Education for Naturopathic Doctors
Curriculum, Internship, & Post-Grad
After completing a pre-med degree, naturopathic medical students attend a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical school.
curriculum include:
- Basic, medical, and clinical sciences
- Interpretation of lab tests (blood, radiology, etc.)
- Naturopathic therapeutics (clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle counselling)
- Clinical internship
UPon Graduation:
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 University of Naturopathic Medicine
(Portland, OR) - Bastyr University
(Seattle, WA) - Sonoran university of 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 In NS
NDs practicing in Nova Scotia must:
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Hold a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree or diploma conferred by an accredited or candidate school of naturopathic medicine, legally chartered to grant a four-year degree or diploma.
Examinations
Have written and passed NPLEX (Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations), the recognized, standardized North American board examination;
Associations
Maintain membership in the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND);
Continuous Education
Maintain continuing education requirements set by NSAND and CAND.
Did You kNOw?
Naturopathic doctors are extensively educated:
In Canada...
In Canada, naturopathic doctors are primary care practitioners with training comparable to conventional doctors in the areas of diagnostic testing, physical examination, pharmaceuticals, differential diagnosis, and more.
Naturopathic doctors are extensively educated in the medical application of botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, and other natural healing modalities.
In Nova Scotia...
A licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Nova Scotia:
- Has graduated from an accredited school
- Has written and passed standardized North American Naturopathic Licensing Exams (NPLEX I, NPLEX II)
- Is a member of NSAND and CAND
INDIVIDUALIZED MEDICINE
Education
Naturopathic doctors are trained in several natural treatment methods which they utilize to help their patients regain and maintain optimal health.
Assessment
After an in-depth health evaluation, your naturopathic doctor will design a treatment plan individualized to you and your specific health concerns.
Treatments
Your naturopathic doctor may treat you with a combination of treatment modalities in order to most effectively optimize your health.