Education · 1 of 5

The path

Eight to nine years, and the last four are only available at a handful of private schools.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics and math, taken seriously. The prerequisites for the doctorate are real science courses.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, with the science prerequisites: general and organic chemistry, biology, physics and psychology.

3. 3

   Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

   4 years

   Four years at an accredited school. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and diagnosis alongside botanical medicine, nutrition and counseling.

4. 4

   Clinical training

   Included

   Supervised patient care in the school's teaching clinic, built into the final years of the program.

5. 5

   Licensing exams and a state license

   Months

   The NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations), Part 1 in biomedical science and Part 2 in clinical science, then apply to your state board.