Naturopathic education trains students in a wide range of areas to treat patients holistically. This non-invasive industry allows students to complete various degree programs and enter multiple careers. Naturopathic training can be obtained at an assortment of holistic healing schools.
Natural healing techniques are explored in depth within education and can include acupuncture, nutrition, hydrotherapy, and more. Students have several opportunities to gain an education in naturopathic medicine. Students can follow educational paths to become naturopathic doctors or they can complete programs to enter specific areas of the field. Naturopathic doctors use a variety of non-surgical methods to help their patients, which may include exercise and herbs. Specific training typically allows students to focus on one area of naturopathic medicine such as acupuncture. Programs can be pursued at all educational levels. A specific training path will be followed depending on career goals.
Students that work towards a degree in naturopathic medicine need to complete undergraduate education first. A bachelor’s degree in science or pre-medical studies is the most commonly completed undergraduate training. Students study biology, biochemistry, and more to prepare them for the coursework included in a doctorate level degree. Once education begins in naturopathology students study how to treat the entire person through various preventative health methods. Students learn to work with patients to prescribe the best naturopathic remedy for their pain or ailment. Traditional Chinese medicine, therapeutic medicine, manipulative therapy, homeopathy, and more are all course subjects discussed in depth within a program.
Education is broken down into two major segments. The first two years of schooling is dedicated to learning about theory and medical practice. This can include studying the chemistry of the body and disease diagnosis. The last two years of education is dedicated to clinical study, which is where students put their learning to practical use. This time can be dedicated to specific interests where students can train to become naturopathic/acupuncturists for example. After four years of intensive study students are ready to enter the profession with an in depth understanding of mind and body medicine.
Students should thoroughly research the different training options before entering doctor of naturopathic degree programs. One area of the field may interest students more and it may require less educational study, such as massage therapy training. Certificate programs that last six to nine months prepare students to enter careers as massage therapists. Education specifically teaches students to use a variety of massage therapy techniques to treat a patient’s muscle pain or injury. Pathology of disease, anatomy, and medical terminology are some courses that are included inside a program as well as natural healing training.
Through the in depth education received within this field students are able to enter many different careers. Students can become professionals upon completion of a naturopathic medicine training program. Available careers can include:
- Naturopathic Doctors
- Nutritionists
- Acupuncturists
Starting a naturopathic education opens up several job possibilities. Students can begin training now to prepare for careers inside the industry. Accredited naturopathic schools are approved by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (http://www.accsc.org/) to offer the best education.