Naturopathic Doctor
Information you need to know to work as a Naturopathic Doctor
Who is the body responsible for registering Naturopathic Doctors in Alberta?
In Alberta, you must be registered with the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) to practice as a Naturopathic Doctor and to use the title Naturopathic Doctor or the acronym ND.
What are the registration requirements for an internationally educated Naturopathic Doctor?
For complete registration requirements, visit the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) website and the Health Professions Act, Alberta.
International graduates may apply to the CNDA for registration under the substantial equivalence category without writing the NPLEX.
Internationally educated Naturopathic Doctors must:
- Review the curriculum requirements at one of the two accredited schools for Naturopathic Doctors in Canada.
- If you determine that your training is substantially equivalent, apply to CNDA as a substantially equivalent applicant, providing an International Qualification Assessment System (IQAS) of your education and the appropriate fees.
- In the event that any deficiencies are identified, apply to one of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education approved schools.NOTE: If you do have any deficiencies, you will be required to meet the requirements of the school to which you apply. NOTE: There are no international standards or agreements for naturopathic education other than U.S. and Canada. Graduates from naturopathic colleges in other countries are not eligible to apply for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) to practice in North America. The exams are administered at the state and provincial level by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners for graduates of North American accredited programs only.
- Apply for registration with the CNDA as a Naturopathic Doctor once you have cleared all deficiencies.
What educational institutions offer a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program in Canada?
There are two accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine programs in Canada:
- Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, British Columbia
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto
What training programs or services are available for internationally educated Medical Doctors who want to become Naturopathic Doctors in Canada?
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Bridge Delivery Naturopathic Medical Program
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) Bridge Delivery Naturopathic Medical Program is a two-year upgrading program for internationally educated Medical Doctors who have been educated outside of Canada. The curriculum incorporates all of the competencies of the four-year naturopathic medical program, acknowledges previous medical experience and education, while providing additional supports to address the unique needs inherent to an IMG cohort. Graduates receive the naturopathic doctor (ND) designation.
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
Applicants must successfully achieve the required passing score on one of the CNDA-approved English Language Tests. The only tests accepted for evidence of language proficiency is the TOEFL-iBT. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What supports are available to support internationally educated Naturopathic Doctors to integrate into the Canadian labour force?
Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Health Professionals (CCHP) workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated health care professionals fine-tune their communication skills with patients, supervisors, and colleagues. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of Canadian patients, inter-disciplinary teams, and other health care industry participants. Topics include overcoming communication barriers, professional workplace interaction/behaviour, Canadian workplace culture, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Visit Clear Communication for Health Professionals for more information.
What information resources are available for Naturopathic Doctors?
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