Re: Naturopathic Doctor

It's hard to predict the future w/o a crystal ball. Generally, naturopathy seems to be growing. But, economic indicators show a general decline in the public's spending on natural medicine. I'm not too worried about my practice declining. But, I think many NDs just entering practice may have difficulty.

As far as salaries, they vary WIDELY. I know some making a couple hundred thousand a year and others who aren't surviving on what they make in practice. It depends a lot on motivation and location... and a lot of luck.

If money is a concern, you might want to consider pursuing other healthcare paths. Any primary practitoner (MD, DO, PA, NP, etc) can build some natural medicine into their practice. Also, in many place acupunturists are more accepted. In the end, though, money isn't the best motivation for ANY type of healthcare.

Is naturopathy worthwhile? Personally, because I take a more integrated approach to healthcare and I'm somewhat costrained by both education and state practice acts, I think an osteopathic (or even MD) degree would have suited me better. But, what really matters is how YOU envision practice.

More and more of my colleagues are studying to become PA's or nurse practitioners to fill in these gaps in their practice.

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