What kind of the training do naturopathic doctors have?

  • Naturopathic doctors are required to complete a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education. Three of these years must with completed in pre-medical sciences at a university. Courses required for entry into Naturopathic College include: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology and humanities.
  • The remaining four years must be successfully completed in an accredited school of Naturopathic Medicine encompassing over 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
  • In order to qualify for a naturopathic medical credential (ND), on top of the 7 years of post-secondary education, Naturopathic Doctors must also pass 2 NPLEX board exams written after the 2nd and 4th year of study. NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination) is the standard examination administered by NABNE (North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners) for all licensing jurisdictions for Naturopathic Doctors in North America.
  • To maintain their license and to stay up to date with new medical research, Naturopathic Doctors must also complete yearly Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits as required by their provincial regulatory boards. In Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors must complete 30 hours of CME credits that cover a span of subjects ranging from treatment modalities, to ethics and jurisprudence to pharmacology.