Embarking on the journey to become a naturopathic doctor is both exciting and challenging. As prospective students, understanding the path from student to professional is crucial for success in this rewarding field. In this blog, we’ll explore the various stages of the journey and provide insights to help guide you along the way.
“Naturopathic medicine is a beautiful profession with people who truly want to heal and believe in this medicine.” Kimberly Reid, NUHS
Preparing for the Journey:
Choosing the right naturopathic medical school sets the foundation for your future career. Consider factors such as accreditation, program reputation, and curriculum when making your decision. Understanding the coursework and clinical training requirements will also help you prepare for the academic challenges ahead. Additionally, navigating the admissions process requires careful attention to application requirements and preparation for interviews.
What I’d tell my younger self…
“You’re going to grow and change faster than you ever thought possible, so just be open-minded and be ready for that. It is four years, but you pack a lot into those four years.” Liz McAuliff, Student at NUNM
The Student Experience:
As a student, balancing academics and personal life is key to maintaining well-being and success. Learn to manage your time effectively and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Engaging in extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and research projects, can enrich your educational experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.
If I could go back and change one thing it would be…
“To get involved with NMSA as soon as you can. It is a great place to get questions answered, get connected with new friends and network with others.” Kimberly Reid, NUHS
Hear from Current Students
Day to Day Experience in Naturopathic Medical School
“The third year at CCNM is a mix of in-person practicals which includes diagnosing, prescribing, making treatment plans, and then going into the classroom for lectures and learning content. It’s intense but manageable!” Andrea Sulyok, 3rd Year at CCNM
“I am taking in-person classes like dermatology, women’s health, and emergency medicine. I am taking 26 credits in this trimester, and I’m also doing an internship, which means I have 4 hours on Monday, 8 hours on Wednesday, and 6 hours on Thursdays in the clinic.
I live on campus in the NUHS apartments on campus which makes it easier. I also am a mentor here on campus, and so I get to reach out and help newer students with their questions. It can get pretty busy and seem overwhelming but if you stay organized you can do it.” Kimberly Reid, NUHS
Transitioning to Clinical Training:
Clinical rotations and internships offer hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. Embrace the challenges and growth opportunities that come with applying classroom knowledge to patient care. Develop your clinical skills and decision-making abilities while building confidence in your abilities as a future naturopathic doctor.
Pro Tip: Take this opportunity to network with practitioners in many different disciplines to help develop your personal and professional network as well as your post-graduation opportunities.
Preparing for Licensure and Beyond:
After completing your academic program, you’ll need to navigate the licensure process to become a fully licensed naturopathic doctor. Familiarize yourself with the licensing requirements in any jurisdictions you may consider practicing in, and prepare for the licensure exam. Explore different career pathways and practice settings, and consider pursuing further specialization through residencies or continuing education.
Pursuing Residency Opportunities
“I am applying for residency program because I want to gather as much expertise and information on patient care through oncology as possible. Naturopathic oncologist work alot with integrative healthcare.
I want to go and see as many patients and as many cases as possible to gather that information. And to get ready to meet the requirements to become a fellow as an oncologist.” Kimberly Reid, NUHS
“Landing a residency is really a win-win situation. I’ll be more competent and I’ll be able to provide better care.” David James, 3rd Year at Sonoran University
By carefully navigating each stage of the process, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of your future patients. Remember to stay focused, resilient, and passionate about your chosen path in naturopathic medicine.
