Qualifications

Regulation

  • Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925, Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N).
  • The BDDT-N functions to ensure that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practice Naturopathic Medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
  • Ontario’s new Naturopathy Act received final approval in June 2007 and will come into full effect following an extensive transition process.
  • The Naturopathy Act will move the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under theRegulated Health Professions Act, joining all other regulated health professions.
  • The Naturopathy Act also confirms the current scope of NDs as primary care practitioners who are able to provide diagnoses and have access to key controlled acts.
  • Naturopathic Doctors are also regulated in Canada in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Education

  • NDs obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors.
  • Naturopathic Doctors are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.
  • NDs require three years of pre-med postsecondary education, plus four years of full-time study at an approved college of Naturopathic Medicine.
  • There are two accredited Naturopathic Colleges in Canada. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, British Columbia.
  • The four year program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
  • Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).
  • Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario.
  • NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
  • NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.
  • The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors provides high quality continuing education that awards these necessary credits frequently throughout each calendar year.