Naturopathic Doctors
Naturopathic doctors are licensed, board-certified, primary care doctors who have attended 4-year accredited medical schools. Enrollment in naturopathic medical school requires a bachelor's degree and completion of medical school prerequisite classes, similar to conventional allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. The naturopathic medical education consists of 2 years of basic science classes such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, as well as intensive study of the medical "-ologies:" pathology, cardiology, oncology, gynecology, etc. They also receive 2 years of clinical education in naturopathic modalities at various clinical settings such as doctor's offices, hospitals, community health clinics, and more. After graduation, residency opportunities provide Naturopathic Doctors opportunities to gain specialized knowledge in particular fields and to broaden their clinical and research skills.
Each state currently maintains the authority to regulate naturopathic medicine and this regulation varies across the United States. As a consequence of this varied regulation, the public is better protected and enjoys different healthcare choices in some states more than others. In states where there is no licensing and regulation specifically for Naturopathic Doctors, there is by default, no specific requirements established to ensure that a person who calls him/herself a Naturopathic Doctor has a specific level of training and is practicing within their level of training. There are many wonderful educational programs in the US that offer basic training in herbs, vitamins and other alternative healthcare approaches but they are very different than a 4 year medical degree.
In a state that offers licensure, Naturopathic Doctors are able to serve the community in a primary care capacity. They work with community MD's, DO's and ARNP's to provide well-rounded and comprehensive healthcare. ND services in these states are often reimbursed by insurance carriers and they are able to prescribe necessary medications within the Naturopathic Pharmaceutical Formulary. In states that do not offer licensure, ND's can still practice naturopathy but they are limited from providing primary care to their community.
Oklahoma does not currently offer a licensing law for Naturopathic Doctors, although, with enough education and awareness, lawmakers will hopefully come to understand that it is for the protection and benefit of the public that a law like this be introduced and passed. Most ND's in Oklahoma maintain a license from one of the states that do regulate the practice of Naturopathic Medicine.
If you are looking for a Naturopathic Doctor in a state that does not offer licensure, please be sure that who you are seeking treatment from is qualified to provide the level of healthcare you need. For more information about accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools in North America, please visit the AANMC (Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges). You can also visit our links page to learn more about licensing, testing and other organizations.
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