05/08/2026
When you're looking for a naturopathic doctor, one word makes all the difference: licensed.
Currently, 26 U.S. jurisdictions have laws regulating the practice of naturopathic medicine and efforts to expand licensure to more states are ongoing. That's important, because licensure isn't just a formality. It's a meaningful safeguard for patients.
Here's something many people don't know: the titles "naturopathic doctor" and "naturopath" are sometimes used interchangeably but they are not the same thing.
A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND):
✅ Graduated from an accredited, four-year, in-residence naturopathic medical school
✅ Completed a minimum of 4,100 hours of class and clinical training
✅ Passed the NPLEX, a rigorous two-part national board exam
✅ Is regulated by a state licensing board
✅ Carries malpractice insurance and fulfills continuing education requirements
✅ Can order blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and in many states, prescribe medications and perform minor procedures
An unlicensed naturopath, by contrast, may have widely varying levels of education, often through online or correspondence programs that are not accredited and do not qualify for the NPLEX or state licensure.
Knowing the difference helps you find the most qualified provider for your care and that's something we're committed to making easier.
Expanding licensure. Raising standards. Connecting patients with the right doctors. That's what Naturopathic Medicine Week is all about. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4sEoCPt
