Credentials
Is a naturopathic doctor a real doctor?
A naturopathic doctor is a real **doctor by degree**, meaning the person holds an **ND** or **NMD** degree, but that is not the same as an **MD** or **DO** physician license. The title **Dr.** reflects the degree, while the license to practice medicine comes from the state board that issues it.[15][2][13] In the United States, **26 jurisdictions** license or register naturopathic doctors, including **23 states**, the **District of Columbia**, **Puerto Rico**, and the **U.S. Virgin Islands**. Large states including **Texas** and **Florida** issue no naturopathic license at all, and in an unlicensed state there is no naturopathic board setting scope or taking complaints.[15]
What the degree means
A naturopathic doctor holds an **ND** or **NMD** degree, and that degree is different from an **MD** or **DO** license to practice medicine. A doctoral degree and a medical license are separate things, so the title **Dr.** does not by itself mean the person is a licensed physician.[2][13]
Where naturopathic doctors are licensed
As of 2026, **26 jurisdictions** license or register naturopathic doctors, including **23 states**, the **District of Columbia**, **Puerto Rico**, and the **U.S. Virgin Islands**. **Texas** and **Florida** do not issue naturopathic licenses, so there is no state naturopathic board in those places to set scope or handle complaints.[15]
Scope depends on the state board
Scope of practice is set by the board that issues the license, not by the ND credential itself. In **Oregon** and **Washington**, licensed naturopathic doctors have prescriptive authority under a formulary, while **Colorado** registers NDs but requires a signed patient acknowledgment that the ND is not a medical doctor or licensed physician.[15]
States that prohibit naturopathy
**Tennessee** prohibits the practice of naturopathy outright. Tennessee Code **63-6-205** makes that conduct a **Class B misdemeanor**.[16]
Check it yourself
Related
FAQ
Is an ND the same as an MD?+
No.
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No. An **ND** or **NMD** is a naturopathic doctoral degree, while an **MD** or **DO** is a physician license path.[15][2]
Can a naturopathic doctor prescribe medicine everywhere?+
No.
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No. In **Oregon** and **Washington**, licensed naturopathic doctors have prescriptive authority under a formulary, but that authority is not created by the ND degree itself.[15]
What happens in Texas or Florida?+
In **Texas** and **Florida**, there is no naturopathic license and no naturopathic board setting scope or taking complaints.[15]