Naturopathic Medical School | HOW MUCH DOES IT COST + HOW DO I PAY FOR IT?

[@MystiqueHarmony]

Debt is the number one thing that scares me away from choosing either Naturopathic Medicine or Chiropractic school

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Yes it's really terrifying and ridiculously insane how much these schools cost!

[@cherrydee8090]

ErinDannyFit me too. What decision did you take?

[@TheChallenger1000]

This just isn't a good idea. Over $251,000 for a degree in a field that pays nothing close to that makes no sense. I'm all for natural medicine, but students in that field need to revolt. There are "allopathic" medical schools charging considerably less, and you know you're going to make way more money from those. I know it's not all about the money, but a lifetime of debt just isn't an attractive feature of that profession. Given the low ROI, Naturopathic schools shouldn't be charging more than $80,000 total.

[@ameilly]

Thank you for your videos. I’m looking forward to attending Bastyr next year and your videos have really helped me.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Auset! You're very welcome, and I'm glad they've helped you out! Best of luck with your journey at Bastyr :)

[@Amishfish]

How was it?

[@miguelz8721]

I'm Glad you became a ND , we need more of them .

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Thanks Miguel! Appreciate it. 😊

[@aubreyceballos3652]

Im married with 3 small children and I just made the decision to go back to school to become a ND. We’re in San Diego area as well and life ain’t cheap here lol. I still need to finish up my bachelor’s degree.... plus my Doctoral degree😩😭 I’ll be paying off my student debt until the next life time lol. How far are you from finishing up your degree?!

[@caramelcocoa234]

Omg this is my EXACt story minus living in San Diego! I would love to know an update? Just started taking some science classss before officially applying

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Aubrey! Graduated and practicing in San Diego + Palm Springs. 😊 I can only imagine what it's like living in SD with a family PLUS going to school. Big props to you! I hope you're able to continue pursuing your passion and get that Doctorate.

[@jakerodgers9151]

I'm almost turning 30 and considering Naturopathic Medicine as a profession. Not sure it's worth the time (and money) it would take though since I would get done with the program in my mid-30s. Does anyone think I'm too old to get started on that path now? By the way, nice jacket lol

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

It's never too old to start! I have classmates in their 30s and 40s. And thanks! haha

[@jakerodgers9151]

@@TalkNaturalToMe Tyy, that's actually so inspiring to me. It's always been a dream of mine and have recently been making moves to pursue it 😁

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

@@jakerodgers9151 yay that's awesome! Keep me updated on your journey 💕

[@alykgirl10]

Hi ! I’m 37 and I’m in functional medicine school. ☺️ good luck to you ☺️

[@krishnaobrien3394]

If the demand for Naturopathic Doctors keeps growing and the supply stays low I would think that the government might someday create program to pay for peoples' tuitions. It sounds like the demand will be very high.

[@morganzapalac3501]

Looking forward to hearing more about this in another video! From you and your classmates experience, how does getting married influence the amount of loans you are given while in school?

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hey Morgan! That's a good question I'm not sure...I have some classmates that are married and a couple also just got married so I'll ask them next time I see them and get back to you on that!

[@ChristinaGmyr]

I'm also curious about this! Didn't realize being married could influence loan amount...

[@wedgepressure4313]

I would not really on student loan forgiveness, the first year to get your loans forgiven after 10 years was this year and i think around 35000 applied and "qualified" thi have them forgiven but only 33 people total have had their loans forgiven thus far.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Oh man that sucks!

[@InvestigadorTJ]

Can you make another video on this topic in order to understand the loan forgiveness program for NMDs

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

I'll work on it :)

[@InvestigadorTJ]

Talk Natural To Me is there an email or facebook to follow up with you on naturopathic subjects I’m all about NAturopathy and I can relate to Naturopathic Medicine

[@lenavoyles526]

Insane. I have a master’s degree from one of the best humanities schools in the world and it cost a small fraction of the numbers you are quoting. Talk about a glass ceiling preventing folks from getting into healing arts.

