Naturopathic Schools in Canada
If you are looking for a Canadian school where you can train to become a naturopathic doctor, you want to ensure you’re receiving the best training possible. Established in 2001, The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) actively supports the academic efforts, curriculum, and learning methodology of accredited and recognized schools specializing in naturopathic medicine.
An education in naturopathic medical practice is an important and valued choice for any health professionals looking for excellence in natural medicine education..
AANMC is proud to count the only two accredited naturopathic locations in Canada as long-standing members.
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus, Vancouver BC
Ideally located in Vancouver, BC, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher Campus is proud to be Western Canada’s only accredited naturopathic medical school. Its location in one of Canada’s most beautiful and thriving cities makes CCNM – Boucher Campus a desirable place to live and learn.
Offering hands-on clinical experience and a strong focus on professional development, CCNM – Boucher Campus is dedicated to bringing the best faculty to help students achieve their learning goals.
With small class sizes creating an ideal learning environment, the carefully crafted curriculum incorporates principles of research-based learning theory, conventional academic wisdom, and creativity under a mentorship style application.
Standing apart from other schools, CCNM – Boucher Campus also offers Traditional Asian Medicine as part of the curriculum, allowing students to practice acupuncture upon graduation as part of their naturopathic practice.
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Toronto Campus, Toronto, Ontario
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto has been in the business of training naturopathic doctors for over 45 years. More than 20% of all naturopathic doctors practicing in North America today are graduates of CCNM.
Located in Toronto, the campus life not only provides access to world-class education, but the culture of a big city and everything it entails. Toronto is often classed as one of the most desirable cities to live in Canada and it’s easy to see why.
The research department at CCNM is a world leader in evidence-based naturopathic medicine research. Research from the Toronto Campus has appeared in peer-reviewed and recognized publications including the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). At this time the college is conducting studies examining emerging and supportive therapies for cancer care.
Home to North America’s largest naturopathic teaching clinic, the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, students are able to undertake preceptorships and externships with the goal of eventually becoming a full-time intern at one of the clinics. This experience-based education is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a naturopathic doctor in Canada, North America, and beyond.
The Benefits of Becoming a Naturopathic Student
A naturopathic medical education provides a solid foundation for a number of different rewarding career paths. These professional settings may include private practices, multidisciplinary clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, insurance companies, supplement companies, laboratories, government agencies and more.
Career prospects for naturopathic doctors in Canada continue to grow each year as more people look for natural treatments that will either complement or replace conventional medicine.
According to data collected by the Fraser Institute in 2016, over 79% of Canadians have used at least one form of complementary or alternative medicine in their lives. This is a jump from 73% in 1997 and the percentage is expected to continue growing.
The most popular complementary and alternative treatments accessed by Canadians in 2016 were massage therapy (44%), followed by chiropractic care (42%), yoga (27%, relaxation techniques (25%) and acupuncture (22%).
This increasing interest in wellness practices means there will constantly be more demand for naturopathic doctors across the country.
Another advantage of a naturopathic career is that upon graduating from an accredited Canadian institution, and passing the national board exams, students can begin practicing immediately.
What the Alumni Are Saying
“My time at Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) was some of the most memorable and transformative years of my life. I met my life partner Karen Parmar, ND, with whom I have had the pleasure and honor of walking this path. From my second year at CCNM until now with 20 years of practice together, I could not have achieved all that I have professionally or personally without her.
Karen and I came to British Columbia as interns at CCNM and spent three weeks exploring my favorite areas of the province; the lower mainland, Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, Victoria, Tofino, and the Okanagan Valley. We found Fort Langley and fell in love with it. After graduation we drove across Canada and began preparing for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). While studying we met with a banker, qualified for a loan, and started construction on our clinic. Daily visits to the construction site motivated us to get back and study as hard as possible. The doors to our clinic opened within a week of receiving our NPLEX results. Integrated Health Clinic is now home to 13 naturopathic doctors, medical doctors and a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.” – Dr. Gurdev Parmar
Career Resources
If you are still thinking about attending a naturopathic school in Canada, and are looking to learn more about your intended career path, be sure to check out our career resources page for more information.
