REGULATION
Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925, Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N).
The BDDT-N functions to ensure that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practice Naturopathic Medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
Ontario’s new Naturopathy Act received final approval in June 2007 and will come into full effect following an extensive transition process.
The Naturopathy Act will move the regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act, joining all other regulated health professions.
The Naturopathy Act also confirms the current scope of NDs as primary care practitioners who are able to provide diagnoses and have access to key controlled acts.
Naturopathic Doctors are also regulated in Canada in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
EDUCATION
NDs obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors.
Naturopathic Doctors are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.
NDs require three years of pre-med postsecondary education, plus four years of full-time study at an approved college of Naturopathic Medicine.
There are two accredited Naturopathic Colleges in Canada. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, British Columbia.
The four year program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).
Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario.
NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.
The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors provides high quality continuing education that awards these necessary credits frequently throughout each calendar year.
*Extracted from The Ontario Naturopathic Professionšs Submission to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council, a joint submission by the BDDT-N and the OAND.