Naturopathy is a branch of alternative medicine. Its goal is to improve health by helping the body to repair itself. A variety of healing techniques are employed, including aromatherapy, herbalism, acupuncture, and counseling. Naturopathic doctors generally try to avoid using synthetic drugs or surgeries to treat their patients.

Degree Programs in Naturopathy

Students interested in pursuing a naturopathy degree should take a standard pre-med course load during their undergraduate years. Several schools in the United States offer degrees and training in naturopathy. The curriculum for naturopathy doctor training programs encompasses the traditional courses taught at medical schools, as well as alternative healing strategies. Students take courses in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, herbal medicine, counseling, psychology, and acupuncture. At the completion of their degree programs, naturopathic doctors must take state board examinations so that they can become general practice doctors. Currently, only twelve states allow naturopathic doctors to practice.

Careers for People with Naturopathy Training

Naturopathy doctors serve as primary care physicians. They perform all of the regular duties of primary care physicians while putting an emphasis on natural and alternative healing methods. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians states that naturopathic physicians' salaries tend to fall on the low end of salaries for all family practice doctors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for family physicians is $137,119 per year.

The career prospects for naturopathic doctors seem bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that consumers are becoming more and more interested in alternative medicine. As more consumers seek out naturopathic doctors, there should be more job opportunities.

Online Degrees in Naturopathy

Clayton College of Natural Health

Clayton College of Natural Health is an online college with programs that focus on natural health and healing. They offer programs for everyone -- from those who simply want to be better able to take care of their household pets to licensed doctors who want to learn more about the field of natural health.

Clayton College's programs focus on natural health and healing, incorporating education of the impact of lifestyle on health and how to maximize wellness through healthy living. Their unique programs focus on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living.

Students in these programs will study Asian techniques for healthy living alongside western medicine and medical techniques. Natural remedies, however, are primarily taught and emphasized. Clayton College's mission is to provide all of its students with a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet.

Clayton College is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board.
more

Naturopathy Degrees Offered:

Bachelor of Science in Natural Health
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Natural Health and Traditional Naturopathy, Alternative Health Practices, Fundamentals of Nutrition, Cancer: Prevention and Politics, Herbology, Homeopathy, The Meaning of Health, and Holistic Nutrition.
Doctor of Naturopathy
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Dietary Influences on Disease, Detoxification and Healing, Iridology, Body Awareness and Physical Movement, Alternative Approaches to Arthritis, and Manual Therapies: Massage, Reflexology, and Acupressure
Doctor of Naturopathy for Healthcare Professionals
This program has been designed to fit the needs of practitioners who have extensive prior education in the basic sciences. In order to enroll in this program, the student must possess a bachelor’s degree. Students will take courses such as Introduction to Herbology, Homeopathy, Manual Therapies: Massage, Acupressure, and Reflexology, Detoxification and Healing, Iridology, History of Naturopathy, and Foundations of Naturopathy.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (for medical doctors only)
This unique curriculum, for U.S. licensed physicians only, goes beyond traditional naturopathy with courses in pyschoneuroimmunology and mind/body interventions. It focuses on naturopathic theories and practices, cultural traditions of natural health, including Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, and the holistic interconnection of mind, body, and spirit, including the exploration of theories of physics and consciousness.
Doctor of Philosophy in Traditional Naturopathy
Through this program, you will gain a synergistic view of nutrition as a part of a spiritual, integrated, and harmonious life on this planet. This unique program focuses on the current trends within natural approaches to healthy eating and living. Students will take courses such as Herbology, Homeopathy, Universal Energy and Health, Holistic Human Development, Ethics, Foods and Eating, Sunlight, Air, and Water, Rest and Exercise, and Toxicity and Detoxification.