Naturopathic Doctors FAQ

Naturopathic Doctors, like other medical professions, such as Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, and Dentists, must first complete premedical studies at a recognized University. They then apply for admission to a four year, full-time accredited Naturopathic Medical School.

There are seven Naturopathic Medical colleges in Canada and the US. The accrediting organization is the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). It is the only government recognized accrediting body for Naturopathic Medical Schools in Canada and the United States.

The basic areas of study for aspiring Naturopathic Doctors include: anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, histology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology. There is also training in clinical and physical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, Naturopathic assessment, orthopaedics, and radiology. Then there is the Naturopathic disciplines that include, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, Naturopathic manipulation and lifestyle counseling. In total there is more than 4,500 hours of classroom training along with 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Upon successful graduation from Naturopathic Medical College, they must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND).

For further information on the qualifications and training of Naturopathic Doctors, visit the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) website and follow the Questions link.

Yes. NDs are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA). The College is given its authority by two pieces of Government of Alberta legislation,  the Health Professions Act of Alberta and the Naturopaths Profession Regulation.

Both pieces of legislation can be found on the government’s Alberta Health website.

Alberta Health Care does not cover the services of Naturopathic Doctors. However, many extended health care benefit plans do provide some coverage. You should check with your plan’s insurer to see what Naturopathic services are covered.

Both are Doctors and highly trained primary health care professionals. The fundamental difference is in the approach to the medical treatment of patients.

Medical Doctors treat specific symptoms. They use prescription drugs and surgical procedures to treat conditions.

Naturopathic Doctors use a holistic approach. We examine all the factors that affect your health to find the root cause of illness. Then we use natural substances and non-invasive treatments to support your body’s natural ability to heal.

Naturopathic Doctors are primary health care providers. Many patients rely on us as their primary health care provider. We help you with a wide variety of health conditions, many are show on our Conditions Treated page, using Naturopathic and Homeopathic medical treatments.

We can also assist you in providing Naturopathic medical services that are complementary to any treatments recommended by other health care professionals.

No, Naturopathic Doctors do not do engage in surgery in Alberta and would ask you to consult with a Medical Doctor to obtain the appropriate referrals.

However, if you are undergoing surgical procedures you can still benefit from our Naturopathic services. We will assist you in building up your body’s natural defenses in advance of surgery and later help you recover more quickly from the resulting trauma.

Naturopathic Doctors are general practitioners of natural medicine. Depending on your health needs, we may include homeopathy in your individualized treatment plan, but it is only one of many treatment methods we are trained to use.

Homeopaths are trained solely in homeopathy and do not use other treatment methods.

Your Naturopathic Doctor understands the effects and interactions of natural medicine and prescription drugs. It is very important that you let them know about any prescription drugs you are taking.

This allows them to consider those drugs in their recommendations to help you get well. Your Naturopathic Doctor’s goal is to develop a safe treatment plan that is effective while reducing any potential side effects.