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Naturopathic Medicine: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive health discipline focused on empowering individuals to achieve optimal well-being through natural, evidence-informed approaches. This program equips future practitioners with the scientific foundation and clinical expertise needed to support the body’s innate ability to heal, emphasizing prevention, holistic care, and personalized treatment strategies.

  • Basic Medical Sciences: Core principles of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology form the foundation for clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning.
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Analytical tools for understanding disease patterns, population health trends, and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
  • Neuroscience: In-depth study of the nervous system’s structure and function, essential for addressing neurological conditions and mind-body connections.
  • Public and Community Health: Strategies for promoting wellness at the population level, including health education, policy, and preventive care initiatives.
  • Laboratory and Clinical Diagnosis: Training in interpreting diagnostic tests and applying clinical reasoning to assess patient health status.
  • Pharmacognosy: The study of medicinal substances derived from natural sources, including plants, fungi, and minerals.
  • Botanical Medicine: Application of plant-based therapeutics tailored to individual health needs, with emphasis on safety, efficacy, and integration with conventional care.
  • Homeopathy: Principles and practices of individualized treatment using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s self-regulatory mechanisms.
  • Principles of Oriental Medicine and Ayurveda: Foundational concepts of traditional systems including acupuncture, meridian theory, doshas, and holistic balance.
  • Manipulative Therapy: Hands-on techniques to support musculoskeletal function, improve mobility, and enhance overall physiological balance.
  • Naturopathic Therapeutics: A broad range of non-invasive treatment modalities designed to stimulate healing and restore homeostasis.
  • Therapeutic Nutrition: The science of using whole foods, supplements, and dietary interventions to prevent and manage health conditions.
  • Case Analysis and Management: Clinical reasoning skills for evaluating patient histories, formulating treatment plans, and monitoring outcomes over time.
  • Philosophy of Naturopathy: Exploration of core tenets such as the healing power of nature, treating the whole person, and prevention as the cornerstone of care.
  • Patient Counseling: Communication techniques to support behavior change, foster patient engagement, and build therapeutic relationships.
  • Practice Management: Practical knowledge of administrative operations, legal compliance, and ethical standards for running a health practice.
  • Professional Standards and Ethics: Commitment to integrity, accountability, and patient-centered care within a regulated healthcare framework.

Naturopathic Medicine Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

235
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
7
Universities & Colleges
1
Career Pathways

Naturopathic Medicine Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Naturopathic Medicine degrees, including Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 30,870 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other 29-1299 $113,730 $65,210 - $194,000 30,870 $54.68

Naturopathic Medicine Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $66,950 in South Carolina to $160,560 in Maryland—a 140% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 30,870 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Naturopathic Medicine by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 6 institutions offering Naturopathic Medicine programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Naturopathic Medicine is found at Bastyr University (83 graduates), Sonoran University of Health Sciences (53 graduates), National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) (39 graduates), National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) (31 graduates), and Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo), Gurabo Campus (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 235 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Bastyr University
Doctorate (Professional)
83 Kenmore, Washington Private bastyr.edu
Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Doctorate (Professional)
53 Tempe, Arizona Private sonoran.edu
National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM)
Doctorate (Professional)
39 Portland, Oregon Private nunm.edu
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS)
Doctorate (Professional)
31 Lombard, Illinois Private nuhs.edu
Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo)
Doctorate (Professional)
12 Gurabo, Puerto Rico Private uagm.edu
EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc
Master's
10 San Juan, Puerto Rico Private edpuniversity.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Naturopathic Medicine programs

How much can I earn with a Naturopathic Medicine degree?

Salaries for Naturopathic Medicine graduates vary by role and location. Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other earn a median of $113,730 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maryland average $160,560 compared to $66,950 in South Carolina. Approximately 30,870 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Naturopathic Medicine programs?

Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Naturopathic Medicine degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Bastyr University (83 graduates), Sonoran University of Health Sciences (53 graduates), and National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) (39 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Naturopathic Medicine growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 325 in 2010 to a peak of 322 in 2020, before declining slightly to 235 in 2023-24. This represents a 28% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

What career paths are available with a Naturopathic Medicine degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 30,870 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Related Health Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.