Skills, Education and Experience
Skills
- strong communication and interpersonal skills
- patient and compassionate
- enjoyment in helping people in a naturally therapeutic fashion
- strong clinical expertise in the basic sciences
Education and Experience
- A minimum of 7 years post-secondary education is required. Most Naturopathic Physicians first complete a four year Bachelor degree in the arts or sciences, and then the required four-years at an accredited naturopathic medical college.
- You must also pass comprehensive licensing exams in order to be registered to practice.
Qualifications
Naturopathic Physician is a regulated profession in British Columbia
You must be licensed with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) to practice naturopathic medicine in British Columbia and to use the title “naturopathic doctor,” “naturopathic physician,” or “naturopath.”
To register with the College, the following education, training and evaluation requirements must be met:
- Successful completion of at least 3 years liberal arts or sciences study in an accredited college or university recognized by the College
- Graduation from a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and recognized by the College
- Successful completion of Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners
- Successful completion of the College’s examinations: Jurisprudence and Oral & Practical
- Criminal records check
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Internationally Educated and Trained Naturopathic Doctors
If you have graduated from a foreign naturopathic program and are interested in becoming licensed/registered to practice as a naturopathic physician/doctor in either the U.S. or Canada, you should contact one of the CNME-approved naturopathic medical education programs to explore the possibility of receiving advanced standing.
Internationally Educated and Trained Medical Graduates –Career as Naturopathic Doctors
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Canada’s only accredited naturopathic medical school, offers a 2-year bridge program developed specifically for international medical graduates. Graduates receive the Doctor of Naturopathy degree.
The International Bridge Delivery program acknowledges your previous medical experience and education and incorporates all of the competencies of the four-year naturopathic program into a 6-term (2 year) curriculum. The College is located in Toronto, Ontario.
You may apply as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) if you have graduated from a medical school outside of Canada and have one or more of the following: several years of medical practice experience in your home country; recently completed medical school; completed a residency training program; or, gone directly into practice with no requirement for a residency.
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