There is often some confusion on these titles and how they differ or are similar. I wanted to cover this topic so you are better informed and understand the practitioner you are seeing.
A Naturopath is NOT a doctor but a Naturopathic Doctor IS A DOCTOR. A Naturopathic Doctor can prescribe, order labs, order MRI etc. They receive the same education as a regular MD but then just go to advanced school in one area, just like a gastro or endocrine doctor would. A Naturopath is NOT the same as an ND.
"The AANP states that “The training that naturopathic doctors receive is comparable to that of conventional medical doctors (MDs) and osteopathic doctors (DOs). In all three medical programs.” Like other doctors, many naturopathic doctors also specialize in a particular field, such as endocrinology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, etc."
"Both NDs and MDs attend 4-year intensive professional programs after completing very similar pre-med courses. Naturopathic colleges require students to have completed an undergraduate degree before starting medical school."
"The basic and core clinical sciences that NDs and MDs learn in school are almost identical. Both NDs and MDs get around 1500 hours of training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, clinical physical diagnosis, genetics, pharmacology, microbiology, and other clinical science topics."
‘Naturopath’ is a non-professional term used by unlicensed practitioners. Although some of these practitioners have gone to school to learn about natural healing techniques, their education does not include the rigorous diagnostic and assessment training required to make their practice safe and effective, and certainly does not qualify them to be primary health care providers.
Make sure that your ND is able to show you their degree or diploma in Naturopathic Medicine, their license from a professional regulating body, and evidence of malpractice insurance."
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
"Naturopaths spend nearly 30% more time in a classroom setting. That means they go more in-depth on anatomy, physiology, orthopedics and most systems of the body. And they spend a few hundred hours on nutrition while MDs are close to zero."
"But medical doctors spend much more time on surgery and radiology (e.g. x-rays and ultrasounds). Interestingly, both disciplines spend a similar amount of time on pharmacology (drugs)."
A few I gathered on Chiropractors:
"Chiropractors don’t hold an M.D, so they aren’t medical doctors, but they graduate with a doctor of chiropractic degree. They do have extensive training in chiropractic care and are licensed practitioners."
Education comparison:
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