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Training and Education of Naturopathic
Doctors
Naturopathic
Medical Training
Accredited
Schools of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic
Medical Training
Naturopathic Doctors are trained
at accredited, four-year, graduate, residential naturopathic medical
programs. The training consists of comprehensive study of the conventional
medical sciences, including:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Clinical and physical diagnosis
- Laboratory diagnosis
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Gynecology
NDs are trained to perform
physical exams, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional
and dietary assessments, allergy testing, imaging, and other means of
diagnosis. Naturopathic doctors may refer patients to other specialists
and health care providers – including medical doctors for diagnosis
and treatment when indicated.
Naturopathic
Treatment
Naturopathic education is unique
in that naturopathic doctors complete extensive academic and clinical
education in the use of natural medicines and naturopathic therapeutics
including:
- Therapeutic nutrition
- Botanical medicine
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy
- Manipulative therapy
- Introduction to Chinese Medicine theory
Accredited
Schools of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine has an independent accrediting
agency, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which
is the recognized authority for establishing and maintaining the educational
standards for the profession. The CNME is the only accrediting agency
in the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
There are presently three
colleges accredited by the CNME in the United States:
1. National College
of Naturopathic Medicine
Portland, OR 97201
www.ncnm.edu
2. Bastyr University
Kenmore, Washington
www.bastyr.edu
3. Southwest
College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
Tempe, AZ
www.scnm.edu
The following naturopathic
medical school is a candidate for accreditation:
University of Bridgeport
College of Natural Medicine
Bridgeport, CT
www.bridgeport.edu
A fifth program training naturopathic
doctors opened in September 2006:
National University
of Health Sciences
Lombard , Illinois
http://www.nuhs.edu/show.asp?durki=49
Note: This
school is already accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of
the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for other programs
which they teach and is in the process of applying to the CNME for
accreditation of their naturopathic medical degree. [i]
[i]
CNME Status: In accordance with CNME requirements,
NUHS has made an initial "application of consideration" to CNME that
was approved in August 2006. Approval means that CNME has authorized
NUHS to seek candidacy status in accordance with the requirements and
processes laid out in the CNME Handbook of Accreditation, and that CNME
considers NUHS as being qualified and ready as an institution to seek
candidacy status for its ND program. However, approval of the application
does not confer any formal status with CNME.
Naturopathic
Medicine Natural
Therapies
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Principles
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Naturopathic
Medicine Today
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