Traditional naturopaths and licensed naturopathic doctors share the goal of facilitating natural healing, but their education, scope of practice, and regulatory status vary across regions. The titles "traditional naturopath" and "naturopathic doctor" however are not interchangeable.

A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND/NMD) is a trained primary care physician with diagnostic and prescribing capabilities. In contrast, a traditional naturopath lacks these privileges. The titles may be confused, especially in unregulated regions like New Zealand and Australia.

In New Zealand, there is a residential school that offers undergraduate degrees in naturopathy and herbal medicine. Graduates, although qualified, should refrain from misrepresenting themselves as naturopathic doctors. In the United States and Canada, licensed naturopathic doctors undergo a four-year doctoral program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education after obtaining at least 3 years of undergraduate university studies.

The program also includes over 4,100 contact hours and a full year of supervised patient visits before graduation, with clinical training covering biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, botanical medicine, lifestyle management, and more.

To become licensed, naturopathic medical graduates must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). Some pursue post-doctoral residencies. Currently, six accredited naturopathic medical programs exist in North America, with NDs regulated in 22 states and 5 provinces.

Core naturopathic philosophies include relying on the body's self-healing power, treating underlying causes, minimizing harm, focusing on patient education, considering the whole person, and emphasizing prevention.