In modern times, prospective students may choose to enroll in one of several Naturopathy Colleges to earn their Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree. Usually offering four-year programs in naturopathy, Naturopathy Colleges train students to become holistic and natural care doctors.
Providing health education that seeks to not only to diagnose and treat patients, Naturopathy Colleges use a practical and academic approach that believes in evaluating the "whole" person when treatment is necessary. Students of Naturopathy Colleges will learn a great deal about this ancient healing system of medicine, which is derived from a variety of historical societies (Arabian, Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian, European, and Greek).
While naturopathy is more well-known today as a form of natural and alternative medicine, one of the first Naturopathy Colleges was founded in 1902. Since that time, naturopathic medicine has grown to become quite popular. This has led to growth in Naturopathy Colleges and schools to accommodate the demand for students desiring to become naturopathic doctors.
Most four-year courses at Naturopathy Colleges are very comprehensive and intense. Common curriculums offered through Naturopathy Colleges include introductory classes in anatomy and physiology, and theories and philosophies of naturopathy. Second, third, and fourth year courses offered at Naturopathy Colleges are normally comprised of naturopathy and pathology studies, herbal and botanical medicine, bodywork, nutrition, homeopathy, and clinical and laboratory studies. For example, students that attend Naturopathy Colleges will gain an in-depth look into how homeopathic medicine is a medicine where "like cures like." They will learn how to use this medicine to help promote body, mind, and spirit healing. Students that attend Naturopathy Colleges will ultimately be prepared to sit for state licensing exams.
In many cases, successful graduates of Naturopathy Colleges go onto opening their own private practices. others may elect to work in integrative health and wellness centers or holistic oncology clinics. Since career potential is virtually unlimited, traditional practitioners may wish to enroll in one of many naturopathic colleges to attain extended education in this medicinal practice to broaden their scope of professionalism and patient services.