To become a naturopath in Massachusetts, one follows an educational path very similar to those who are studying traditional medicine with a view to becoming a medical doctor. The first step for both is to get an undergraduate degree which is heavy on science. The next step for the naturopath is to study for four years at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Once the four years are over and the student has graduated, he must pass a licensing exam and in many states, obtain a license. Although residency is not a requirement, many naturopathic students do go on to a one or two year residency.
While medical doctors, upon graduation, know how to diagnose and treat the symptoms of a disease, the naturopath learns how to treat the cause of the disease. Naturopathic doctors believe in the ability of the individuals own body to heal itself. It is a holistic system of medicine where the doctor looks at the patient
