Naturopathic doctors complete a four year residential naturopathic medical education at nationally accredited naturopathic medical schools. There are four such schools in the United States: Bastyr University in Washington State, National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Oregon, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona, and University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
The academic portion of a naturopathic medical education encompasses the same basic science and clinical science education that is taught in conventional medical schools, with the addition of extensive training in science-based and traditional healing methods such as counseling, botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, physical medicine, and hydrotherapy.
Naturopathic doctors are required to complete at least two years of supervised clinical training as interns in teaching clinics associated with the naturopathic medical schools in addition to supervised clinical preceptorships with practicing licensed naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, and other licensed healthcare providers.
Following graduation with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree, naturopathic doctors must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.
After graduating and passing both the basic science and clinical science sections of the NPLEX, a naturopathic doctor is eligible to apply for a naturopathic physician license in states which offer such licensure. Currently 16 states and the District of Columbia offer licensure for naturopathic physicians.
Dr. Anderson completed her naturopathic medical education at Bastyr University and completed her clinical training at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle, Washington. She completed preceptorship training with three licensed naturopathic physicians in the Seattle area and with a clinical nutritionist in Seattle. She is certified by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and holds a current naturopathic physician license in Washington State. At this time, Maryland does not offer licensure for naturopathic physicians.
