ND, MD/DO, NP: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

 

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