Naturopathic Physicians

What the job really is

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1299
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Document patients' histories, including identifying data, chief complaints, illnesses, previous medical or family histories, or psychosocial characteristics.
• Educate patients about health care management.
• Advise patients about therapeutic exercise and nutritional medicine regimens.
• Conduct physical examinations and physiological function tests for diagnostic purposes.
• Administer, dispense, or prescribe natural medicines, such as food or botanical extracts, herbs, dietary supplements, vitamins, nutraceuticals, and amino acids.
• Interview patients to document symptoms and health histories.
• Diagnose health conditions, based on patients' symptoms and health histories, laboratory and diagnostic radiology test results, or other physiological measurements, such as electrocardiograms and electroencephalographs.
• Administer treatments or therapies, such as homeopathy, hydrotherapy, Oriental or Ayurvedic medicine, electrotherapy, and diathermy, using physical agents including air, heat, cold, water, sound, or ultraviolet light to catalyze the body to heal itself.
• Consult with other health professionals to provide optimal patient care, referring patients to traditional health care professionals as necessary.
• Order diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiographs (x-rays), ultrasounds, mammograms, and bone densitometry tests, or refer patients to other health professionals for these procedures.
• Maintain professional development through activities such as postgraduate education, continuing education, preceptorships, and residency programs.
• Obtain medical records from previous physicians or other health care providers for the purpose of patient evaluation.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Arthrocentesis syringes, Automated external defibrillators AED, Binocular light compound microscopes, Blood drawing syringes, Colonic irrigation sets, Colposcopes, Desktop computers, Digital medical thermometers, EZ-Zone Software Alternative Medical Billing, Electrical muscle stimulation equipment, Electrical stimulation equipment

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• General Internal Medicine Physicians
• Cardiologists
• Pediatric Surgeons
• Chiropractors
• Pediatricians, General
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Family Medicine Physicians
• Acupuncturists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Naturopathic Physicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.