Are Naturopathic Physicians Real Doctors?
Written by YiQiu Hu, NMD
Arizona-licensed naturopathic physician and concierge medicine provider
Published July 2026 | Medically reviewed July 2026
Yes - in Arizona, licensed naturopathic physicians are real doctors who complete a four-year accredited naturopathic medical education, pass national licensing examinations, and are licensed by the state to diagnose, prevent, and treat many health conditions.
However, the answer depends on where you live. Naturopathic physicians are licensed in some states, including Arizona, while other states do not regulate the profession. That means the education, scope of practice, and legal authority of a naturopathic physician can vary significantly depending on state law.
If you're considering seeing a naturopathic physician in Arizona, here's what you should know.
Licensed naturopathic physicians in Arizona are doctoral-level healthcare providers who receive extensive medical training and are regulated by the state.
Arizona naturopathic physicians:
Complete a four-year accredited naturopathic medical program after earning a bachelor's degree or completing prerequisite science coursework.
Study biomedical sciences, clinical diagnosis, pharmacology, nutrition, physical medicine, and evidence-informed natural therapies.
Complete supervised clinical training while in medical school.
Pass national licensing examinations (NPLEX).
Maintain an active state license through continuing medical education.
Like other healthcare professionals, naturopathic physicians have a defined scope of practice established by Arizona law.
The Short Answer
What Education Does a Naturopathic Physician Complete?
Becoming a licensed naturopathic physician requires years of higher education and clinical training.
Typical education includes:
Undergraduate education with science prerequisites
Four years of accredited naturopathic medical school
Classroom instruction in biomedical sciences
Clinical diagnosis and physical examination
Pharmacology
Nutrition
Botanical medicine
Clinical rotations under licensed physicians
Students spend thousands of hours learning both conventional medical sciences and evidence-informed natural treatment approaches.
Graduates earn the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND or NMD, depending on the state).
Are Naturopathic Physicians Licensed?
Yes, in Arizona.
After graduating, naturopathic physicians must pass the North American Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) before becoming licensed.
Arizona licenses naturopathic physicians through the state regulatory board, which establishes professional standards, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary oversight.
Patients can verify a provider's license through the Arizona licensing board.
Arizona has one of the broadest scopes of practice for licensed naturopathic physicians in the United States.
Depending on a patient's needs, an Arizona naturopathic physician may:
Diagnose medical conditions
Perform physical examinations
Order laboratory testing
Interpret diagnostic results
Develop treatment plans
Prescribe certain medications when appropriate under Arizona law
Recommend nutritional and lifestyle interventions
Perform selected in-office procedures within their licensed scope
Coordinate care with specialists and other healthcare professionals
The exact services offered vary between individual physicians based on their training, experience, and practice focus.
What Can a Naturopathic Physician Do in Arizona?
Naturopathic physicians, medical doctors (MDs), and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are all doctoral-level healthcare professionals, but they receive different training and often emphasize different treatment approaches.
MDs and DOs complete conventional medical school followed by residency training in a chosen specialty.
Licensed naturopathic physicians complete accredited naturopathic medical school and focus on combining modern medical science with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, preventive care, and evidence-informed natural therapies.
Many patients choose naturopathic physicians because they appreciate a more comprehensive discussion of diet, sleep, exercise, stress management, and long-term wellness alongside appropriate medical evaluation.
Rather than viewing these professions as competitors, many patients benefit from collaborative care between healthcare providers when appropriate.
How Are Naturopathic Physicians Different From MDs and DOs?
Does Every State License Naturopathic Physicians?
No.
Licensing laws vary by state.
Some states, including Arizona, regulate naturopathic physicians through state licensing boards.
Other states have limited regulation or no licensing laws at all.
Because of these differences, it's important to understand the credentials of any healthcare provider and verify that they are appropriately licensed where they practice.
How Can I Verify a Naturopathic Physician's Credentials?
Before scheduling an appointment, consider checking:
Whether the physician is licensed in your state
Their educational background
Their areas of clinical focus
Their years of experience
Patient reviews
Whether their services align with your healthcare needs
If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask your provider about their training and qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Arizona licenses naturopathic physicians through the state's regulatory system after they complete accredited education and pass national licensing examinations.
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Arizona law allows licensed naturopathic physicians to prescribe certain medications within their legal scope of practice. The specific medications and prescribing authority are defined by state law.
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Yes. Licensed naturopathic physicians in Arizona can order and interpret many laboratory tests to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
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No. Both are doctoral-level healthcare professionals, but they complete different educational pathways and often use different treatment philosophies. MDs and DOs train through conventional medical schools and residency programs, while naturopathic physicians complete accredited naturopathic medical education with an emphasis on prevention, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-informed natural therapies.
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Not at all. Many patients continue working with their primary care physician and specialists while also receiving naturopathic care. Coordination between healthcare providers often leads to more comprehensive care.
The Bottom Line
Licensed naturopathic physicians are doctoral-level healthcare providers who complete years of medical education, pass national licensing examinations, and are regulated by state law in Arizona.
If you're looking for a physician who emphasizes prevention, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and personalized care while using modern diagnostic tools, a licensed naturopathic physician may be an excellent fit.
Understanding your provider's education, licensing, and scope of practice can help you make an informed decision about your healthcare.
Looking for a Licensed Arizona Naturopathic Physician?
At Ask Dr. Hu, we provide personalized naturopathic and concierge medical care for patients throughout Arizona via secure telemedicine, with in-person visits available when appropriate.
Whether you're looking for preventive care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, weight management, or a more personalized healthcare experience, we're here to help.
Contact us today to learn whether our practice is the right fit for your healthcare needs.