Naturopathy
Holistic Medicine Careers › Naturopathy
See Available Naturopathic Schools
Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, was first used in the United States just over 100 years ago. However, the therapies and philosophy upon which naturopathy is based have been used since ancient times. Naturopathic medicine makes use of herbs, foods, water, fasting, and tissue manipulation that works with the body instead of masking its natural healing ability. Naturopaths also make use of biochemical research involving nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy, and other holistic treatments. Naturopaths treat several diseases and conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, asthma, menopause, flu, and obesity. However, they also refer their patients to other doctors as needed, operating within a medical framework that allows patients the best overall care and treatment possible.
The income of naturopathic doctors usually falls in the low to middle income range for physicians, an average of $90,000 or more per year. Those wishing to become naturopathic practitioners must have a bachelor’s degree including a minimum of 20 semester hours of chemistry, botany, biology, anatomy/physiology, or other science. Many applicants have a pre-med degree, but recent statistics show that a popular degree for applicants is psychology. The program for becoming a naturopath is usually four years, but it can take five or more to complete.
Naturopaths work in clinics and medical offices, operating much
like a primary care physician. Those employed in this
occupation continue to increase in numbers, and are
only held back because at this time not all states license
naturopathic practitioners. Alaska, Arizona, California,
Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho,
Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah,
Vermont, and Washington are the only states that license
the practice of naturopathic practitioners, along with
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. However, more states
are considering naturopathic legislation, and legal
provisions allow for practice of naturopathy in several
of the unlicensed states as natural health counselors,
apart from their physicians’ practice.
California Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers* (Boise, San Diego) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner,
Massage Therapy, Optical Technician, Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant
Golden
State College - (Bakersfield)* - Holistic Health Practitioner
Maric
College (Vista)*
- Holistic Health Practitioner
National
Holistic Institute (SF
Bay Area) - Massage Therapist and Health Educator
Silicon
Valley College* (Emeryville, Fremont, San
Jose , Walnut
Creek ) - Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy
Idaho Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers (Boise)
- Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Oregon Schools
Ashmead
College (Tigard)
- Massage Therapy, Spa & Aromatherapy
Washington Schools
Ashmead
College* (Seattle, Fife, Vancouver , Everett)
- Fitness Trainer, Massage Therapy, Spa and Aromatherapy
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