About Naturopathic Medicine

The prime goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than to simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the ND takes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions into account when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.

Naturopathic Doctors receive a minimum of 3 years premedical studies at university, followed by four years at a recognized College of Naturopathic Medicine. The education encompasses basic medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

There are currently 2 recognized schools in Canada:

1. Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, ON)
2. Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (New Westminster, BC)

Graduates must pass North American licensing exams in order to practice in regulated provinces. Naturopathic Medicine is regulated under Alberta"s Health Professions Act. The College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) is regulatory body for Naturopathic Doctors in Alberta. There are people using the ND title or calling themselves Doctor of Natural Medicine, who do not have equal training. The government is highly motivated to deal with this situation.

All of the Naturopathic Doctors at St.Albert Naturopathic Clinic are licensed by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta.