Naturopathic Schools

Many people who study natural remedies seek naturopathic schools to attain credentials in the field. Among the many naturopathic schools available, Clayton College of Natural Health stands out for its traditional naturopathy degree program. Since 1980, the college has offered self-paced, self-study courses by mail and online to thousands of students. While the college is not accredited per se, it is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and has a Quality Standards Certification from the U.S. Distance Learning Association. The college passed these organizations’ rigorous standards for educational excellence. Students may earn Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) and doctoral degrees (Ed.D.) in natural health, holistic nutrition, and naturopathy. Certificate programs offer students formal study in iridology, herbal studies, and holistic care for companion animals.

LoveToKnow spoke with Susie Hale, N.D., Ph.D., Professor of Practitioner Education and Professor of Traditional Naturopathy, to understand how Clayton College’s approach differs from other naturopathic schools, and how this approach benefits prospective students.

Susie Hale: Clayton College of Natural Health (CCNH) teaches traditional naturopathy. This is the philosophy and approach to health based on the belief that the body has its own innate healing abilities if provided the proper environment, internally and externally. Traditional naturopathic doctors focus on educating clients on lifestyle choices that impact health. They may counsel people in right diet, herbs, vitamins, supplements, and exercises. Or they may recommend internal practices such as meditation to reduce stress. The goal is to achieve a state of homeostasis, to allow the body to return to its normal state and heal itself.

Traditional naturopathy focuses on bridging the gap between building health and preventing disease. It’s not about disease or problems; it’s about encouraging health and wellness for the whole person.

Susie Hale: No, they’re not the same. There are four-year residential naturopathic medical schools that teach naturopathic medicine. Graduates of these naturopathic schools become naturopathic physicians. CCNH is not a medical school and does not train physicians.

Our graduates are naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic doctors cannot diagnose illness, prescribe medicine, or perform surgery. Instead they offer education, counseling and coaching to help people achieve optimal health.

Susie Hale: There’s really quite an extensive and comprehensive list of courses our students take to earn their naturopathic doctor degree. After meeting the prerequisites and being accepted into the program, students learn about digestion, physiology, and the history of naturopathy. They learn about many healing modalities, including manual therapies like massage, reflexology and acupressure, and also body awareness and physical movement. Detoxification and healing are also important courses in the program. There are many additional courses plus electives students must complete in order to graduate.

Susie Hale: Students study at their own pace. They receive the course materials and complete assignments on their own schedule. Clayton College of Natural Health is different from other naturopathic schools in many ways, but one important way is how we work with students at a distance.

Our faculty and staff are all truly outstanding in their fields, with the highest credentials. We assign all students an individual program advisor, and students always have access to their advisor to ask questions or get help with anything in their program. We’re available by email, phone and mail. We also provide students with many opportunities to network and interact through several online tools. It’s up to the students whether or not they wish to participate, but the tools help students connect and interact with classmates.

Susie Hale: We work online or through traditional mail. Some of our students are living an alternative lifestyle, living ‘off grid’ as they say and homesteading. They choose not to have computers and may have limited telephone access. They can still complete the courses through the old-fashioned U.S. mail.

Susie Hale: It depends on which program they choose to complete. To enroll at the B.S. or certificate level, the student must have a high school diploma or GED. To enroll in the M.S., Doctor of Naturopathy or Doctor of Natural Health programs, a baccalaureate degree is required. To enroll in the Ed.D. program, a master’s degree is required.

Susie Hale: Since CCNH courses are self-paced, it depends entirely on the student. There’s a five-year limit to completing the naturopathic doctor degree, although if students have one or two courses yet to finish at the end of their five years, they can request an extension.

The average student completes the program in about two and a half years. Most students are so excited and motivated to study what they love that they complete the degree on time.

Susie Hale: Many graduates choose to practice as naturopathic consultants, educating clients about how to build health. A large percentage of our incoming students are already working in the health field in some capacity, say as massage therapists, chiropractors, nurses and the like. Many of them choose to expand and enhance their knowledge and skills by completing the Naturopathic Doctor program with CCNH.

Our graduates are doing many exciting things and really helping their communities. If you’d like to learn more about what our graduates are doing, visit the interactive map and then click through to their stories.

Susie Hale: Graduates of the CCNH Doctor of Naturopathy Program qualify to become board certified with the American Naturopathic Certification Board. Once they are approved, they may use the “CTN” (Certified Traditional Naturopath) designation. This is a national, voluntary certification. Since traditional naturopaths practice as consultants, educating and teaching, there is no licensing of this profession.

If you would like to learn more about the programs of study available through Clayton College of Natural Health, visit their website or call toll free, 1-877-782-8236 for more information.

Clayton College of Natural Health is one of many naturopathic schools. Prospective students are encouraged to explore their options before choosing a program of study.

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