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Naturopathic Physicians

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeModerate pressure

What they do

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $115,210 Median per year · $55.39/hr Most earn $65,210–$195,190

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Order diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiographs (x-rays), ultrasounds, mammograms, and bone densitometry tests, or refer patients to other health professionals for these procedures.
  • Order diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiographs (x-rays), ultrasounds, mammograms, and bone densitometry tests, or refer patients to other health professionals for these procedures.
  • Maintain professional development through activities such as postgraduate education, continuing education, preceptorships, and residency programs.
  • Obtain medical records from previous physicians or other health care providers for the purpose of patient evaluation.
  • Diagnose health conditions, based on patients' symptoms and health histories, laboratory and diagnostic radiology test results, or other physiological measurements, such as electrocardiograms and electroencephalographs.
  • Educate patients about health care management.

Job outlook

United States
6% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 1,900 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Federal government, excluding postal service50.8%
  • Self-employed (their own business)23.5%
  • Offices of physicians3.9%
  • Offices of all other health practitioners3.3%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools2.6%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Naturopathic physician is not an entry-level job. It usually takes about 8 years of college-level study after high school (a bachelor's degree plus a four-year naturopathic doctoral program), and many people gain 1 to 2 years of related clinical experience before or while starting practice. Licensing rules differ by state, and some states don't license naturopathic doctors at all.

  1. Bachelor's degree in a science such as biology, chemistry, or nutrition

    4 years

    You build the science foundation (anatomy, physiology, chemistry) that naturopathic medical programs expect to see on your transcript.

  2. Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree

    4 years

    You study diagnosis, natural therapies, nutrition, and clinical practice in an accredited naturopathic medical program, then take the licensing exams your state requires.

  3. Clinical experience as a naturopathic intern or associate, or in a related health role

    1-2 years

    You gain hands-on patient care experience and build a patient base, which is typically needed before you run your own practice.

  4. Naturopathic Physician

    Ongoing

    You diagnose and treat patients using natural medicines, lifestyle changes, and other natural methods, within the scope allowed by your state.

Where it can lead

  1. Clinic Director

    5+ years of experience first

    You take on leadership of a clinic, managing other practitioners, staff, scheduling, and budgets, which usually requires a strong patient record and business skills.

  2. Owner of a Naturopathic Practice

    5+ years of experience first

    You start or buy your own practice, which means handling the business side of care, hiring, and building a steady referral network.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology and chemistryThese classes build the science background you'll need for a bachelor's degree and a doctoral program later.
  • Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, or community health centerSeeing how patient care works and getting comfortable around health professionals will help you decide if this field is right for you.
  • Join a science, health, or wellness clubYou'll meet people with similar interests and can take on roles like organizing health fairs or presenting on nutrition.
  • Get a part-time job at a health food store, pharmacy, or fitness centerYou'll learn about supplements, nutrition, and talking with customers about their health goals.
  • Read about nutrition and natural medicine from reliable sourcesBuilding a habit of checking evidence will help you think critically in a field where claims vary a lot.

In college

  • Major in biology, chemistry, or nutritionThese majors cover the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry that naturopathic programs look for, and they prepare you for the entrance requirements.
  • Take anatomy, physiology, and organic chemistryThese courses are commonly required for naturopathic medical school and show admissions committees you can handle rigorous science.
  • Work as a medical assistant, scribe, or clinic receptionistPaid clinical work gives you the hands-on experience and patient contact that count toward the 1 to 2 years usually expected.
  • Shadow naturopathic doctors and other health providersWatching real visits helps you understand the work and gives you stories and references for your applications.
  • Join a pre-health or nutrition student organizationYou'll connect with peers, hear from guest speakers, and find volunteer and leadership opportunities that look good on applications.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for naturopathic medical programs accredited by the recognized accrediting body, and check your state's licensing rules early, since scope of practice varies a lot by state.
  • Ask naturopathic doctors if you can shadow them or talk with them about their day-to-day work. It's a great way to see whether this path fits you.
  • Keep your grades strong in science classes, since naturopathic programs look closely at your undergraduate science record.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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