Nd?

[Juvysen]

I'm looking into getting a Doctor of Naturopathy degree. I've been sort of considering it for years and have a definite interest, but I guess I'm wondering for more details from those who have been there. I've looked on the school websites as to classes, etc, expected, but I guess I'm wondering things like, is there a residency required (as with an MD)? What's the process?

Thanks

[pinksprklybarefoot]

Quite a few years ago, I considered this and even toured a school in Connecticut.

Here was what I found:

*It was less competitive than medical school as far as admissions go. Some schools want a rec letter from an ND, though, which might take some work to obtain.

*AFAIK, a residency is not required.

*They told me that most NDs practice with another ND for a bit after school to build up a client base and learn how things work.

*One of my biggest concerns was that I would be taking out loans similar to a person obtaining an MD (or a Pharm D, which I am pursuing now) - ~$160,000, but there was a chance that I would not earn enough to pay off the loans. The fact that many insurance companies still don't cover NDs would have made it an uphill battle. Hopefully things will change in the future.

The programs looked really cool, but I wasn't sure how feasible they would be with my life. Plus, the fact that the little pharmacy of natural things they used to treat patients was the most intriguing part of the whole visit, leading me to believe that my interests might lie elsewhere.

[Juvysen]

I was looking at the one in CT because it's closest to where I currently live (and closest to family). The one in Bridgeport, I assume? One thing that's annoying me, right now, though, is that their admissions page says that the pre-requisites need to be less than 7 years old... and being that I graduated from undergrad 8 years ago, I'd have to retake all those... so that's a solid two semesters in a community college of classes I've *ALREADY TAKEN* and passed with flying colors before I could even apply. : Beyond that, I probably wouldn't start for a few years, since I have a baby, right now, so it'll be a while before I can reasonably devote that much time/energy to school...