[@srtacarla5833]

you said your rent is 2100? and you live near the school ? can you please tell me what area are you at ? i am planning on joining Baster as well.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi! I can only speak for the Bastyr California location but BUC is located in Sorrento valley (northern area in San Diego). I'm paying $2100 for a 1 bed/bath currently and I'm only a few minutes drive away from school. You can find cheaper apartments more inland (i.e. Mira Mesa area) or in some areas south of Sorrento Valley that are around $1800 for a 1 bed/bath I think. Some of my classmates room together in an apartment or house which saves money, and I know a few that rent rooms which is a cheaper option as well. I'm not sure how much living expenses are in Washington (the main Bastyr campus) :/

[@InvestigadorTJ]

Talk Natural To Me vista, california for 1,200 look up the rancho mesa appartments

[@nataliehennessey5187]

Hey! I'm happy to see this video! I wrote you a note a while back (thanks for your reply, by the way!) living in Canada means that our loans system is totally different and unfortunately we are loaned up to a max of $15000 per year from the government - not nearly enough to cover the cost of tuition, let alone cost of living! I'm so happy to see you excelling and to hear that the US government is so supportive of students- best of luck with your studies!

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Natalie! Ugh that's such a bummer. I wish they had a better system for you guys. I hope that you have the opportunity to go to ND school in the near future. And thank you so much 💕😊 so nice to hear from you again!

[@heavenmcguire7944]

The government loans are actually the exact reason that colleges charge so much for tuition. We’d be able to work to pay for school if they weren’t involved at all!

[@Coach.Elijah.Crushin.Cancer]

Have you heard of Energetic Wellness School of Naturopathy? If so, what do you think of them?

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Elijah! No I haven't but I just checked them out. This is not an accredited naturopathic medical school...I can't believe they are calling themselves naturopathic doctors! Extremely false advertising and quite dangerous IMO. If you want to be a traditional naturopath then I don't see the harm in doing this program, but it would NOT make you a Naturopathic Doctor.

[@helenesanderson8902]

@@TalkNaturalToMe True, most of us Traditional Naturopaths with doctorates (teaching degree) are considered "teachers" by the latin meaning. We go by the true tradtional route of naturopathy and just consult and educate our clients wholistically. I also am certified as a CFMNP.. as a nutritionist and functional medicine practioner, and with traditional naturopathy I am able to help teach people how to heal innately by guiding them on diet, rest, and exercise, and stress reduction.. body, mind and soul.. and I also help them investigate the root cause's of their disease pointing out the dysregluation of their fundamental homeostatic regulators. I helped my own daughter who has lupus to heal this way. She now understands how her own biochemistry functions so she can make better health choices. I am grateful for the trade schools whom have taught me this for extremely affordable cost. Because we were paying thousands of dollars to accredited medical doctors who only want to give my daughter immune suppressants and antibiotics. Had we followed this route, who knows how much more sick my daughter will grow to be as she ages. She is only 17, so I did what I had to do to help her. So now I am wanting to also help other people. These institutions have been around teaching the study of natural healing way before ND's were trying to regulate the profession by the way. Your education stems for this entire philosophy but now you can also do IV's and write prescriptions like allopathic doctor. We can not.. and that's okay by me. I'll just refer those who need that service to you. But with the great healthcare shortage of doctors to come people are going to need all of our help.. health coaches, ND"s.. people who want to help them to heal.. Thank you and much success to you. I am sure your going to do quite well. xo

[@fifiamats]

Did you happen to do more research on loan forgiveness programs? Thanks!

[@texasowl5356]

Stephanie Amato there are non for naturopaths

[@hnia0]

hi beautiful do you know if this applies for foreign students as well? pls let me know thank you!

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Anna! Good question - do you have a particular accredited ND school you're interested in? According to Bastyr's website the cost of tuition appears to be the same (bastyr.edu/admissions/international-students)

[@hnia0]

@@TalkNaturalToMe Thank you so much beautiful!

[@BaileyZLeone]

thanks

[@tonychung5228]

just wondering which Naturopathic school is legit?

