allopathic and osteopathic medical doctors, surgeons and other specialists whenever appropriate.

Personal Skills & Characteristics

A strong commitment to the guiding principles of naturopathy (First Do No Harm, Identify and Treat the Causes, Prevention, Treat the Whole Person, Doctor as Teacher, and The Healing Power of Nature) is important in becoming a naturopathic doctor. As in other health-related occupations, empathy, understanding, and the desire to help others are good qualities for dealing effectively with patients.

Employment

A Naturopath usually practices in a freelance environment, with the option to work in hospitals, spas, research, health care, administration, management in the retail industry, or in the media. One can find a Naturopath in a nutritional and family consultancy, as well as in a Beauty Clinic. Specialization in infertility, skin problems, sports, children, or geriatrics is possible.

Because of the increasing interest in natural health care, there are more career opportunities in natural medicine than ever before. Graduates of naturopathic programs are establishing thriving practices, with many choosing multi-faceted careers. They are working as primary care physicians in private practice and in integrative clinics. They are working as research scientists and faculty members in alternative or conventional medical institutions. And they are filling positions as:

• Natural pharmacists
• Wellness educators
• Public health administrators
• Research and development scientists in the natural products industry
• Consultants to industry, insurance companies, public service, political and other organizations

Earnings

There is a wide income range among practicing NDs. (It is important to note that many NDs are not salaried, but rather are self-employed.) On average, industry data shows that an established ND who runs or partners in a large, busy practice makes an average estimated net income of $80,000 to $90,000 per year—and may make upwards of $200,000. A beginning ND just starting up his or her practice, working part-time or building a staff, generally earns less than these averages for the first years of practice. Early residency positions reflect incomes between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.

Planning Ahead

Naturopathic medicine programs may have specific course requirements, so it is important to plan ahead to make sure you complete all the necessary prerequisites. You will also want to start gaining some hands-on clinical experiences with patients in health care settings or in the field of naturopathy as early as possible in your college career.

The Career Center has a team of pre-heath counselors to help students with a preparation and application timeline that fits their circumstances. Appointments may be scheduled with a pre-health counselor by calling 734/764-7460 or stopping by the office at 3200 Student Activities Building.

Educational Requirements

All of the AANMC-member schools ND programs require a base of undergraduate science courses that include biology as well as general and organic chemistry. Physics, biochemistry, 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, biochemistry, botany, developmental psychology and physiology.

For general naturopathic program requirement questions contact a pre-health academic advisor in LSA. For school specific questions, contact the schools directly.

Preparation Beyond The Classroom

To gain a better understanding of what naturopathy entails, students should pursue various ways to gain exposure to and experience in the field. Check out the AANMC website (www.aanmc.org) for information about prominent naturopathic program alumni. Volunteer or job shadow in health-related settings to help you decide if naturopathic medicine is a good choice for you.

Connect with U of M alumni for informational interviewing, networking, or job shadowing. Visit Alumni Networks at http://alumni.umich.edu/networking-tools

Application Process Overview

There are six Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredited naturopathic programs in the United States and Canada. In order to apply and learn about each school’s application requirements and to access online applications, visit the individual school’s website. For a list of schools and websites, visit http://www.aanmc.org/the-schools.php.

Reference Letters

Most programs require at least two or three reference letters. Applicants may consider collecting letters from professors, persons involved in health care, employers, research and health-related volunteer supervisors. If at all possible, try to secure a letter from a Naturopath. Policies for letters of reference vary from school to school so be sure to check requirements with each individual school.

The Career Center’s Reference Letter Service (RLS) offers University of Michigan students and alumni/ae the opportunity to have letters of reference on file to use in support of their employment and continuing education efforts. Open a reference letter file with the RLS.

Personal Statement Information

Most naturopathic programs require at least one essay regarding your background and your desire to pursue naturopathic medicine. Check each school’s admission page to learn what essays are required. If you need assistance getting started on your personal statement or would welcome feedback on your draft, please schedule an appointment at The Career Center by stopping by the front desk or calling 734/764-7460.

Interviews

Some naturopathic programs require a personal interview for admission. Others offer optional interviews or do not have an interview process. Check each school’s admission page for specific information. If you do need help with an interview, you can gather interview tips through available literature and interview programs sponsored by The Career Center. Schedule a videotaped mock interview at The Career Center, 3200 SAB (734/764-7460) to gain practice and confidence.

» General online interviewing resources

Admissions Update

The applicant pool for the naturopathic medical schools has grown 61% between 2002 and 2008, and enrollment in ND programs has also increased by 88% over the past six years. Total ND student enrollment in year 2008 is estimated to be 1,831 students. The fall 2008 entering class was comprised of 23% males and 77% females. The mean age of entering ND students in 2008 was 31. The average mean science GPA was 3.46 and the average mean cumulative GPA was 3.22.

Resources To Learn More

Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. General information on naturopathy as a career is available from:

American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA),
P.O. Box 96273 Las Vegas, Nevada 89193 702/897-7053
www.anma.com

Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC),
4435 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 403, Washington, DC 20016
202/237-8150, info@aanmc.org,
www.aanmc.org

The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND),
1255 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2K 1E2
416/496-8633
www.cand.ca