Naturopathic Practitioner “Certification” course is NOT what I expected…

  • Naturopathic Practitioner “Certification” course is NOT what I expected…

    Posted by Bridget on 12 May 2025 at 6h55

    NOTE: I am posting this here because for some reason my request to join that forum has not been accepted. I’ll make a separate post…

    So as I’m nearing the end of the course, there is a lot of information provided that seems.. full of stipulations. I wish this info was available BEFORE I paid for the course. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems like this course doesn’t actually provide any qualifications for people in the United States.

    “United States: In the United States, licensing and regulation of naturopathic practitioners are managed at the state level. Some states have well-established licensing boards and regulatory frameworks, while others do not license or regulate naturopathic practitioners.”

    “North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE): NABNE is responsible for administering the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in North America. Their website provides information on examination requirements and resources for exam preparation. (www.nabne.org)”

    “By familiarizing yourself with the licensing requirements, professional codes of conduct, and ethical considerations in your jurisdiction, you can ensure that you provide the highest quality care to your patients and contribute to the growth and recognition of the naturopathic profession.”

    Needless to say, I’m really disappointed that I invested my time, money, and effort into a certification that I can’t use in my country.

    So that I have clarity- what other Scholistico certification courses also have stipulations that they can’t actually be used for anything?

    Kristy replied 3 months ago 6 Members · 10 Replies
  • 10 Replies
  • Chandler

    Member
    12 May 2025 at 7h00

    It’s different for every single state like in my state. It doesn’t require a license in the state of Hawaii, but I’m very fortunate that I have a signing physician to overlook my work. I can still practice even without a license you need to remember a naturopathic practitioner is not the same as a naturopathic doctor There are two completely separate things so I don’t believe this course was a waste of time or investment. I feel like it’s very useful.

  • jill

    Member
    12 May 2025 at 7h22

    A practitioner and practicing doctor in naturopathy are two separate things. II would keep in mind that the courses offered here are more for adding to what many people already have. It may be helping their knowledge base or they just want to learn more within the realm of the field they are already in. If it is a certificate or something that you would need in your country specifically I would definitely research it to see if would work as a stand alone service. Either way I’ve found them to be chock full of great information and very educational. I hope this helps clear some things up. Best of luck to you!

  • Michelle

    Member
    13 May 2025 at 0h23

    Hi Bridget,

    Thank you for sharing your feedback — we truly appreciate you taking the time to express your concerns, and we’re sorry to hear that you’re feeling disappointed at this point in your course.

    To clarify, our programs — including the Naturopathy Practitioner Certification — are designed for educational and non-clinical purposes, and are distinct from a Master’s degree, licensure, or state-regulated qualification. We’d like to respectfully emphasize that we do not claim our certifications serve as clinical licenses or replace formal medical training.

    These courses are ideal for:

    • Beginners seeking a solid foundation in naturopathic principles

    • Professionals who wish to enhance their existing wellness practices

    • Individuals looking to use holistic tools for personal or community well-being in non-clinical settings

    We also include important guidance within the course about local regulations, especially in regions like the United States where licensure for naturopathic practice is governed at the state level. While this information is integrated throughout the course content, we understand how helpful it would be to have these stipulations more prominently displayed up front. We’re actively working to improve that visibility.

    For more detailed insight on how this certification can be used, please feel free to visit:
    https://scholistico.com/what-can-you-do-with-a-naturopathy-certification/

    If you have any feedback, questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at support@scholistico.com — we’re always here to help.

  • Kristy

    Member
    13 May 2025 at 9h56

    It really depends on what your state allows and the rules and regulations for that particular state. NC won’t allow licensure just yet, but it can be used for natural wellness coach and continued education. Some states may allow diagnosis and treatment, other allow you to create comprehensive and individualized plans, some states don’t allow it at all. While my state doesn’t allow licensure, I am happy with the course as there is many things I can do with it, even start my own “practice”. The accreditation is there, but what your state allows is the issue or non issue.

    • rvmccarty

      Member
      13 May 2025 at 18h41

      Hi Kristy,

      I’m located in NC (North Carolina) as well.

      I’d be interested to learn more about what you mean by NC won’t allow licensure just yet?

      I’m aware the Naturopathic Doctors must attend schools in either the US or a Canadian equivalent of a University that is accredited by the an agency approved by the US Dept of Education.

      NC General Statutes mention this and more concerning Naturopathic Doctors (or very similar terms) in their GS in file H847v0.pdf. The GS says only NDs can practice naturopathic medicine. However, I don’t see a mention that we cannot operate as Naturopathic Practitioners (or very similar terms) who would educate and empower clients to improve the health through lifestyles modifications – noting the importance of remaining in scope of the NP and not diagnosing or treating any condition.

      I do agree that I’ve found no licensing requirements for Naturopathic Practitioners for practicing Naturopathy provided we don’t step into the scope of practicing medicine.

      I’d love to learn more about what we are allowed to do in NC? What am I missing?

      Thanks!

      Robin

      • Kristy

        Member
        13 May 2025 at 20h05

        Hello, fellow North Carolinian! From what I understand, the legislation has been drafted but isn’t law yet. There seems to be some delays in the process. I recently watched a seminar by a ND from Charlotte who practices in this field and thought maybe I had it wrong! I haven’t found any regulations specifically for practitioners, aside from the fact that they cannot treat or diagnose patients. It’s possible that I focused solely on the practitioner aspect during my research, so if I’m missing anything, please let me know! I’ve been studying this topic for years, and I’m excited to take it to the next level!

        • rvmccarty

          Member
          14 May 2025 at 10h32

          Thanks so much for your reply! I hadn’t heard about the new legislation being drafted. I’ll research this, as well.

          May I ask if you are practicing Naturopathy professionally? If so, what title are you using?

          • Kristy

            Member
            14 May 2025 at 17h58

            I am not practicing professionally yet. I already have an all natural skin care line under the name The Heavenly Haven Cosmetics & Gifts. If you are looking for an all natural anti-aging skin care line…checkout theheavenlyhaven.org! My plan is to expand under this name and add Naturopathic Practioner. My original plan was to go by Natural Wellness Coach, but am now leaning towards what it is, Naturopathic Practitioner!

            • rvmccarty

              Member
              14 May 2025 at 21h46

              Would you like to connect in the “Connections” section?

            • Kristy

              Member
              15 May 2025 at 9h52

              Absolutely!

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