Naturopathic doctors are required to go through four years of post-graduate training in an accredited naturopathic medical program. Some holistic health practitioners are able to make quite a bit of money right out of school, while others need to build their reputation and work their way up. Many doctors of alternative medicine make the decision to open their own practice rather than working directly under someone else. Another name for a natural doctor is a master herbalist. Even though master herbalists are required to go through more schooling than a medical doctor, most naturopaths make much lower salaries than medical doctors.
Benefits
Alternative health care practitioners do make comfortable salaries. In the United States, the average salary for a naturopathic doctor is around $80,000 per year; however, many naturopathic doctors will make substantially more than this after they have established a successful practice for a number of years.
Homeopathic doctors have the freedom to open up their own practices. A good doctor of natural medicine will typically make the decision to team up with other doctors and run a practice together in order to cut overhead costs.
Holistic health practitioners can also teach other students who are studying to be naturopathic doctors. The average salary for a doctor teaching naturopathy is around $50,000 per year.
Significance
A career in naturopathic medicine is very rewarding and satisfying, because holistic doctors are able to help patients improve their health by using therapies that have been around for thousands of years. Natural physicians work hard to keep their patients healthy through preventative measures. They also strive to treat their patients individually, and most naturopaths spend more time with their patients than medical doctors.
Misconceptions
Some people think that natural physicians are not able to make decent money. This is a common misconception. Most of these doctors make a very reasonable salary, because there is a high demand for alternative medicine. As more people take a proactive role with their health, the demand for alternative practitioners continues to increase.
Considerations
If you are thinking of going to school to become a naturopathic doctor, there are many things to consider. Even though you can make decent money, be sure that you are choosing this career for the right reasons. The cost of schooling can be very high. For instance, in Arizona, the tuition at The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine is well over $24,000 per year. Becoming a holistic doctor does require a substantial investment of time and money.
A doctor of natural medicine is not allowed to practice as a doctor in every state. Be sure to find out if your state allows naturopathic doctors to practice medicine legally.
Time Frame
Most people take at least four years to finish their schooling before they can become a doctor of alternative medicine.
Most naturopathic doctors make a modest income their first year practicing. In some cases, it can take several years before a naturopathic doctor can make a reasonable income.
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