ND, MD/DO, NP: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between medical careers? There are multiple routes one can take, each with their best fit for the careers and lifestyle you want to have. We break down 3 common paths, their similarities, differences, and more.
NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct health care profession that combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Naturopathic doctors (ND) are trained as primary care providers who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction at the level of body, mind and spirit.
MEDICAL/OSTEOPATHIC DOCTOR
Medical doctors (MD/DO) are a physician, specialist or surgeon who takes a biological approach to healing. Their education is disease specific. They utilize various techniques and tests to diagnose a patient’s symptoms and develop a treatment plan to address the disease.
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Nurse Practitioners (NP) are advanced practice nurses. As clinicians, they blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to health care.
PRIMARY CARE TRAINING
| ND | MD/DO | NP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assessment and Diagnosis | |||
| Patient Management | |||
| Communication and Collaboration | |||
| Professionalism | |||
| Career Development and Practice Management | |||
| Systems-based Practice | |||
| Practice-based Learning, Research and Scholarship |
REQUIREMENTS/COURSEWORK
| ND | MD/DO | NP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years of Undergraduate Medical Education | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Two Years of Classroom Instruction | |||
| Average Credits First Two Years | 191 | 91 | 1361 |
| Minimum Hours of Clinical Training/Clerkship (before residency) | 1200 | 17602 | 10003 - 1364 |
| Department of Education Accreditation | |||
| Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Neuroanatomy, Embryology, Histology, Pharmacology) | |||
| Pharmaceutical Training | |||
| Clinical Judgment/Problem-Solving Skills | |||
| Cultural Competence and Health Care Disparities/Societal Problems | |||
| Medical Ethics | |||
| Communication and Inter-professional Collaboration | |||
| Scientific Method/Clinical Research | |||
| Years in Residency Training | 1-3 Optional | 3 | None4 |
| Lifestyle Counseling | |||
| Botanical Medicine | |||
| Physical Medicine and Hydrotherapy | 5 | ||
| Nutrition | 100-220 Hours |
0-706 Hours |
10-197 Hours |
WORK ENVIRONMENTS
| ND | MD/DO | NP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interprofessional Outpatient Clinics | |||
| Concierge or Telemedicine Practice | |||
| Non-profit and Underserved Community Clinics | |||
| Administration | |||
| Research | |||
| Academia/Education | |||
| Supplement and Natural Products Industry | |||
| Entrepreneurship/Private Business | |||
| Hospitals | 8 | ||
| Pharmaceutical Industry |
