Re: MD vs ND studies and nursing

Posted by Jon on 10/12/05 at 11:57 PM

Hi… I am writing this from Australia which has slightly different methods but I’m sure the message is quite similiar. I am currently studying my fourth year of naturopathy and have already completed nursing (I work in theatre and medical wards to pay for my current studies). I would definitely recommend against nursing for you. Whilst it is rewarding, at the end of the day you remain little more than a private in the healthcare army and get little input into the direction of the patient’s healthcare directions. In Australia medical degrees (6- year undergrad or 4 year postgrad) are completely removed from naturopathic degrees (4 year undergrad). I myself have used my naturopathy degree to sit the Gamsat (Aust. postgrad medical entry degree) and begin medicine next year. As far as I understand, North American schools offer a more ‘medical’ view of naturopathy so I would recommend CCNM or Bastyr as I believe you need to learn a little from both the allopathic and naturopathic fields, as in reality, they each have their place.