Licensed naturopathic doctors can prescribe some pharmaceutical medication. Naturopathic doctors complete academic training similar to that of conventional physicians: a bachelor’s degree with a focus on pre-med studies, followed by a four-year residential naturopathic medical program whose first two years have a similar foundation to that of a conventional medical school. After completing their studies, they must pass a post-doctoral exam. Although licensed naturopathic physicians are able to prescribe medication, they usually focus on prevention rather than treatment of symptoms. A naturopathic doctor will offer a holistic approach to your care that encompasses your mental, physical and emotional health. While they will prescribe medication as needed to treat illness, they are also likely to be creating shifts in your lifestyle and nutrition to effect deeper changes in your body’s response to illness.