The job market for naturopathic physicians in the United States

There are currently an estimated 56,400 naturopathic physicians in the United States. The naturopathic physician job market is expected to grow by 13.3% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are naturopathic physicians?

CareerExplorer rates naturopathic physicians with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 8,500 naturopathic physicians. That number is based on 7,500 additional naturopathic physicians, and the retirement of 1,000 existing naturopathic physicians.

Are naturopathic physicians in demand?

As naturopathy moves from the margins to the mainstream of medicine, demand and employment opportunities in the field are growing. Studies show that cancer, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic patients are increasingly pursuing alternative, naturopathic remedies in the hope of experiencing fewer treatment side effects. They are seeking symptom relief from chronic conditions; they want to feel in control of their health and boost their immune systems. While these trends bode well for the occupation, key to the advancement of naturopathy is its integration – not its exclusion – of conventional therapies. At this stage of their progression into the mainstream, naturopathic physicians’ best employment strategy is to partner in private practice with other complementary medical practitioners, including both medical doctors and holistic health specialists. While not all MDs are yet willing to collaborate with their naturopathic counterparts, attitudes are definitely changing. Positions are being created in integrative medicine departments at some hospitals and clinics and in the public health sector. In addition, opportunities are being presented in research and development, wellness education, and the field of natural pharmacy. One of the current drawbacks to the ND (naturopathic doctor) degree in the U.S. is limited state licensure and varying restrictions on ordering exams and writing prescriptions. In some states, naturopaths are only authorized to make nutritional, lifestyle, and homeopathic recommendations. Furthermore, the naturopathic doctorate does not qualify an individual to work for government organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the global scale, naturopathic physicians are disqualified from assuming medical roles with the World Health Organization (WHO) or the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

What’s the supply of naturopathic physicians?

The naturopathic physician industry is concentrated in Maryland, California, Florida

Naturopathic Physician job market by state