Education


Licensed Naturopathic Doctors have completed a minimum of seven years of graduate level education. This comprises of three or more years of university pre–medical studies, followed by a four year, full–time naturopathic medical program at one of six accredited schools in North America that includes more than 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Prior to practicing, Naturopathic Doctors must have also passed NPLEX board exams that are written after the 2nd year and 4th year of study. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all licensing jurisdictions for Naturopathic doctors in North America.

To maintain licensure, Naturopathic doctors must carry malpractice insurance and obtain the necessary Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits as required by the provincial regulatory boards on an ongoing basis.

Regulation


In Canada there are five provinces that currently have naturopathic regulations: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Regulation in Alberta is pending and expected to be in place by 2011. Most of the other provinces are also in the process of seeking regulation.


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