Naturopathic students attend a four-year school with the following subjects as part of their basic science curriculum:

• Anatomy with lab • Biochemistry • Microbiology

• Pathology • Physiology • Public health

The curriculum also includes specialized topics:

• Cardiology • Gastroenterology • Neurology • Urology • Proctology • Dermatology

• EENT • Gynecology • Obstetrics • Pediatrics • Geriatrics

A well-rounded naturopathic curriculum includes many treatment modalities:

• Hydrotherapy • Homeopathy • Botanical medicine • Nutrition • Spinal and extremity manipulation

• Physiotherapy • Counseling • Minor surgery • Pharmacology

Naturopathic doctors also participate in a clinical program which spans over two years. Finally, naturopathic doctors must have passed two rigorous sets of board exams lasting four days before they can be licensed to practice. It is a guarantee that graduates from these schools have received a very thorough education and excellent experience in treating patients as a general practitioner and physician.

The following naturopathic schools are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education:

Bastyr University
University of Bridgeport – College of Naturopathic Medicine
National College of Natural Medicine
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in fifteen states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unfortunately, Colorado is not one of these states. Without regulation by the state, anyone may call themselves a naturopathic doctor, and thus, the need to verify whether a practitioner has received a thorough education is placed upon you, the consumer. The Colorado Association of Naturopathic Physicians is actively working toward licensure at this time, and believes that licensure of naturopathic doctors as primary care physicians is in the best interest of the consumer. Licensure guarantees that a patient wishing to see a naturopathic doctor will be given excellent treatment by a highly-qualified health care professional.

If you would like more information, or would like to support the licensure of naturopathic doctors as primary care physicians in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Association of Naturopathic Physicians website.