An important difference between herbalists, homeopaths, and other alternative health practitioners that specialize in a particular discipline, is that NMDs (Naturopathic Medical Doctors) complete a doctorate program in the same way MDs do. NMDs attend a 4 year program at a licensed Naturopathic Medical School. In order to practice medicine all NMDs must pass an extensive medical exam to become board certified in their state. NMDs like MDs receive the same level of training including all the basic sciences and diagnostic/laboratory techniques including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology as well as all of the disciplines in medicine.

The key difference though is in the focus of each discipline. While an MD focuses on drug and surgical treatments, the Doctorate in Naturopathy emphasizes treatment on the use of natural healing when viable and will turn to medications or surgery when necessary. Natural Treatments include: botanical/herbal medicine; clinical nutrition; hydrotherapy; acupuncture and oriental medicine; homeopathy; disease prevention and lifestyle counseling. The Doctorate in Naturopathy also focuses more on the overall patient rather than isolating symptoms. This allows the ND to treat the root cause of the ailment and the patient as a whole.

Naturopathic Doctors provide primary family care and often become the primary care physician for many patients. NMD's like MD's have prescribing rights in Arizona, thus can manage most pharmaceutical care when needed. They can also order laboratory as well as imaging tests which will typically be covered by insurance in most cases.

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