Have you ever thought about getting your N.D.?
No, you didn’t misread thinking it was ‘M.D.,’ an N.D. is still a career in the field of healthcare, but it stands for Naturopathic Doctor instead of Medical Doctor. If you’ve ever considered a career as a doctor, you should know that it doesn’t have to be restricted to drug-based medication.
Naturopathic doctors work in a system of primary healthcare that promotes wellness and the prevention of different illnesses or diseases using the body’s ability, coupled with different healthcare approaches such as: acupuncture, massage, clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, lifestyle counselling.
Naturopathy falls under the topic of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and is becoming an increasingly popular choice of medication for Canadians.
In fact, there’s no reason to be totally separated from the world of traditional medicine. Most naturopathic doctors refer patients to other healthcare practitioners. Many provinces in Canada have developed regulations that grant naturopaths prescribing authority for certain drugs.
What’s the job outlook like for naturopaths?
According to the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, numbers of people seeking naturopathic care are growing more than ever. The numbers of practising naturopaths are increasingly to accommodate these numbers and this means you could join their ranks!
Where can I go to school to study naturopathy?
Before you head off to naturopathic school, you need to have at least 3 years of pre-med sciences at a recognized university. Once you’ve got this, you can apply to one of Canada’s accredited naturopathic colleges. Check out:
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The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario
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The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, British Columbia
The 4-year program makes up over 4,500 hours of classroom instruction and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practicum – you know you’ll be well-trained by the time you graduate! Read on to find out what you need to do after you’re eligible to graduate from naturopathic college!
What’s a typical starting salary for an N.D.?
Across the country, the salary for a Doctor of Naturopathy with less than a year of experience varies. Here’s a selection of potential starting salaries in Canadian cities:
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Vancouver: $90,313
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Calgary: $98,191
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Winnipeg: $83,999
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Toronto: $94,163
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Montreal: $86,893
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Halifax: $86,875
What do I need to do after school is over?
After you’ve studied at naturopathic college for 4 years and graduated with your Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, you’ll need to complete the Naturopathic Practitioner Licensing Examinations and any additional exams required by the province.
It’s also useful to note that N.D.s are required to continue their education for the duration of their practice. This means earning continuing education credits to maintain their registration with the regulatory body in their area.