Posted on by Julie Wagester

How to Choose a Naturopathy School

Your guide to finding accredited naturopathic doctor programs, understanding ANMCB certification, comparing tuition, and choosing a school aligned with your values.

Thinking about a career in naturopathy? Your first step isn’t mastering herbal protocols or nutrition plans; it’s picking the right school. Follow our seven-step process below to choose the naturopathy school that is the right fit for you.

Table of Contents

Why Your Naturopathy School Choice Matters

Choosing a naturopathy school isn’t just about getting a diploma—it’s about preparing for a career in holistic health and natural medicine that’s legally recognized, financially sustainable, and philosophically aligned with your beliefs.

Whether you’re searching for the best naturopathic schools or wondering, “How do I know if a school is accredited?”—this guide covers what truly matters.

Step 1: Confirm Accreditation and ANMCB Certification Eligibility

Not all naturopathic programs are equal. Start by asking:

  • Does the ANMCB properly accredit the school?
  • Will the diploma make you eligible to sit for the ANMCB certification exam?
  • Will the credential help you build a legal and trusted practice?

🔎 The American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board (ANMCB) is a widely accepted organization for credentializing naturopaths in the U.S. Visit ANMCB’s website to learn more.

Check State Licensing Requirements

Licensing laws for naturopaths vary by state. Some states allow full-scope naturopathic physicians (NDs), while others regulate or limit the practice of traditional naturopaths.

  • Visit your state board of health website for licensing info.
  • Ensure your school’s training aligns with where you plan to practice, not just where you currently live.
  • The licensure requirements of some states require an NPLEX exam and diploma from one of the seven schools in the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges  AANMC schools.
    • According to the American Medical Association, “At least 24 states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of naturopathy. In order to be licensed, naturopaths in these states must earn an ND or NMD from an accredited naturopathic program and pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam,” as of 2024.
    • According to the Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors, as of July 22, 2025, “Michigan does not currently have legislation for licensure of Naturopathic Doctors to practice as healthcare practitioners.”

The Difference Between Naturopathic Physicians and Traditional Naturopathic Doctors

Now here’s something that can trip people up: the title “Naturopathic Doctor” means different things in different contexts. There are two main branches to know before making a decision:

  • Naturopathic Physicians (NPs) complete four years of medical school, focusing on biomedical sciences, with a year of electives in naturopathic medicine. They self-administer an exam, operate under loosely regulated guidelines, and may work more like primary care physicians with an alternative lens.
  • Traditional Naturopathic Doctors avoid prescriptions, insurance, and invasive diagnostics. They use modalities such as nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, and energy balancing techniques. Traditional Naturopathic Doctors or Board Certified Naturopathic Doctors are typically certified by the ANMCB.
    • “The American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board, ANMCB, is the national Board Certification agency for Naturopaths and Natural Health throughout the United States. Registered with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in Washington, D.C., ANMCB offers Board Certification by examination, or recognition according to education and experience deemed equivalent,” states the ANMCB.

Step 2: Compare Top Naturopathic Doctor Programs

When comparing schools, it is important to understand their differences. Bastyr University and the National University of Natural Medicine are both 4-year medical school programs that incorporate naturopathy. In contrast, the Naturopathic Institute’s Naturopathy program is specifically designed to teach classes in naturopathy. NITE’s program allows students to become Naturopathic Doctors (ND). In contrast, the other two schools allow students to become Naturopathic Physicians, typically with an MD or PhD degree, depending on their educational background.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of leading naturopathic schools, examining accreditation, cost, curriculum, and learning formats.

Feature Bastyr University NITE 

(Naturopathic Institute)

 National University of Natural Medicine
Accreditation CNME, regionally accredited ANMCB-recognized CNME, regionally accredited
Curriculum Focus Biomedical + holistic Traditional naturopathy Evidence-based 

integrative medicine
Board Prep Yes (NPLEX) Yes (ANMCB certification) Yes (NPLEX)
Length of Program 4-5 years 4 years 4-5 years
Type of School Medical School/University Holistic Health Institution Medical School/University
Tuition (Annual Est.) ~$33,000 ~$9,000 ~$35,000
Board Pass Rate (ANMCB) N/A 100% (as claimed) N/A
Learning Format On-campus (full-time program) In-person (weekends only) On-campus, limited online (full-time program)
Financial Aid Federal aid + scholarships Institutional aid only Federal aid + scholarships

💡Pro Tip: Naturopathy is a field where both the learning model and certification path have to align with your long-term goals. Don’t base decisions solely on tuition.

