FAQs Center
Primum No Nocere - First, do no harm
Vis Medicatrix Naturae - The healing power of nature
Tolle Causam - Identify and treat the root cause
Tolle Totum - Treat the whole person
Docere - Physician as teacher
Preventio - Prevention
Visit this page to read more about Naturopathic Medicine and The Six Naturopathic Principles.
How are Naturopathic Doctors educated?
After a minimum of three years of pre-medical university education, naturopathic doctors complete a four-year program at one of the six accredited naturopathic programs in North America. The curriculum includes basic sciences, pharmacology, diagnostic sciences, and training in each of the naturopathic modalities. Senior-level courses include obstetrics, pediatrics, women’s and men’s health, and more. Each graduate must complete a 12-month intern rotation which provides valuable clinical experience. Naturopathic doctors must successfully pass a total of 16 licensing examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) prior to applying to practice in their chosen jurisdiction. Maintaining a license to practice naturopathic medicine requires NDs to complete regular regulatory college-approved continuing education courses relevant to practice and competence, as well as, adhering to all other standards of practice set forward by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta.
How are Naturopathic Doctors regulated in Alberta?
Naturopathic doctors are regulated under Schedule 14 of Alberta’s Health Practitioners Act by the College of Naturopathic Medicine of Alberta (CNDA). All legitimately practicing naturopathic doctors are registered with the CNDA. Look for your doctor’s Practice Permit in their office. All of our doctors are in good standing with the CNDA and are listed members of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
What is involved in an appointment?
Working with a naturopathic doctor (ND) is a different kind of healthcare experience. NDs work to pull your entire health picture together and prefer to focus on more than one issue or complaint at a time. Visits with an ND will likely be longer than you may be used to. This allows your ND to collect a full history from you, to ensure that there is time to explain/ outline a care plan for you, and to answer any questions you may have. Initial visits are 90minutes in length, they cover a detailed intake. Once your ND has a good understanding of your case, they will work with you to strategize and map out a plan forward. These health plans often include specific testing, lifestyle and diet prescriptions, supplement/ nutraceutical/ botanical prescriptions, IV nutrient therapy, injection therapy, acupuncture, counselling and/or referrals to other health care providers. Working together with your ND you will pull together the most important and relevant pieces to your health and match these with the best treatment options specific to your case and put it all together in an order that is most strategic.