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 counselling
- clinical internship
Upon graduation, naturopathic doctors must pass 2 sets of international North American board exams (NPLEX) in order to obtain a license to practice naturopathic medicine. Their extensive training positions naturopathic doctors as highly educated natural health professionals.
Accredited naturopathic medical programs
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) - National University of Health Sciences
(Chicago, IL)
Additional practice requirements
NDs practicing in Nova Scotia must:
- 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 the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND);
- maintain continuing education requirements outlined by NSAND and CAND.
