What is a naturopathic doctor?

A naturopathic doctor (ND or NMD) is a clinician trained in a four-year graduate naturopathic medical program. In states that license NDs, that usually means graduation from a school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and passage of national board exams (NPLEX), plus a state license that defines scope.

Licensure is state-by-state. Some U.S. jurisdictions license NDs; others — including Texas and Oklahoma as of this writing — do not. Where there is no state license, the title may not be protected and the legal scope of practice is limited. Always ask what state license someone holds and what they can legally do where you live.

Naturopathic care often emphasizes nutrition, lifestyle, botanical medicine, and longer visits. It is not a substitute for emergency care, and it is not the same as a functional medicine MD/DO path. For state specifics, see are naturopathic doctors licensed in Texas and are naturopathic doctors licensed in Oklahoma.