Posted on by Julie Wagester

Why Choosing the Right School Matters

Choosing a naturopathy school shapes your education, credentials, and legal ability to practice in your chosen state. Some programs offer holistic health certifications, while others offer accredited degrees that qualify graduates to take naturopathic doctor licensing exams.

Before enrolling, carefully compare programs and identify which best meets your needs. Review the key considerations and school comparisons below to make an informed decision.

What to Consider When Comparing Naturopathy Schools

Accreditation and Certification

Accreditation determines if your education qualifies you for licensing or certification after graduation. To earn a Naturopathic Doctor license in certain states, you must attend a CNME-accredited program. In other states, Naturopathic Doctors don’t need licenses; certification boards like the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board (ANMCB) recognize alternative programs.

If you aim to become a licensed naturopathic doctor in a regulated state, you must attend a CNME-accredited institution and pass the NPLEX exam to obtain your license.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing for naturopathic doctors is regulated by each state. Some states, such as Minnesota, have established licensing laws for CNME-accredited graduates. Others, including Michigan, do not currently license naturopathic doctors. In these states, graduates may still practice as holistic health professionals or certified naturopaths.

According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, “Currently, 26 jurisdictions (23 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) have licensing or registration laws for naturopathic doctors (NDs/NMDs). In these jurisdictions, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from accredited four-year residential naturopathic medical programs and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license or registration.” The 23 states that require a license to practice naturopathy are:

 

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

If your goal is to become a holistic practitioner or Traditional Naturopath, programs approved by the ANMCB may be a good fit. The states where you can work as a Certified Naturopath with degrees from these programs are:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Missisippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee prohibit the practice of Naturopathy.

Curriculum and Hands-On Learning

A well-rounded curriculum includes: 

  • Basic sciences
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Iridology
  • Nutrition
  • Herbal medicine
  • Energy work

Choose schools that blend classroom learning with practical experience. In-person or hybrid formats let you apply techniques, which is vital in this field.

Each school has a unique structure: some are full-time, on-campus programs; others meet on weekends or online. Consider your lifestyle, work, and location when selecting a program. Fully online options offer convenience but may lack hands-on or internship opportunities.

Format and Schedule

Each school offers a unique structure. Some are full-time and on campus, while others meet on weekends or online. Consider your lifestyle, work schedule, and location when choosing a format. Fully online programs can be convenient, but they may not include the same level of hands-on learning or internship hours.

Cost and Time Commitment

Tuition costs range from a few thousand dollars to over $15,000, depending on the program and credential. Check whether tuition includes books, materials, and internships, and factor in any application or lab fees. Be realistic about the time required as well. Programs may range from one-year certifications to four-year diploma tracks.

Naturopathy and Holistic Health Schools by State

Below is a comparison of naturopathic and holistic health schools in the Midwest and beyond. Use this overview to help you take the next step in your naturopathic education journey by identifying the best options for your needs.

Michigan

School Location Format Focus / Credential Program Length Tuition Notes
Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education (NITE) Mt. Pleasant, MI In-person, weekend classes Certified Naturopath (C.N.) diploma

Optional Emphasis Certification

 4 years $7,600 per year for the CN diploma Books included. Housing accommodations are offered at an additional cost. Offers in-depth education in naturopathy, holistic therapies, and wellness.
Blue Heron Academy Grand Rapids, MI Online and face-to-face Holistic Practitioner — — Focuses on practical holistic health training. Application fee: $100
Heirloom Academy Douglas, MI Online, requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher Accredited Naturopathy Program 24 classes $4,680 $195 per class, books not included. Application fee: $45

State Requirements

Michigan does not license naturopathic doctors, nor does the state mandate a standardized test for all naturopathic practitioners.

Summary

Michigan has several well-established naturopathy and holistic training programs. While graduates gain valuable skills, Michigan does not license naturopathic doctors. Graduates may practice as traditional naturopaths.

The Naturopathic Institute is best for:

  • People who want to earn a Certified Naturopath Diploma with in-person learning while still maintaining their full-time jobs
  • Naturopathic students who want to earn an Emphasis Certification in one of nine departments, including Advanced Energy Work, Advanced Naturopathic Sciences, Herbology, Holistic Family Medicine, and more.
  • Those looking for a knowledgeable instructor roster of experienced Certified Naturopaths, Naturopathic Doctors, and other holistic healers.

The Blue Heron Academy is best for:

  • People who live in Western Michigan and want to take in-person classes
  • Working individuals who want to earn a Holistic Health Practitioner Certification without quitting their full-time jobs
  • Students who prefer an online learning environment, as Blue Heron also offers self-paced eLearning programs

The Heirloom Academy is best for:

  • Individuals who have a Bachelor’s Degree and want to enroll in a Naturopathic Doctor Program
  • Students who prefer virtual learning
  • People who are looking for a slightly more affordable naturopathy program.