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hey Toby! These are the only accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America (minus Bridgeport): aanmc.org/naturopathic-schools/

[@BraidedLady]

You should make a video reviewing the school in general

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

I’ll add it to my list! :)

[@BraidedLady]

Please do, Im considering a naturopathic degree, and bastyr and its really hard to find information on the school, and opinions of people who are working MDs, I know you're a student but maybe you could just answer some of my questions here? if so, What is your undergrad in? do you feel like it was essential to getting into bastyr? Any advice on choosing an undergrad? do you think a psych undergrad would work? Im really not a math person, and I've never tried chemistry but I can't imagine id be really great at it, though i could probably get through a class, if i had to. And whats steered me away from a MD Naturopathic degree before, are the math and science requirements, are you really good at math and science? do you anticipate that it will be really important in your career afterwards to be skilled in those subjects? What I am good at is body systems, and interpersonal skills, I like to look at the body like a puzzle and solve imbalances that way. Im in an herbalism apprenticeship right now, and enjoying it Any information would be so appreciated, If you want to talk more on a different platform, that would be helpful to me to. Thank you XX

[@nickm4974]

Where in cali

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

San Diego!

[@consciousevolution6575]

Were you able to choose how much money you took out?

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hey! Yes we can.

[@whitneykeilanihay3738]

your videos are so helpful!! thank you so much

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Thank you Whitney! I'm glad you're enjoying them 😊❤️

[@InvestigadorTJ]

Whats the Name of this none profit organization

[@syedazeezuddin6261]

Hi! I'm from India I want to become ND, how many years program is ND, what is syllabus, please help me on that

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi! Naturopathic medical school is 4 years (or you can opt for to go on the 5 year track instead). You'll need to have completed a 4-year bachelor's degree before you can be accepted as well.

[@syedazeezuddin6261]

Hi, what about syllabus of naturopathic course.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

@@syedazeezuddin6261 By syllabus do you mean coursework? Here's an example of the courses needed for a 4 year track: bastyr.edu/sites/default/files/images/2017-2018-ND.pdf

[@syedazeezuddin6261]

Talk Natural To Me, if I perceive ND in India, how should I get licence to practice in USA

[@syedazeezuddin6261]

Thanks your information is very useful

[@caduceuslife9148]

it should be free naturopathy online schools cause it's man made the greedy business should be monopolize

[@tammym7940]

Thank You so much for all of the info!

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Tammy! You're very welcome :)

[@tammym7940]

I am excited to hear that working for a non profit will help with loan forgiveness. I am wondering if Americorps members and non profit schools are cumulative in addition to after school commitments to a non profit. I will be applying to Bastyr for next year. Thank you for the insight. i subscribed and am looking forward to knowing San Diego this summer when I relocate there.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Good question! I'm not sure. Best of luck on your journey to become a naturopathic doctor Tammy! :)

[@user-sj1gx]

I am really looking into going to natropathic school and was wondering if you could make more videos about how to pay for the debt for college :)

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi there! This is actually a highly requested vid 😅 I'll make one at some point this year!

[@GazaNooww]

Hey im glad to find your channel im taking alternative medicine classes in Florida Everglades UN then planing to go for ND at Bastyr UN so my question how many year do I need to get my ND with Bastyr UN and are there any specialist like a medical school would you please tell me more

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi there! 4 year bachelor's degree + 4 years at Bastyr. There are specialties but no specific board exams for them except for oncology and homeopathy. Please watch this video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYSzlJueabqNnrc

[@TheMonkeyMedicine]

Don't do it. Bastyr professors paid a FRACTION of what you will pay, for the same education They live off the dole, so to speak. Many have left teaching there because they know the University is more concerned with it's renovations, than the reality of debt. Fact is, Bastyr is a business. The average income for an ND is 73k a year (MD GP 120k). That is a teachers salary. Cops get paid that. AND, you will be limited by state licensing. On the other hand, If you have an MD, you can work anywhere and in any country. Anybody can study nutrition and herbs these days. You really just need the core sciences and a self learner mindset. Do you really want to pay that kind of money to study mysticism (homeopathy)? And the VIs? Go medical, and add to that degree if you like nutrition and herbal medicine. You will have more options, make more money, and sadly enough, have MUCH more street cred than an ND (many who are far better docs than MD's, but will never have the same income or opportunities). That is reality.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Thank you for sharing your opinion in a non-hostile way. There are so many factors that play into a salary. I know GP MD's who don't make nearly as much as 120k annually. Yes, with naturopathic medicine, the salary varies tremendously (and some of the schools are ridiculously expensive). I know NDs who are making 6 figures, but I know some make as little as 30-40k/year as well. Unfortunately, you need to have an entrepreneurial side when getting into this profession if you want to be financially successful. However, I think you're missing a big point when it comes to medicine (western or naturopathic). A great physician isn't in this field primarily for the money. They're drawn to medicine because they want to help those in need. And you're right - anyone can study nutrition and herbs. But if you're an MD/DO who becomes a functional or integrative doctor, it won't be the same (which is totally fine if that's what someone wants to pursue). Ah, mysticism. Love that word, but this is also a common misconception when it comes to naturopathic medicine in general. There is actually a good amount of peer-reviewed articles regarding natural treatments (including homeopathic medicine), and this number continues to increase. They're quite interesting to read. *BTW - even though we learn about homeopathy in school, not all of us use it when we practice (another big misunderstanding).

