Characteristically, the info posted here from Wiki about naturopathic medicine is cited out of context… What Gary posted was exerpted from the CRITICISM section, which has an explicit notice that the section requires more input. And the criticisms are taken from such uninformed and outdated sources as Quackwatch.

Here’s the main text from Wiki:
“Naturopathy (also known as naturopathic medicine or natural medicine) is an eclectic alternative medical system that focuses on natural remedies and the body’s vital ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathic philosophy favors a holistic approach and minimal use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathy comprises many different treatment modalities of varying degrees of acceptance by the medical community; diet and lifestyle advice may be substantially similar to that offered by non-naturopaths, and acupuncture may help reduce pain in some cases, while homeopathy is often characterized as pseudoscience or quackery…

Naturopathy is practiced in many countries, especially the United States and Canada, and is subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance. The level of medical education among ‘naturopaths’ also varies, though no naturopathic training program reaches the same level of training as an MD or DO. In the United States and Canada, the designation of Naturopathic Doctor (ND) may [ONLY] be awarded after completion of a four year program of study at an accredited Naturopathic medical school that includes the study of basic [AND CLINICAL] medical sciences as well as natural remedies and medical care.”

FYI – The singular distinction between accredited ND programs and MD/DO programs is residency (though all have at least one year of full time internship, plus at least 100 hours preceptoring.) Unfortunately the challenge for NDs with residency has been gaining access to major medical institutions. This is is beginning to change as NDs are now admitted to residency programs and are attending rounds in some major hospitals directly alongside the MD residents.

Residency is currently a competitively won position for graduates of naturopathic colleges/universities. Admittedly, this DOES limit our education in that we don’t have the opportunity to see/treat the wide range of frank pathology that our MD colleagues see during residency.

All of that said… is it worth it? You’re the only one who can answer whether it’s worth it for you. It’s a LOT of work; a LOT of hours in classroom/practicum; a LOT of information to pack into your brain in a very short amount of time… a lot of money, a lot of time away from your family/loved ones… and a LOT of commitment to be a *good* doctor, regardless whether you’re getting your MD, DO or ND.

But if you’re committed… Yes. It’s worth it.

“Homeopathy – how could any honest person sell this rubbish?”:
http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles/comment/homeopathy2.htm

Naturopathy is based in pseudoscience. From Wiki:

“Naturopathy is viewed with skepticism for its reliance on or association with unproven, disproven, and controversial alternative medical treatments, and for its vitalistic underpinnings. As with any alternative care, there is a risk of misdiagnosis; this risk may be lower depending on level of training. There is also a risk that ailments that cannot be diagnosed by naturopaths will go untreated while a patient attempts treatment programs designed by their naturopath. Certain naturopathic treatments, such as homeopathy and iridology, are widely considered pseudoscience or quackery. Natural methods and chemicals are not necessarily safer or more effective than artificial or synthetic ones; any treatment capable of eliciting an effect may also have deleterious side effects.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturopathy

“A Close Look at Naturopathy”:
http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/naturopathy.html

Perhaps you should direct your study efforts to a science and evidence based approach to health care.