Education for Naturopathic Doctors
CURRICULUM, CLINICAL TRAINING, & LICENSING
After completing an undergraduate degree, naturopathic medical students attend a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical programs.
curriculum includes:
- Foundational biomedical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and immunology
- Clinical sciences, including physical and clinical diagnosis, lab interpretation, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and prescribing education
- Naturopathic therapeutics, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicines, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, lifestyle counselling, and physical medicine
- Supervised clinical internship
To practise in Nova Scotia:
To practise as a naturopathic doctor in Nova Scotia, graduates must complete recognized licensing examinations and meet the registration and licensing requirements established by the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator (NSCNR).
Licensed naturopathic doctors are regulated healthcare professionals required to meet professional standards, continuing education requirements, and ongoing regulatory oversight.
Learn more about the NSCNR at www.nscnr.ca
Accredited naturopathic medical programs
Accredited naturopathic medical programs in North America are recognized by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the accrediting body for doctoral naturopathic medical education programs in Canada and the United States.
CURRENT CNME-ACCREDITED NATUROPATHIC MEDICAL PROGRAMS:
- The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Toronto Campus
(Toronto, ON) - The Canadian College of naturopathic medicine - boucher campus
(New Westminster, BC) - Bastyr University - washington Campus
(Seattle, WA) - Bastyr University - California Campus
(San Diego, CA) - National University of Health Sciences
(Lombard, IL) - National University of Natural Medicine
(Portland, OR) - Sonoran University of health sciences
(Tempe, AZ)
Additional practice requirements In NS
NDs practicing in Nova Scotia must:
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Hold a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree or diploma from an accredited naturopathic medical program.
Examinations
Have successfully completed recognized entry-to-practice examinations and licensing examinations for naturopathic doctors, such as NPLEX or an equivalent examination pathway accepted for registration with the NSCNR.
Licensure
Hold an active licence to practise naturopathic medicine with the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator, the provincial regulator for naturopathic doctors in Nova Scotia.
Continuing education
Maintain continuing education requirements established by the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator as part of ongoing licensure.
Did You kNOw?
Naturopathic doctors are extensively educated:
In Canada...
In Canada, naturopathic doctors are primary healthcare practitioners who complete extensive education and clinical training in biomedical sciences, diagnostics, physical examination, laboratory assessment, pharmacology, and natural and integrative therapeutic approaches.
Training includes a four-year accredited naturopathic medical program following undergraduate studies and prerequisite science coursework, as well as supervised clinical training and standardized North American licensing examinations.
In Nova Scotia...
A licensed naturopathic doctor practising in Nova Scotia:
- Has graduated from an accredited naturopathic medical program
- Has passed entry-to-practice examinations and successfully written standardized North American Naturopathic Licensing Exams approved by the regulator (NPLEX I, NPLEX II)
- Is licensed by the Nova Scotia Chiropractic and Naturopathic Regulator (NSCNR)
INDIVIDUALIZED MEDICINE
Education
After completing undergraduate studies and prerequisite science coursework, naturopathic doctors complete a four-year accredited naturopathic medical program that includes biomedical sciences, diagnostics, natural and integrative therapies, and supervised clinical training.
Assessment
Naturopathic doctors conduct comprehensive health assessments that often include a review of medical history, lifestyle factors, physical examination, and evaluation of blood work and other laboratory testing.
Treatments
Treatment recommendations are individualized and may include a combination of natural and integrative therapeutic approaches tailored to the patient’s unique health concerns, goals, and overall wellbeing. Naturopathic care is often used alongside conventional medical care as part of an integrative approach to health.