Question:
Is there a difference between practitioners of herbal medicine andnaturopaths in the USA? I believe it is very difficult to practicenaturopathy over there, but I hear of many people practicing HerbalMedicine. (I am an Australian Naturopath/Herblist).

Could anybody please elaborate on this for me? I am very interested toknow about the qualifications required, and the legalities.

Answer: Southwest follows the CNME standards and is under review for accreditationaccording to the information that I have. As Thomas said, the schoolshave to be in existence for a certain number of years (to demonstratefinancial stability among many other factors) prior to being fullyeligible for accreditation. However, their students are eligible to takethe NPLEX which is the licensing exam for naturopathic physicians. Thenewest school to be established following the CNME standards is thecollege of natural medicine located at University of Bridgeport, CT.Since the university has regional accreditation, their students areeligible for federal loans, etc., and the school is set up to follow thestandards of the CNME. They do plan to apply for accreditation, but likeSouthwest, they have to demonstrate so many years of educating studentsprior to qualify for full accreditation. The costs for all thenaturopathic colleges averages at about $14,000 a year in tuition plusbooks and lab fees, which is a little on the low side compared to theosteopathic colleges or chiropractic colleges. There is also one collegein Canada which is recognized as following the standards of the CNME andwhose students are allowed to sit for the NPLEX.

So, you can go to any one of those 4 colleges and basically be eligiblefor licensing in any of the states that license. Graduation does notautomatically qualify you -- you still have the pass the NPLEX just theway that lawyers have to pass the bar before they practice.

The CNME is the body recognized by the US Dept of Education as theprofessional accrediting body for naturopathic medicine. Each discipline,such as chiropractors, osteopaths, and acupuncturists has their own bodyfor accreditation. Depending on how the laws are written in a state, astate may require licensed practitioners to have graduated from aeducational program that meets the standards of the profession as set outby the accrediting body recognized by the federal government (i.e. thegroup listed by the DOE).

As for practicing as a naturopath legally without a license, depends onthe laws of the states. I'm more familiar with the legal codes regardingacupuncturists, but I've found the laws to be written in the same generalterms. For example, in California, if you call yourself an acupuncturist,a doctor of oriental medicine, or any other name that implies you have alicense for your business and you don't, you're guilty of a misdemenourand subject to fines and penalities as laid out under the criminal codesof the state.