In Canada, once a profession is regulated, its terms become protected and participation by graduates becomes mandatory.
In the United States, naturopathic medicine is more variable. In some states, practitioners who pass board exams can be licensed and use titles such as registered naturopath or naturopathic physician. In the same state, others may be licensed without board exams and use the title licensed naturopath. Those who do not obtain state licensure may still practice but typically use the title naturopath.
In some jurisdictions, regulation functions on a voluntary basis. Practitioners may become state licensed without board exams by using the term licensed naturopath instead of registered naturopath. They may also practice without licensure if they use the title naturopath rather than licensed or registered naturopath.
Graduates of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program at National University of Medical Sciences (USA) can provide natural therapeutics across all 50 states and all Canadian provinces. In certain regions, such as Quebec, services may be covered by insurers. However, title usage varies by jurisdiction. For example, in California graduates may practice as naturopaths but cannot use “registered naturopath,” while in Ontario they may use the title naturotherapist instead of naturopath. Regardless of location, practice is possible when appropriate terminology is used in accordance with local regulations.
The first ND class at NUMSS (USA) is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and will include a course on peptide therapy and biologicals.