Licensing Requirements

• Bastyr University
  • Kenmore, Washington Campus
  • San Diego, California Campus
• Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
  • Ontario Campus
  • British Columbia Campus (formally Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine)
• National University of Natural Medicine, Oregon (formerly National College of Natural Medicine; National College of Naturopathic Medicine)
• National University of Health Sciences, Illinois
• Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Natural Medicine and Health Sciences), Arizona
• University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine, Connecticut

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Each applicant must answer all personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to any of the questions, the applicant must send an explanation and official documentation (if applicable). With regard to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If pending, applicant must indicate status.

• Applicants must successfully pass the basic science, clinical science, and minor surgery add-on examinations in the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE).
• Applicants must obtain a score of 75 or above on the Washington state jurisprudence examination.

Effective January 1, 2021, naturopathic physicians are required to complete 60 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, due at the time of license renewal on their birthday. Beginning January 1, 2017, all newly licensed naturopathic physicians must complete a one-time six-hour course on suicide prevention. This course must be completed by the second CE cycle due date after being issued their first license. Approved courses are on the department's Suicide Prevention Training for Health Professionals webpage.