Licensed naturopathic doctors complete extensive medical education before entering practice. Admission to an accredited naturopathic medical program requires a strong university science background, followed by four years of full-time graduate-level medical education.The curriculum includes biomedical sciences, clinical diagnosis, laboratory medicine, pharmacology, physical examination, nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle medicine, counselling, and other therapeutic approaches. During their training, students also complete supervised clinical internships, gaining hands-on experience caring for patients with a wide range of health concerns.Before becoming licensed, naturopathic doctors must successfully complete comprehensive North American licensing examinations and meet the registration requirements of the regulatory jurisdiction in which they practise. In Alberta, naturopathic doctors are regulated by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta and are required to meet professional standards, maintain continuing competency through ongoing education, and practise in accordance with the standards established by their regulatory college.Like all healthcare professionals, learning doesn't end at graduation. Our clinicians regularly participate in continuing education to stay current with evolving research, clinical guidelines, and evidence-informed approaches to patient care, allowing us to provide thoughtful, up-to-date care for our patients.Naturopathic doctors practising in Alberta are regulated by the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) under Alberta's Health Professions Act. Like other regulated healthcare professionals, naturopathic doctors must maintain an active practice permit, meet continuing competency requirements, and adhere to the standards of practice and code of ethics established by their regulatory college. Patients can verify a practitioner's registration through the CNDA's public register.