[@TheMonkeyMedicine]

@@TalkNaturalToMe I went to Bastyr. I know what I'm talking about. I was the graduate speaker for my class. I had two grand rounds in Homeopathy. I think objectively. There is NO objective science or literature on homeopathy, period. "In my clinical experience" dose not cut it (which is what most homeopaths inevitably say). Any ND who practices homeopathy and charges for it, in my mind, is a shyster. It was a hard pill for me to swallow considering how much money I spent on it, and the fact that I wanted to believe it measured up to it's claims! It is no different than astrology. In regards to entrepreneurial spirit. Does Bastyr tell incoming students that they will spend up to 30-50% of their working hours charting, collecting money, and marketing, and not being a doc at all? No. I was told this three years in by one of my professors who stopped working there. I have shadowed under ND's who broke down in tears before my very eyes because of their debt. And worst of all, I have seen Bastyr enroll students who had blatant psychological issues (diagnosably unstable at first glance), only to reject them 3 years into there accumulated debt (because they were,... crazy). Let us not forget, Bastyr started when the cost of its education was a fraction of what it is now, and so was inflation. Bastyr does not tell incoming student that either. It also does not tell students how many/most of there peers come from rich families, who will owe little debt upon leaving, and not have to consider the fact that starting costs for a clinic cost about 30k (more loans), on top of the 1000k an month you will start paying out of the starting gate. Bastyr tells you non of this. Because they want your money. They are a business that offers not one guarantee, other than debt. That is fact. If you don't come from wealth, your ND degree can become in itself, a life long chronic health problem. If it were not for loan Income Based Repayment plans (passing the national debt onto the next generation I guess), the default rates at Bastyr would be through the roof.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

@@TheMonkeyMedicine Again, thanks for sharing your opinion. I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience.

[@TheMonkeyMedicine]

@@TalkNaturalToMe It was a great experience! A life changer. But so is waking up every day with a gorilla on your back. If you can pay all or most up front, go for it. If you are paying all or most of it through loans, dreaming it will just all work out ("The Secret"), is wishful thinking. Thank you for your openness to comments, and I wish you much success. (Please feel free to delete my posts if they make you feel uncomfortable :))

[@cherrydee8090]

Thank you for this information because I don’t want to be in debt. I want to further my study in herbs. Having nearly 120k in debt is a life changer.

[@simplyxmadi]

You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Omg you are so sweet thank you!! 😩💕😊

[@saraanis545]

Do you mind sharing how much you ended with as far as loans? I am figuring out my loan info for the same school and I’m super excited but at the same time I’m terrified. It looks like the average someone is taking out is 90,000 a year. Also, have you been looking into the post grad tuition forgiveness programs?

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi there! I ended with around $400k in student loans. I'm on the income-driven repayment plan. It is definitely terrifying thinking about the cost of naturopathic medical school! I suggest looking into CCNM or Boucher if you're really concerned about the cost.

[@saraanis545]

Talk Natural To Me aww I have already been accepted to Bastyr! I actually just started summer quarter yesterday lol. However, I appreciate the transparency and I would love to find out your progress of repayment over the years. Congratulations on graduating Dr. Merola!

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

@@saraanis545 Ah big congrats! 😘🎉 Best of luck to you on your journey towards becoming an ND!

[@saraanis545]

Talk Natural To Me thank you!!!!🧡🥰

[@yrshreeranga2261]

Hi mam im frm India im naturopathic student I love this courses plz guide me plz I'm requested you

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi! I'm not familiar with the application process for an international student, but here's a link to the Bastyr University website that should help! bastyr.edu/admissions/international-students

[@qonitabadegestm]

TEN years AND you'll be PAYING? that's not forgiveness if u'r paying

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Haha well after 10 years (working with a non-profit) I wouldn't have to pay the rest of the loans I owe (if I haven't paid them off by then) so it's not 100% forgiven but it's "partially" forgiven.

[@qonitabadegestm]

right, right... thanks for all of this thorough research and for condensing them into 4 min. bytes !

[@tammym7940]

Hi! I'm not sure if its the whole thing. I know teachers that are under the same forgiveness plan and they only get a certain amount of money toward their loans. I guess it's worth the research and how to get as much money from other resources and pay back less. I'm just thinking about this

[@susanh1104]

They are not completely forgiven after 10 years? :/ :( -How much is forgiven?

[@WilliamGrayAllen]

Haha I thought my $30k debt was a lot! Great video I almost went to Bastyr a couple of years ago, this video would have been really helpful. Also if you’re not married yet, I’ll put a ring on it

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

LOL!! I was not expecting a comment like this today 😂I wish I only had 30k in debt that would be great. What did you go to school for instead?

[@WilliamGrayAllen]

Talk Natural To Me well I graduated with a psych degree then took all my prerequisites for med school (was having trouble deciding between osteopathic vs. naturopathic route) ended up doing neither. I figured there’s other ways I can make a meaningful contribution. So I’m currently a photographer and just recently graduated from Massage therapy school. I’m enjoying the journey. Also the marriage offer was for real, so that is always on the table when you’re ready to talk about it. Good luck with your studies!

[@WilliamGrayAllen]

Qonita BadegesTM ready for what?

[@susanh1104]

You said more jobs are opening up... but on average how much do they pay? Maybe you could answer this question once you start working? -Thanks your videos are helpful!

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

Hi Susan! 😊Pay varies. If you do a residency then you'll earn around $30k/year. Average salary of an established ND is around $80k/year. However, it all depends on how long you've been working, if you work part-time or full-time, if you work in an integrative practice with an MD/DO or decide to start a practice on your own, etc. Just starting out you may only make $20-30k/year, but over time you can make a pretty decent living as a naturopathic physician. I know of a few recent ND grads who make more than $30k/year, and there are some established NDs who make six figures annually as well.

[@susanh1104]

Thank you! :) -Do you also know on average how much they have to pay monthly towards their debt if they don't do the government support program? Also how long on average does it take to pay back (without the government program) ? :/

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

It's unlikely to not do a government repayment plan, unless you are taking out private loans or are from outside the US. If so, then I'm not sure how long it will take to pay back (maybe anywhere from 10-30 years?) or how much you would have to pay monthly 😕 interest rates and repayment plans vary depending on where you borrow money from. If government loans are not an option I would suggest applying for scholarships, grants, and work-study (a work program where you earn money to help pay for school) to help you out!

[@susanh1104]

Hmm :/ The government repayment plan.. I slightly looked into it :S but couldn't find much information :/ -It looks like one would have to work Full time and 10 years :S but how much is one being paid? Or are they even being paid :o ? hopefully enough to live somewhat comfortably.. Eek! I don't know anything that deals with the government kind of scares me.. :S -Do you know how much they pay with the government repayment plan? Sorry I'm asking so many questions :s I just feel better knowing the details -Also thank you so much for replying back; I'm very grateful!

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

No worries I totally understand! :) Here's a link to their site with different repayment plans: studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand/plans . Like I said earlier how much you're paid depends on what you decide to do after graduation (i.e. work for another doctor or with another doctor, or start your own practice), so starting out you're probably going to make $20,000-$30,000 at least. With time and experience your annual salary will increase. It's not how much you'll be paid but how much the government will make you pay back with the repayment plans. Depending on which plan you choose, you can pay a fixed amount every month after you graduate, or you can pay a certain amount based on how much you're making (10% of your income each month; payments are re-calculated each year according to income and family size) - there's more listed in the link I posted. You can live comfortably while paying back loans for sure. Sorry I don't really know too much about it myself yet since I'm still in school for another year!

[@mommom990]

Rent: u might wanna try househacking sis.

[@TalkNaturalToMe]

I would totally do that!

[@IAmHisBeloved5]

SHE IS LIMITLESS what’s that?

[@mommom990]

@@IAmHisBeloved5 thats when u buy a property that is a duplex or more, live in one section of the property and rent the other section out to a tenant.

[@IAmHisBeloved5]

SHE IS LIMITLESS thank you for explaining this.