Naturopathic Doctors (ND or NMD) are educated at accredited, 4-year, postgraduate medical institutions following completion of standard pre-medical undergraduate coursework. Training begins with a comprehensive study of all conventional medical basic sciences including: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Pathology. It then progresses to the study of each body system including: Cardiology, Neurology, Pulmonology, Oncology, Immunology, Gastroenterology, etc., along with Clinical and Physical Diagnosis and Lab Diagnosis. As education shifts to therapeutics, NDs are trained in conventional treatments such as Pharmacology and Minor Surgery. To this point, education is consistent with that of MDs and DOs, however, Naturopathic Doctors are also trained extensively in Alternative Medicine Therapies including Botanical Medicine, Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture), Clinical Nutrition, Environmental Medicine, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, Lifestyle Counseling including Mind-Body Medicine, Spinal Manipulation and IV Therapy. NDs spend their final 2 years in medical school assimilating their knowledge into clinical practice seeing patients under the supervision of licensed practitioners. There are many correspondence courses and degrees being offered in natural medicine and naturopathy. However, only attendance at one of the following institutions, accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the accrediting agency for Naturopathic schools, can insure one’s status as a Naturopathic Doctor. For additional information on all accredited programs visit the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).