Education and Regulation
A Naturopathic Doctor has a minimum of 7 years post-secondary education. See below for more information on the training, programs and regulations of a Naturopathic Doctor in Canada.
Education and training
Like a conventional doctor, dentist, or chiropractor, the naturopathic doctor first completes an undergraduate degree at university. The naturopathic student then enters into a four-year, full-time accredited naturopathic medical program. Training includes basic, medical, and clinical science; diagnostics; naturopathic principles and therapeutics; and extensive clinical experience under the supervision of qualified naturopathic doctors. Graduates receive the title “N.D.” or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
Accredited programs
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the only government-recognized accrediting body for naturopathic medical schools in Canada and the United States. The CNME has accredited the following naturopathic medical programs:
- The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (New Westminster, British Columbia)
- The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, Ontario)
- The National College of Natural Medicine (Portland, Oregon)
- Bastyr University (Seattle, Washington)
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The University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (Bridgeport, Connecticut) (This program is being phased out and is no longer accepting students.)
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Scottsdale, Arizona)
- The National University of Health Sciences Naturopathic Program (Lombard, Illinois)
- The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education has granted candidacy status to the naturopathic program at the Universidad del Turabo School of Health Sciences (Puerto Rico)
Upon successful completion of any accredited program, a naturopathic doctor is eligible to sit for NPLEX and take provincial or state board examinations to obtain licensure.
Correspondence programs
To become a qualified ND one must graduate from a CNME-accredited naturopathic medical program. Individuals completing correspondence programs are not recognized by any of the provincial/territorial/state regulatory authorities and do not qualify for licensure or membership with the national/ provincial/territorial/state naturopathic associations in Canada or the United States.
Qualified naturopathic doctors
A qualified naturopathic doctor is one who has completed a four-year, full-time program at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine. Following the completion of an accredited program, NDs must write and pass standardized North American board exams known as the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for regulation/licensing.
Regulation in provinces and Territories
Many NDs in Canada who are practicing in an unregulated province choose to maintain an out-of-province registration in a regulated province. To find out if a naturopathic doctor is qualified, either check with the naturopathic regulatory board of your province or contact the CAND.
British Columbia Under regulations approved April 9, 2009, naturopathic physicians in B.C. became the first in Canada to be granted prescribing authority. NDs that completed the required certification began prescribing September 7, 2010. The BCNA and the CNPBC are currently focusing their efforts on lab access for NDs.
Alberta On August 1, 2012 Alberta CNDA became the fifth province to regulate the practice of naturopathic medicine under Alberta’s Health Professions Act, umbrella legislation for health professions. Initially, NDs will not have prescribing authority but will maintain access to IV substances and have been awarded a number of other controlled acts.
Saskatchewan In May of 2015, The Naturopathic Medicine Act passed third reading in the Legislature. The SANP is currently engaged in updating bylaws to align with the new Act. Upon Royal Assent the SANP will become the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Saskatchewan and NDs in the province will be able to practice to their full Scope of Practice.
Manitoba In-line with BC and AB, NDs in Manitoba will be moved under the umbrella legislation for all health care professions passed in 2009. We are seeking a full scope of practice similar to what has been awarded in BC.
Ontario On July 1, 2015 the Naturopathy Act was proclaimed permitting NDs to prescribe, dispense, compound or sell “drugs” and access laboratory tests as designated by regulation. Upon Proclamation of the new Act, the Transition Council of the College of Naturopaths became the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and regulates the profession. For more information on NDs in Ontario go to OAND. For information on the regulation of NDs in Ontario visit CONO.
Quebec The QANM continues its struggle for regulation in Quebec. Efforts are ongoing to move their file forward within the Office of Professionals which is responsible for regulation.
New Brunswick NBAND has completed draft title protection legislation which will ensure only qualified NDs in the province are able to use the title Naturopathic Doctor. They continue to work with the Ministry of Health to move the proposed legislation forward. In the meantime, as in other unregulated jurisdictions, many NDs maintain an out-of-province registration in a regulated jurisdiction.
Newfoundland and Labrador Despite the fact there are only four NDs practicing on “the Rock” they do have an association. Regulation is a vision for the future. In the meantime they are very busy and hoping that new graduates will see the benefit of moving to a province desperately in need of naturopathic medical services.
Nova Scotia The Naturopathic Doctors Act was passed in 2008 granting title protection and the ability for patients to claim ND services as an income tax deduction. The NSAND is now engaged with government on amendments to the Act and the development of regulations.
Prince Edward Island NDs in PEI have been consistent in approaching government for regulation. With the announcement of umbrella legislation for health professionals the PEIAND is once again engaged in discussions with the Minister and staff on the importance of moving forward and including naturopathic doctors in the legislation.
Yukon The YNA consists of four hard-working NDs. As yet unregulated they are seeking more NDs wishing to practice in the beautiful north.
North West Territories The NWTAND is actively working with the government on the Proposed Naturopathic Profession Regulation under the Health and Social Services Professions Act.
USA Currently, 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors. For more information about the regulation of naturopathic doctors in the United States visit website of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.