Why We Love It
-
$85,120Potential Avg. Salary
-
12%Job Growth Rate
-
Growing DemandJob Outlook
-
Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
A Naturopathic doctor or physician is a medical professional that combines traditional western medical practices with traditional eastern medical practices like acupuncture, hypnosis, hydrotherapy and herbal medications.
Recommended Schools
What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
The following responsibilities are common for Naturopathic Doctors:
- Administers treatments and therapies to patients, like homeopathy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and diathermy
- Administers and prescribes and dispenses natural and herbal medications like spices, food, vitamins, amino acids and extracts
- Conducts physical and physiological examinations and diagnostic tests
- Documents patients medical histories, treatments and diagnosis’, family histories, complaints and physiological characteristics
- Diagnoses patients health conditions based on the patients history, complaints and symptoms, diagnostic testing or other physiological issues
A Day In The Life
A natropathic doctor is an individual that blends modern scientific medicine with holistic natural medicine. These individuals use natural and alternative therapies complementary to mainstream medical practices. Their entire goal is to treat underlying conditions while stimulating the bodies own healing abilities.
During he consultation phase with a patient, the doctor must work closely and listen carefully to their patients in order to fully comprehend the source of the symptoms and issues the patient is experiencing. The consultation process would be just like it would be at any other modern physicians office. They promote and educate patients on the importance of living a healthier lifestyle and they work with their patients to determine a treatment plan. These doctors also assist their patients with any psychological or mental issues they may be dealing with as well. These doctors typically end up becoming a patients primary care physician because patients visit them for a variety of ailments and conditions.
Typical Work Schedule
Most natropathic doctors are self-employed and own their own private practices and can set their own schedules and hours of operation, which generally includes all hours of the day to accommodate their patients.
Projected Job Growth
With increased globalization comes greater awareness of eastern and holistic forms of medicine and the increase of natural medicine becoming incorporated with western medicine, the likelihood of the public needing these particular type of physicians will increase dramatically for years to come.
Career Path
Early Career-
Mid Career-
Late Career-
Recommended Schools
How To Become a Naturopathic Doctor
An individual must first obtain a bachelor’s of science degree to apply to a naturopathic medical college. Coursework should be in all the sciences, anatomy & physiology, biology and chemistry and botany, psychology, and mathematics should all be areas of study the student excels in. Students will typically spend at least 4 years studying natropathic science, with the last two years doing clinical work. A residency after college is not required, but most states do require a license and certification to practice medicine.
Naturopathic Doctor Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$55,510Average
$85,120High Range
$135,950National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$27/hrAverage
$41/hrHigh Range
$65/hrHow do Naturopathic Doctor salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Naturopathic Doctor's can make an average annual salary of $85,120, or $41 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $55,510 or $27 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#115 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Naturopathic Doctors
- 27.9% Doctorate
- 42% Masters
- 15.7% Bachelors
- 3% Associates
- 7.6% College
- 2.6% High School
- 1.2% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
50,1002024 Est. Jobs
56,100Job Growth Rate
12%Est. New Jobs
6,000How does Naturopathic Doctor job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 6,000 jobs for a total of 56,100 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 12% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#148 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Naturopathic Doctors
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 14,100 | -1,400 | -1% |
| Self-employed workers | 13,000 | 1,600 | 2% |
| General medical and surgical hospitals; private | 5,600 | 400 | 0% |
