Naturopaths registered in licensed Provinces must complete four years of professional training at a recognized naturopathic medical school. Pre-admission requirements include a minimum of three years of premedical studies at a University. The naturopathic program consists of over 4,500 hours of training in medical sciences, diagnostics and therapeutics, with over 1,200 hours of actual clinical experience, leading to a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine.
In addition, Naturopaths are trained to recognize conditions that may require prescription drugs or surgery and patients will be referred to the appropriate practitioner or hospital. Graduates must pass rigorous provincial exams and standardized North American board exams set by government appointed boards to be eligible to practice as a Naturopathic Doctor.
Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following the completion of the program, NDs must successfully completely a Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) which is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America. Only upon completion of NPLEX is an ND qualified for licensing in Ontario.