Naturopathic Physician Licensing Information

Apply for a License

Approved Controlled Substance Education Courses | Approved IV Therapy Education Courses | License renewal information

Apply online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.

• License Application (PDF)
• Expired License Activation (PDF)
• Credential Verification (PDF)
• Jurisprudence Exam (PDF)
• Attestation for Intravenous Therapy (PDF)
  • List of approved IV therapy courses for this attestation
• Attestation for Controlled Substances (PDF)
  • List of approved controlled substance courses for this attestation

Fee Schedule

See fee information below

• WAC 246-836-990 – Fees

Non-Refundable Fee Type	Fee Amount
Original application State jurisprudence examination ($100) Initial state license ($270) UW online access fee ($16)	$386*
License renewal Renewal ($440) UW online access fee ($16)	$456*
Late license renewal (expired less than one year) Renewal ($440) Late renewal penalty ($220) UW online access fee ($16)	$676*
Expired reissuance (expired longer than one year) Renewal ($440) Late renewal penalty ($220) Expired license reissuance ($65) UW online access fee ($16)	$741*
Duplicate license	$10
Verification of license	$25
Jurisprudence examination (initial/retake)	$100

* Includes the fee to access the University of Washington (UW) HEAL-WA website.

WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable.

Licensing Requirements

See licensing requirements below

• Chapter 18.36A RCW
• Chapter 246-836 WAC

Approved naturopathic medical schools

• 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

State license verification

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.

Personal data questions

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.

Additional information/documents required

• 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.

Process for approving/denying applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.36A RCW and chapter 246-836 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewal requirements

Naturopathic physicians must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the licensee's birthday and may be renewed within the 90 days before the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

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.