How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
Naturopathic Doctors take a minimum of three years premedical studies at university, followed by four years of specific training at a recognized college of naturopathic medicine. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic philosophy and therapeutics, and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. There are six accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America: • The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, Ontario) • Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (New Westminster, British Columbia) • Bastyr University (Seattle, Washington) • National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland, Oregon) • Southwest College of Naturo- pathic Medicine (Scottsdale, Arizona) • University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (Bridgeport, Connecticut) Graduates from these institutions receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree or diploma. In regulated (licensed) provinces and states across North America, graduates must also pass rigorou
Naturopathic Doctors take a minimum of three years premedical studies at university, followed by four years at a recognized naturopathic medical school. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics, and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduates must also pass rigorous standardized examinations to qualify for practice and obtain a license and ND designation.
Naturopathic Doctors (ND) must have a minimum of 3 years of University education with required courses in pre-medical sciences. The Naturopathic Medicine diploma program is a four-year full time program at a Federally regulated college of Naturopathic Medicine (at present there are only two in Canada – The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, and Boucher Institute in BC). After completion of the ND program, potential candidates must successfully pass Federal board-licensing exams before being allowed to practice Naturopathic Medicine in their Province. Each province has its own governing body for regulating Naturopathic Doctors.
Naturopaths must complete a minimum of three years undergraduate studies and meet specific core prerequisites. Naturopathic education is four years full-time and includes clinical residency at a credentialed Naturopathic college. Curriculum includes the same diagnostic and basic science programs taught in mainstream medical institutions often by the same doctors and professors.
Naturopathic Medicine is licensed under provincial law in Ontario, and is regulated by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy under the Drugless Practitioners Act. Registered Naturopathic Doctors must first complete a minimum of three years of pre-medical training at a recognized university. They then enter the Naturopathic Doctor Diploma program, a full-time four year program at an accredited Naturopathic College, which includes a year long clinical internship. At the present time there are only two such schools in Canada: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, and the Bouchier Institute in Vancouver. After successfully completing the ND program, they must pass both North American and provincial board-licensing exams. At this time, NDs are eligible to be licensed by their regulating bodies. All NDs are required to carry malpractice insurance. Other holistic practitioners may not be trained, regulated or insured, and we encourage you to investigate
