A Naturopathic Physician is a healthcare provider who practices naturopathy, a form of medicine that combines natural remedies with traditional medical practices to promote healing and wellness. They focus on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 2.0% (below average)
Annual job openings: 2 400
Direct AI exposure: 10% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 41% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Physician Assistants, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals. According to the wage tables, average income is $97K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $50K per year | NA per year | $97K per year | NA per year | $125K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average. | ||||
Naturopathic Physicians often work in private practice, wellness centers, or integrative healthcare clinics. They may also be employed in hospitals, research facilities, or educational institutions. The work environment is typically calm and focused on providing a holistic approach to patient care, often involving consultations in a comfortable, office-like setting.
Naturopathic Physicians approach healthcare from a holistic perspective, emphasizing the body's inherent ability to heal itself. They integrate conventional medical diagnosis and treatment with natural therapies. This approach involves a deep understanding of the natural healing process and the use of treatments that are in harmony with natural processes. Naturopathic Physicians strive to identify and treat the underlying causes of illness, rather than just the symptoms.
Education and prevention are key components of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic Physicians spend time educating their patients about lifestyle changes and self-care to promote optimal health. They often work closely with patients over time to monitor health and adjust treatments as needed.
The field of naturopathy is growing as more people seek holistic and preventive approaches to health. Naturopathic Physicians must keep up-to-date with medical research, including natural and conventional treatment modalities. They must be empathetic, good listeners, and able to build trust with their patients.
In Canada, becoming a Naturopathic Doctor typically involves completing a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of naturopathic medical education at a program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Graduates must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) and register with the provincial regulatory authority to practise as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in provinces where the profession is regulated.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.