Step 3: Dive Into the Curriculum

A strong naturopathic curriculum prepares you to address the root causes, not just the symptoms. Look for programs offering:

  • Herbal medicine — plant-based remedies, wildcrafting, homesteading, and botanical formulation
  • Nutrition — whole foods, therapeutic diets, and nutrient-dense protocols
  • Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine — meridian theory, diagnostic patterns, maybe even moxibustion or cupping
  • Homeopathy — chronic disease support through remedy selection and case-taking
  • Lifestyle coaching techniques — stress reduction, breathwork, and sleep hygiene

Step 4: Understand Clinical Training and Faculty Expertise

Ask About Faculty Qualifications

Not all instructors are licensed naturopathic doctors. Look for:

  • NDs trained at ANMCB-recognized or CNME-accredited schools
  • Instructors active in naturopathic practice or research
  • Faculty with specializations in areas you care about (e.g., autoimmune, women’s health, botanicals)

Are They Still Seeing Clients?

Theory without application falls flat. Instructors who still work in clinics, wellness centers, or integrative health practices bring sharp, up-to-date insights. They’ve seen what works beyond the textbook. They can break down complex cases based on actual clients they’ve treated. That kind of perspective completely changes the learning dynamic.

  • Look for hybrid professionals—those splitting time between teaching and practice.
  • Check for specializations such as botanical medicine, nutrition, mind-body therapies, or care for chronic illnesses.
  • Preview faculty interviews or guest lectures on YouTube or other podcast platforms to get a sense of their voice and approach.

A strong faculty doesn’t just teach; they mentor and challenge their students. These are the people who will shape how you think, practice naturopathy, and care for others. Choose wisely.

 

 

Step 5: Evaluate Career Outcomes & Board Certification Results

How Well Do Graduates Perform?

Ask for:

  • Board pass rate data from the ANMCB (look for 85%+ success rates)
  • Post-graduation employment rates in wellness centers, private practices, or education
  • Alumni spotlights showing real-world success

📈 Example: NITE reports a 100% ANMCB board pass rate and many alumni working as certified traditional naturopathic doctors.

Step 6: Understand Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid Options

How Much Does Naturopathic School Cost?

Costs vary from $9,000 to over $35,000 per year depending on format, location, and length.

Ask About:

  • Hidden fees (labs, books, clinical supplies)
  • Financial aid options:
    • Federal aid (available at regionally accredited schools)
    • Payment plans or school-funded scholarships
  • Return on investment: What income can grads realistically expect?

🔍 NITE offers a more affordable tuition model (~$9,000/year) but doesn’t qualify for federal aid. Bastyr and NUNM offer federal loans and more institutional scholarships. 

However, the Naturopathic Institute assists many students through MichiganWorks!, Michigan Rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs and other similar organizations. They also offer payment plans.

Step 7: Pick the Right Learning Format (Online vs. In-Person)

Is Online Naturopathic School Worth It?

Not all programs offer online learning, and not all formats are equal.

Format Pros Cons
  On-Campus   In-person labs, peer learning, faculty access      Less flexible for working adults
  Online   Flexible, self-paced   May lack hands-on clinical immersion
  Hybrid   Combines the best of both worlds   Travel may be required for labs

In my 30+ years of running the Naturopathic Institute, it has become increasingly clear that Naturopathy is not a subject that lends itself to online learning. Can it be done? Sure. However, Naturopathy classes can be very hands-on, and an in-person class format provides opportunities for collaboration, immediate feedback, mentorship opportunities, networking, and community building.

Final Checklist: How to Choose the Best Naturopathy School for You

Use this list to vet your top choices:

  • 📌 Is the school ANMCB-recognized and compliant with your state’s Naturopathic Doctor regulations?
  • 📌 Does it offer classes and training across different healing modalities, such as herbalism, nutrition, homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine?
  • 📌 Are the instructors licensed, practicing, and participating in research?
  • 📌 Can you afford the cost of tuition?
  • 📌Are there any available scholarships or financial aid options?
  • 📌What is each school’s average exam-pass rate?
  • 📌Are alumni from the school employed in the naturopathy field?
  • 📌 Does the learning format match your lifestyle?

Conclusion: Your Path, Your Practice

The naturopathy school you pick will shape your entire career. It affects how prepared you’ll be to help clients and how other doctors will see you as a professional.

If you want to become a Board-Certified Naturopathic Doctor or get licensed as a Naturopathic Practitioner, you need to choose carefully. Your school must align with your career goals, personal values, and your state’s legal requirements for practicing.

Don’t rush this decision. Look at different schools, ask the hard questions, and think about where you want to be in 10 years. The best naturopathy school will do more than just hand you a degree upon graduation. Additionally, it will teach you:

  • How to lead in your field
  • How to help people holistically improve their health
  • How to continue to grow as a Naturopathic Doctor

In naturopathic medicine, your clients need to trust that you have the expertise to know what you’re doing. The school you choose today will determine whether you have the proper knowledge and credibility as a Naturopathic Doctor in the future.