Reference page
A sourced North American reference on reported use, training, accredited schools, workforce estimates, and regulation.
Updated October 26, 2026
This page brings together publicly available figures that are frequently needed when researching naturopathy and naturopathic education. Each statistic links to the source that published it, with the date and scope stated beside the figure.
These sources measure different things: a national survey records reported use, accrediting and school organizations describe programs, and regulation depends on the jurisdiction. Read the original source before relying on a statistic for a decision, publication, or professional question.
Key figures
Stable section links make it easier to reference a specific figure. Every figure below includes the date and source context that gives it meaning.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports this result from national survey data. It describes reported use, not clinical effectiveness or a professional credential. Source updated April 2025.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Naturopathy
The same national survey series recorded a 1.1 percentage-point rise over the 20-year comparison. Survey years and question wording matter when comparing any health-use figures. The underlying survey comparison is from 2022.
NCCIH reported an estimate of about 5,000 licensed practitioners in the United States and more than 2,000 in Canada. This is a 2016 estimate, not a current headcount. The NCCIH page was updated in April 2025.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Naturopathy
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education describes its accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine programs as primarily campus-based and four years in length. Its program list was reviewed September 25, 2026.
Source: Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, Accredited Programs
The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in this current total. Requirements and scope vary by jurisdiction. Its overview was reviewed September 25, 2026.
Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, Licensure
The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges lists eight school locations on its May 1, 2026 North American comparison page. School status, program availability, and admission requirements can change.
Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, Accredited Schools
The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges lists seven provinces and one territory with regulation and registration for naturopathic doctors. It reviewed this information September 25, 2026, and notes that scope varies by jurisdiction.
Source: Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, Licensure
The Council states that it accredits four-year, primarily campus-based doctoral programs and does not accredit online ND programs. This statement was reviewed October 26, 2026 and applies to the Council’s accreditation scope, not every naturopathy course or credential.
Source: Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, Accredited Programs
How to read the figures
Population surveys can show how many people say they used an approach. They do not establish the quality of a particular program, the appropriateness of care, or the effect of any individual treatment.
Program length, accreditation, examinations, professional titles, and scope of practice are governed by different bodies. A prospective student should verify the exact program and the rules where they intend to live and work.
The workforce figure on this page is useful historical context, but it is explicitly a 2016 estimate. It should not be presented as a current count without a newer named source.
Method and sources
Figures are selected from named public sources with direct relevance to use, education, accredited schools, or regulation. The page keeps each statistic tied to its source rather than combining unlike measures into one unsupported total.
Last reviewed: October 26, 2026. The next routine review is due in November 2026, or sooner if a listed source publishes a material update.
Updated April 2025. Use estimates for 2002 and 2022, plus an estimated North American licensed workforce through 2016.
2022 data, with a 20-year comparison of selected complementary health approaches among U.S. adults.
Reviewed October 26, 2026. Description and current list of accredited naturopathic doctoral programs.
Reviewed October 26, 2026. Current overview of U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions regulating naturopathic doctors.
May 1, 2026 school map, reviewed October 26, 2026. Current North American school comparison page.
Cite this page
Suggested citation: First National University of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences. “Naturopathy Statistics and Facts.” Updated October 26, 2026. https://fnun.edu/naturopathy-statistics
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