How Do I Earn Naturopathic Certification?

The steps you must take to earn naturopathic certification will typically depend on the organization with which you seek a credential and the jurisdiction in which you are located. In most cases, however, you will have to enroll in a certification program that provides classroom and laboratory instruction in a range of health, fitness, biology, and natural medicine topics. After you complete this type of program, which often lasts for less than a year, you will usually have to take a standardized test to gain certification. Additionally, there are some organizations that require advanced education, such as a master's degree.

You can enroll in a certificate program when you want to obtain naturopathic certification. These programs usually include classroom-based instruction in a number of subjects important for holistic health careers. Such programs often include laboratory components as well. The length of certification programs can vary, but they typically last for about 12 months or less. Programs that last longer than this, such as those that require two to three years of commitment, often offer associate's degrees instead. At the end of this types of program, you will likely be prepared to take a certification exam.

Depending on the program you choose in order to work toward naturopathic certification, you may have to meet educational requirements for enrollment. These requirements can vary, but often include a high school diploma or an equivalent credential. For example, many jurisdictions accept the General Educational Development® (GED®) diploma in lieu of a high school diploma.

You will study a range of subjects as you prepare for naturopathic certification. The topics you are likely to study include nutrition and fitness, herbology, water therapy, biology, anatomy, and acupuncture. You may also study psychology and botany in this type of program.

Once you have completed a naturopathic certification program, you must then pass an examination to obtain the credential you seek. Each certifying organization has its own criteria and procedures for this, but most will require you to complete an application, pay a fee, and provide proof that you have met their educational requirements. Once you have proven yourself eligible, you will likely have to pass a standardized test covering a range of topics important in naturopathy to obtain naturopathic certification.

While you can gain some certifications after completing a certificate program, there are some certifying bodies that require more preparation. Some, for example, may only grant certification to individuals who have earned bachelor's and master's degrees. In such a case, you will likely have to study more advanced topics and pass a more complicated exam.