Illinois

School Location Format Focus / Credential Program Length Tuition Notes
National University of Health Sciences Chicago, IL In-person Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) 10 trimesters $15,150 Requires 24 credits in science courses, essays, and an interview. Books not included. Application fee: $55

State Requirements

Illinois does not require licensing at the moment, but there have been legislative efforts to license naturopathic doctors. These efforts have not yet advanced into law.

Summary

The National University of Health Sciences is a CNME-accredited naturopathic medical school. Therefore, graduates are eligible to take the NPLEX and practice as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in accordance with the licensure laws of the 23 US states that require an ND license.

The National University of Health Sciences is best for:

  • People looking to take the NPLEX earn an ND license.
  • Students interested in attending a CNME-accredited program
  • Those who want to learn natural medicine through years of medical school

Minnesota

School Location Format Focus / Credential Program Length Tuition Notes
Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy Edina, MN In-person and online hybrid Homeopathy and Naturopathic Studies 4 years $6,600 per year Books not included, approximately $500. Application fee: $110

State Requirements

Minnesota is one of the few Midwestern states that licenses naturopathic doctors. The licenses are issued through the MN Board of Medical Practice. Graduates from CNME-accredited programs can pursue full ND licensure.

However, “[t]here are a few states, Rhode Island, California, Minnesota, Idaho, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado and Louisiana that have passed health freedom legislation that allow for the practice of homeopathy as well as other healing modalities,” states the North American Society for Homeopaths. These health freedom laws allow Certified Classical Homeopaths to practice in Minnesota, provided they follow specific rules. They have to fully disclose to their clients that they are not licensed medical doctors.

Summary

Although the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy is not a CNME-accredited school, it is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Homeopathic Education in North America (ACHENA) and the Council for Homeopathic Certification (CHC). Students who graduated from the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy can sit for the CHC exam and practice as a Certified Classical Homeopath in the state of Minnesota once they pass.

The Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy is best for:

  • People who want to earn the Certified Classical Homeopath title.
  • Transfer students who want to be eligible to sit for the CHC exam.
  • Students who prefer a hybrid learning environment.

Indiana

School Location Format Focus / Credential Program Length Tuition Notes
Trinity School of Natural Health Warsaw, IN 100% online Certified Natural Health Professional and Doctor of Naturopathy 3 years $13,500 Books not included. Offers specialty courses such as Aromatherapy. Application fee: $150

State Requirements

Indiana does not license naturopathic doctors. Certification programs are recognized through private associations.

Summary

Trinity offers flexible, online certification programs that are ideal for adult learners but do not lead to licensure.

Trinity is best for:

  • People who prefer online learning
  • Students interested in specialty courses like Aromatherapy
  • Students interested in a more thorough program (3 years)

Florida

School Location Format Focus / Credential Program Length Tuition Notes
Institute of Naturopathic Wellness (Dr. Sheryl) Florida 100% online via Zoom Certification in Naturopathy 1 year — Seven modules plus a final assessment exam. One-year course access.

State Requirements

Florida law states that practicing naturopathy without a license is a felony. The state also abolished its naturopathic licensing ability in 1957, meaning no new licenses are issued. Therefore, the practice of Naturopathy is prohibited in Florida.

Summary

Florida prohibits the practice of naturopathy without a license. Naturopathic Doctor licenses are not being issued in Florida. While you can take this course in Florida, you cannot start practicing naturopathy in Florida. However, the 100% online format makes this training accessible nationwide. 

This Institute of Naturopathic Wellness is best for:

  • Online learners
  • People who want location flexibility when taking the program
  • People who want a shorter program length (1 year)

Key Takeaways

  • Accreditation defines your path. CNME-accredited programs prepare students for licensing as naturopathic doctors. Certification-based programs focus on holistic health practice.

  • Licensing varies by state. Minnesota and 22 other US states require naturopathic licensure. Florida is one of three states that prohibit the practice of naturopathy. The remaining 24 states, including Michigan and Indiana, do not require licensure for NDs.

  • Format matters. In-person and hybrid options provide stronger practical experience, while online programs offer flexibility for working students.

  • Hands-on training builds skill. Direct mentorship and supervised practice create confidence in applying natural health principles.

  • Choose a school that fits your goals. Those seeking to become holistic practitioners can find excellent training in Michigan and beyond. Those pursuing an ND license should look for CMNE-accredited programs.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Your choice of school will shape your understanding of natural health and the kind of practitioner you become. Before committing to a program, consider:

  • The school’s accreditation
  • The cost of the program
  • Scheduling
  • Whether the program is in-person, online, or hybrid
  • State licensing requirements

Your choice of school will shape your understanding of natural health and the kind of practitioner you become. Before committing to a program, consider:

  • The school’s accreditation
  • The cost of the program
  • Scheduling
  • Whether the program is in-person, online, or hybrid
  • State licensing requirements

Each program highlighted in this guide has its own strengths depending on your goals, whether you’re looking for hands-on instruction, a fully online format, or preparation for ND licensure. Taking time to align your learning preferences and career goals with the right school is essential to your long-term success in naturopathy and holistic health.

Disclosure: This article was authored by Dr. Besheen Baker, the founder and owner of the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education (NITE), which is one of the schools mentioned above.