Education
After completing a pre-med degree, naturopathic medical students attend a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical school. The curriculum includes:
- basic, medical, and clinical sciences
- interpretation of lab tests (blood, radiology, etc.)
- naturopathic therapeutics such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and lifestyle counseling
- clinical internship
Upon graduation they must pass 2 sets of international board exams to obtain a license to practice naturopathic medicine. The extensive training develops unique skills making Naturopathic doctors knowledgeable advocates who can help patients make informed choices about their health.
Regulation
As of July 20th, 2008, Nova Scotia is the first Atlantic Province to Recognize Naturopathic Doctors. A new bill passed unanimously by all three political parties makes Nova Scotia the first Atlantic province and the sixth province overall to legislate the practice of naturopathic medicine. Bill 177 will protect the health and safety of Nova Scotians from harm and will provide legal recognition to naturopathic doctors as a health profession, valuing naturopathic medicine and the professional skills required to deliver naturopathic treatment. The unopposed support in the legislature and the speed with which the bill passed, speaks to the strong desire for Naturopathic Doctors to be recognized in Nova Scotia.
The act also carries financial benefit for Nova Scotians. Federal law has long permitted Canadians to claim services of Naturopathic Doctors on their income tax in provinces where naturopathic medicine is regulated. Nova Scotians can now enjoy this benefit shared by fellow Canadians in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. With 63% of Atlantic Canadians expressing that they were likely to seek alternative medical care in the future (Fraser Institute—May 2007), this is good news.
Acclamation of the bill is welcomed by NSAND, the professional association of Naturopathic Doctors in the province. Prior to the government's support and the introduction of the Bill, naturopathic medicine was a "Buyer Beware" market in Nova Scotia. The new law will now protect against unqualified individuals practicing in the area of naturopathic medicine.
The new law requires Naturopathic Doctors practicing in Nova Scotia to:
- hold a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree/ Diploma conferred upon him/her by an accredited or candidate school of Naturopathic medicine legally chartered to grant a four year degree or diploma;
- have written and passed NPLEX, (Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations), the recognized, standardized North American board examination;
- maintain membership in NSAND and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND);
- and carry malpractice insurance.
The following naturopathic medical programs are recognized by government-appointed naturopathic regulatory boards:
- The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
(Toronto, ON) - The National College of Naturopathic Medicine
(Portland, OR) - Bastyr University
(Seattle, WA) - Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences
(Scottsdale, AZ) - Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
(New Westminster, BC) - University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine
(Bridgeport, CT)