By Kailey Tepper, ND Student, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and MAND Student Board Representative, 2025 – 2026
As I approach graduation from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) this spring, I’ve been reflecting on my journey within naturopathic medical education and the resources that have guided me along the way. The following compilation highlights key professional, academic, and clinical tools that have supported my path – from preparing for NPLEX to understanding licensure efforts to exploring professional growth opportunities. Whether you’re a new student or nearing graduation, these references can help orient you to the broader naturopathic landscape in Michigan and across the U.S.
Key Professional Resources
Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors (MAND) – Stay updated on Michigan’s ongoing licensure efforts, advocacy news, and opportunities to get involved locally.
AANMC – Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges – Learn about accredited ND programs, admissions, and student success stories.
AANP – American Association of Naturopathic Physicians – Connect to national advocacy, leadership opportunities, continuing education, and the broader ND community. Explore the AANP’s list of Specialty Affiliate Organizations to discover focused professional groups in areas such as endocrinology (EndoANP), psychiatry (PsyANP), and oncology (OncANP).
ND News & Review (NDNR) – Offers clinically relevant articles, professional perspectives, and continuing education pieces tailored to naturopathic practice.
NPLEX Preparation
Part I Resources:
Wild Brilliance NPLEX I Prep
USMLE Step 1 Review Book or QBank
Bootcamp Medical
NABNE’s Official Blueprint & Study Guide
Part II Resources:
Wild Brilliance NPLEX II Prep
Dr. Paul Anderson’s NPLEX II Course Material
BoardVitals NPLEX Question Bank
NABNE’s Part II Study Guide
OSCE and Clinical Skills Preparation
Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking by Lynn S. Bickley
Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care by Joyce Dains
Stanford Medicine 25 – Free online clinical skills library with video demonstrations
Herbal Medicine Favorites
Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Sharol Tilgner, ND
Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND
Materia Medica by Eric Yarnell, ND
Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals by Jill Stansbury, ND
Homeopathy References
Morrison Desktop Guide (physical book) or RADAR Opus (online program) – for constitutional use
Complete Dynamics – free 30-day trial and lower-cost alternative to RADAR Opus for constitutional use
CEDH Materia Medica – for acute/symptom based guidance (CEDH educational website – https://education.cedhusa.org/)
Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine Resources
Natural Medicines Database – Comprehensive database on botanicals, nutrients, and evidence-based therapeutic uses.
PubMed Clinical Queries – A fast way to filter clinical research relevant to integrative and naturopathic care.
Institute for Natural Medicine – Offers continuing education, clinical updates, and best practices in integrative medicine.
Licensure and Legislative Updates
Subscribe to the MAND Newsletter for updates on Michigan’s naturopathic licensure efforts and advocacy progress.
You can also visit the MAND Licensing Information Page to learn how to support the movement toward full licensure in Michigan.
Follow AANP Advocacy Updates for national legislative news and guidance on policy participation.
Professional Development
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer any ND student, it’s to attend as many professional conferences as possible while taking advantage of student pricing. Some of the most valuable include:
– AANP Annual Convention – National gathering for continuing education, networking, and advocacy.
– GastroANP Annual Conference – Focused on clinical gastroenterology within naturopathic and integrative medicine.
– OncANP Annual Conference – A premier integrative oncology event featuring current evidence, protocols, and collaborative care models.
– OANP Annual Conference – Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians’ yearly event offering education in clinical practice, policy, and business.
– Other regional or specialty conferences (EndoANP, PsyANP, NAEM, ILADS, and others) to expand professional knowledge and community.
You can explore more affiliated organizations and specialty societies through the AANP’s list of affiliates to find networks that align with your interests. Meaningful professional connections often form through volunteering, mentorship, and student memberships with MAND and AANP.
Completing naturopathic medical school is a challenging and transformative experience, and I hope these resources provide both support and inspiration for students navigating this path. Whether you’re just beginning your studies or preparing for licensure, know that Michigan’s naturopathic community is here to support your journey – and we’re growing stronger every year!
Interested in learning more? Please reach out to us on our contact page!
Summary of Key Educational Requirements:
An accredited naturopathic medical doctoral degree (ND or NMD) is a 4-year, graduate-level professional degree earned at an institution recognized by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is the only accrediting body for naturopathic medicine in North America recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree is required, with foundational coursework in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and psychology.
- Curriculum Focus: Programs integrate biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology) with natural therapeutic modalities, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and physical medicine.
- Clinical Training: A minimum of 4,100 total hours, with a significant portion focused on supervised, hands-on clinical rotations.
- Accreditation: Students must attend one of the programs accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Licensing Exams: Graduates must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) (Part I: Biomedical Sciences; Part II: Clinical Sciences).
Key Differences & Notes:
- No Online Degrees: Due to the hands-on nature of the training, CNME does not recognize fully online naturopathic medical degrees.
- Residency: While optional in most places due to current state by state licensure, 1–3 year post-graduate residencies are available and encouraged.
- Transfer Options: Licensed professionals in other healthcare fields may qualify for advanced standing.
References:
- How to Become a Naturopathic Doctor: Your Complete Guide (2026). AANMC. Published January 23, 2026. Accessed March 10, 2026. https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-news/become-licensed-naturopathic-doctor/#:~:text=To%20become%20a%20licensed%20naturopathic%20doctor%20(ND)%2C,6-8%20years%2C%20from%20starting%20prerequisites%20to%20licensure.
- How are Naturopathic Doctors Educated, Trained, and Licensed? Institute for Natural Medicine. Published February 8, 2022. Accessed March 10, 2026. https://naturemed.org/how-are-naturopathic-doctors-educated-trained-and-licensed/#:~:text=https://aanmc.org/resources/curriculum%20are%20four%2Dyear%2C%20in%2Dresidence%2C%20hands%2Don%20medical%20programs,4%2C100%20hours%20of%20class%20and%20clinical%20training.
- Naturopathic Doctors (ND) License Requirements – Education – California Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Ca.gov. Published 2026. Accessed March 10, 2026. https://naturopathic.ca.gov/applicants/education#:~:text=A%20licensed%20naturopathic%20doctor%20(ND,primary%20care%20general%20practice%20doctor.