Career Overview
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.
Also Known As
- Doctor (Dr)
- Naturopathic Doctor
- Naturopathic Medicine Doctor
- Physician
Alternate Job Titles
- Doctor (Dr)
- Naturopath
- Naturopathic Doctor
- Naturopathic Endocrinologist
- Naturopathic Medicine Doctor
- Naturopathic Oncologist
- Naturopathic Oncology Provider
- Physician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Document patients' histories, including identifying data, chief complaints, illnesses, previous medical or family histories, or psychosocial characteristics.
- Educate patients about health care management.
- Advise patients about therapeutic exercise and nutritional medicine regimens.
- Conduct physical examinations and physiological function tests for diagnostic purposes.
- Administer, dispense, or prescribe natural medicines, such as food or botanical extracts, herbs, dietary supplements, vitamins, nutraceuticals, and amino acids.
- Interview patients to document symptoms and health histories.
- Diagnose health conditions, based on patients' symptoms and health histories, laboratory and diagnostic radiology test results, or other physiological measurements, such as electrocardiograms and electroencephalographs.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Empathy
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree
On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
Tools & Equipment
- Arthrocentesis syringes
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Binocular light compound microscopes
- Blood drawing syringes
- Colonic irrigation sets
- Colposcopes
- Desktop computers
- Digital medical thermometers
- Electrical muscle stimulation equipment
- Electrical stimulation equipment
- Electrocardiography EKG machines
- Electrosurgical cauterization machines
- Evacuated blood collection tubes
- Glucometers
- Goniometers or arthrometers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Naturopathic Physicians.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $65,210 |
| Median | $113,730 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $194,000 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 30,870
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: $236,350
Cardiologists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: >$239,200
Pediatric Surgeons
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: >$239,200
Chiropractors
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $79,000
Pediatricians, General
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: $210,130
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.