Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Naturopathic Physician
Job description
Naturopathy includes all aspects family care, from natural childbirth through geriatrics. Naturopath physicians (NDs) provide general care for their patients which is based on treatment of the natural laws governing the human body. They focus on the basic causes of illnesses and diagnose disorders by patient history, physical exams and lab tests. Treatment focuses on helping the body heal itself using a variety of natural healing techniques such as: food and herb therapy, homeopathy, oriental medicine, massage, psychotherapy, electrotherapy, and manual manipulations. An important part of their work is teaching patients how to improve and maintain their health. Naturopaths may also prescribe certain drugs and perform minor surgery.
Most NDs work in private practice. Some may work in partnership with others. Some work for naturopathic clinics, others may teach or conduct research at naturopathic schools or colleges. Naturopaths typically work 30 to 40 hours per week.
Salaries and benefits*
Entry level earnings range from $24,000 to $30,000 per year. Some Naturopathic Physicians start as salaried employees to gain experience and funds needed to set up their own practice. Nationally, ND's with about eight years of experience average $40,000 per year. The earnings for ND's who have been practicing for about 25 years range from $60,000 to $80,000. Since most ND' are self-employed, they must provide their own malpractice insurance, medical, dental and retirement benefits. The cost of set up a private practice ranges from $10,000 to $75,000 or more.
Training and requirements
Naturopaths learn the necessary skills through four years of pre-medical college work and four years of training at accredited naturopathic schools. NDs who use chiropractics or acupuncture to treat patients must have the required training and licenses to do so. Some Naturopaths are mid-wives, which also require additional training and licensing. In Washington, training is available at Bastyr University.
Necessary skills
●
ability to catch on to things and make judgments
●
understand the meanings of words and present information clearly
●
add and subtract quickly and accurately
●
picture forms in space
●
see details and slight differences in objects, shapes or pictures
●
coordinate eyes and hands
●
knowledge of basic sciences
●
knowledge of a broad range of natural therapeutic techniques
●
knowledge of gynecology, pharmacology, nutrition, oriental medicine, and patient counseling
●
know how to combine therapies
●
ability to diagnose disorders by using diagnostic imaging and other procedures
●
ability to make decisions using clinical judgment
●
good verbal skills and ability to work well with people
Licensure/Certification
Naturopaths must be licensed in the State of Washington by the Washington State Department of Health. Several licensing fees are required. Many NDs join professional associations which may have annual dues. Licensing requirements include: graduation from an approved naturopathic school, national and state written exams, certification of seven hours of AIDS training, 20 hours of continuing education annually.
Helpful high school courses
Include biology, chemistry, math, physics, physiology, health, physical education, nutrition, first aid, business, psychology, Latin, English, speech, and basic computer course work.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Dr. NE
Bothell, WA 98028-4966
(425) 823-1300
Outlook*
Naturopathic medicine schools report a major increase in enrollment and graduates over the last ten years. The number of licensed Naturopathic Physicians in Washington has also grown each year. This trend is expected to continue. Currently, about 394 Naturopathic Physicians are licensed and practicing in Washington. Most are self-employed.
Professional Associations
●
American Association of Naturopathic
Physicians
601 Valley St., Suite 105
Seattle, WA 98109-4229
(206) 298-0126
http://www.naturopathic.org
●
Washington Association of Naturopathic
Physicians
4224 University Way NE, Suite J
Seattle, WA 98105-5833
(206) 547-2130
(800) 438-2882
http://www.wanp.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04