Credentials, Professional Titles, Licensing Differences and Scope of Practice for Naturopathic and Integrative Practitioners

Why the title is not enough

Titles such as "naturopath," "naturopathic doctor," "functional medicine practitioner" or "integrative doctor" can mean very different training and legal permissions depending on where you live. Similar-sounding titles do not mean equivalent training. This page covers only the places where we read a regulator, professional body or government health source; for everywhere else, check your local authority. We do not list or recommend practitioners.

Credentials and professional titles

NCCIH describes three types of naturopathic practitioner in the United States. Licensed naturopathic physicians (N.D. or N.M.D.) complete graduate-level education at a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Traditional naturopaths may train through various non-accredited programs of differing length and content, and are not eligible for licensing. Other health professionals may offer some naturopathic services, and physicians can become board-certified in integrative medicine. [1]

NCCIH also explains the vocabulary. Credentials is a broad term for licenses, certification or education; governments grant licenses and professional organizations certify. [2] Being licensed or certified is not always a guarantee of being qualified. [2]

Licensing differences by jurisdiction

NCCIH's count of states is from its own page and may change as laws change; confirm with your state. Other provinces, states and countries were not verified for this page. In the United States, states use mandatory licensure, title licensure (only the title is protected) or registration. [2]

Scope of practice

Scope is what the law lets a practitioner do. NCCIH says licensed naturopathic doctors can diagnose, including medical history, physical exams, lab tests and imaging, and treat patients, and that scope varies by state licensure and regulation. [1] State laws vary widely in the services complementary practitioners may offer. [2] Whether a practitioner may prescribe medicines, give injections or IV treatments, or order imaging depends on the jurisdiction; we did not read a complete comparison, so ask the regulator.

Naturopathic treatments listed by NCCIH include diet and lifestyle change, stress reduction, herbs and supplements, homeopathy, manipulative therapies, exercise therapy, practitioner-guided detoxification and counseling. [1] The evidence for these varies a lot; see common components of integrative care and the claim checks on tests.

How to check a practitioner

• Find your state, province or country regulator and use its public register, if one exists.
• Ask which title they hold, which school and exam, and whether the title is protected by law where you live.
• Ask what they are allowed to do under their license, and who they refer to.
• If no regulator exists, say so to yourself plainly: there is no outside body to complain to.
• See choosing a qualified practitioner and questions to ask before a session.

Regulations, licenses or certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment from any provider, conventional or complementary. [1]

Who should see a medical doctor first

Anyone with new or severe symptoms, a serious diagnosis, pregnancy, or a child who is ill should have medical evaluation. Tell all your providers about every treatment you use. [2]