Discover Naturopathic Medicine

Toronto Integrative & Functional Medicine Clinic

About the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) Credential

• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), is a 7-8 years of  full time university level education.  
• Pre-Medical Bachelor Degree : Prior to enrolling in a Naturopathic Medical College the “Pre-ND” must complete a 4 year undergraduate degree in the biomedical sciences with all premed Prerequisites.
• 4 Years ND Degree: The ND credential is a first professional doctorate degree, similar to Medicine (MD), Chiropractic (DC) and Dentistry (DDS).  The ND credential can only be obtained after attending 4 year accredited Naturopathic Medical College* (2 years of basic medical sciences, followed by 2 years of clinical sciences)
• ND Licensure: After graduation from an accredited Naturopathic Medical College the ND must pass all steps of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) governed by the North America Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) and in some cases, meet additional state or provincial requirements. (electives in minor surgery, pharmacology, and Acupuncture.)

1. Member of the AANMC (Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges)
2. Accredited by the CNME (Council of Naturopathic Medical Education)

The following is a brief introductory video from the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) on Naturopathic Medicine. 

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What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care profession that combines the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science. Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary care providers who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction at the level of body, mind and spirit. They concentrate on whole patient wellness through health promotion and disease prevention, attempting to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition. Naturopathic physicians care for patients of all ages and genders. They provide individualized evidence-informed therapies that balance the least harmful and most effective approaches to help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health.

A resurgence of interest in naturopathic healing in North America in the 1970s resulted in rapid growth and maturation of the naturopathic profession to where it is today. As of 2014 there are seven naturopathic doctoral medical institutions offering degrees in eight locations across North America. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the accrediting body for these programs. Graduates of CNME accredited naturopathic medical institutions are eligible to sit for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX).

The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

First Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.

The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.

Identify and Treat the Causes
Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.

Doctor as Teacher
Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.

Treat the Whole Person
View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.

Prevention
Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

 For further information please visit:

• The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
• The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)