Life As a Naturopathic Physician

Naturopathic Physician Definition Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.

List of Naturopathic Physician Job Duties

• Treat minor cuts, abrasions, or contusions.
• Document patients’ histories, including identifying data, chief complaints, illnesses, previous medical or family histories, or psychosocial characteristics.
• Perform mobilizations and high-velocity adjustments to joints or soft tissues, using principles of massage, stretching, or resistance.
• Maintain professional development through activities such as post-graduate education, continuing education, preceptorships, and residency programs.
• Obtain medical records from previous physicians or other health care providers for the purpose of patient evaluation.
• Report patterns of patients’ health conditions, such as disease status and births, to public health agencies.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Naturopathic Physician?

Below is a list of the skills most Naturopathic Physicians say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Naturopathic Physicians

• Physician
• Naturopathic Oncology Provider
• Naturopathic Doctor
• Naturopathic Physician
• Naturopath

Job Opportunities for Naturopathic Physicians

There were about 56,400 jobs for Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.3% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,500 new jobs for Naturopathic Physicians by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,800 yearly job openings in this field per year.

The states with the most job growth for Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners are California, Florida, and New York.

Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for Naturopathic Physicians

The salary for Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners ranges between about $40,910 and $141,330 a year. A Naturopathic Physician median salary is $73,960.

How much do Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Maryland	$126,550
District of Columbia	$122,830
Georgia	$107,530
Louisiana	$104,930
North Carolina	$92,950
Washington	$89,590
New Jersey	$89,220
Massachusetts	$88,290
Delaware	$87,300
Virginia	$86,250
Minnesota	$86,010
Ohio	$84,760
Vermont	$83,520
Oregon	$83,430
Rhode Island	$79,950
Connecticut	$79,750
Maine	$79,090
Michigan	$78,210
Pennsylvania	$77,950
New York	$77,400
Hawaii	$76,650
Alabama	$75,360
Wisconsin	$75,260
Alaska	$74,750
Utah	$74,310
California	$74,080
Montana	$73,070
Kansas	$72,840
Oklahoma	$72,510
New Hampshire	$72,400
South Carolina	$72,050
Arizona	$70,780
New Mexico	$70,490
Texas	$70,270
Missouri	$68,600
Illinois	$67,600
Mississippi	$67,310
Florida	$66,660
West Virginia	$64,840
South Dakota	$63,640
Colorado	$61,630
Indiana	$61,420
Kentucky	$60,670
Tennessee	$59,990
Idaho	$59,640
Nevada	$52,800
Nebraska	$51,310
North Dakota	$48,300

Tools & Technologies Used by Naturopathic Physicians

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Naturopathic Physicians may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel

Where Naturopathic Physicians Are Employed

Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Naturopathic Physician may also be interested in:

• Clinical Psychologists

Career changers with experience as a Naturopathic Physician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

• Nurse Practitioners

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons