Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

Programs of study

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) offers a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) diploma. The program is a full-time course of study of four academic years (approximately 4,200 hours) including clinical training. Naturopathic medicine is science-based, holistic philosophy and practice rooted in the principle of vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature. Focusing on prevention using natural substances and treatments, naturopathic doctors work with patients to support and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself. Naturopathic modalities include botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling and Asian medicine/acupuncture.

The first two years of study, include the foundation medical sciences, such as anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, and pharmacology, as well as introductory courses in the modalities of naturopathic medicine. During the last two years of study, students receive supervised clinical training in diagnosis and treatment in the on-site Robert Schad Naturopathic teaching clinic and through external placements in private practice or the various satellite clinics. The scope of clinical training includes such areas as obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency care, orthopedics, myofascial therapy, and physical medicine (manipulation, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, etc.).

Research Facilities

CCNM is active in clinical research in many areas of complementary and integrative medicine. In addition to leading on-site research initiatives, CCNM strives to develop partnerships with allied institutions. At present, the College is conducting research in many areas, most notably women's health, pediatrics, and health services.

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in this program may be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under one or more of the following components: the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), the Canada Student Loans Program, the United States Federal Stafford Student Loans Plan, scholarships, bursaries and student loans and lines of credit through major banking institutions.

Student Services Officers are available to assist students through the application process.

Cost of Study

For the academic year 2005/2006, tuition is $16,819 CAD. The fee for international students is $20,145 CAD. The estimated cost of textbook and equipment is $1,000 CAD for each of years one and two. Books and equipment in each of years three and four is estimated at $500 CAD.

Living and Housing Costs

The on-site student residence offers co-ed accommodations on both a short-term and year-round basis. All rooms are for single occupancy only. The current monthly rate is $375 CAD. Each floor has a number of shared lounges complete with colour television and a balcony overlooking the courtyard. A fully equipped kitchen adjoins each lounge. For those students seeking off-campus accommodations, a housing registry is maintained in the Student Services Department.

Student Group

The student body consists of 490 students which includes representation from ten Canadian provinces, several American states and a number of international countries.

Student Outcomes

Certain Canadian provinces have laws that specifically register or license doctors of naturopathic medicine: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Laws are pending in Alberta. American licensed states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, The District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington. There are also licensing laws in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Legislation campaigns to license naturopathic medicine are underway in Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina and New York. Most naturopathic doctors set up private practice, often sharing facilities with chiropractors, massage therapists, or other complementary practitioners. Increasing opportunities are available within the government, in areas of teaching, researching, writing and publishing.

Location

The campus is located in Toronto, 20 minutes north of the downtown core. Toronto offers a tremendous variety of multicultural experiences including art, theatre, music, sporting events, recreation facilities, parkland, and restaurants. A major hospital, North York General Hospital, is situated across the street from the campus. CCNM can be easily accessed by public transit (the Sheppard Subway line stops at our door!) and by car (highways 401 and 404 are adjacent).

The College

CCNM is committed to being the profession's College in Canada, producing excellence in naturopathic medical education, clinical practice, and research. CCNM was founded in 1978 and offers Canada's only accredited and recognized four-year, full time professional program educating naturopathic doctors. The 4.3-acre campus includes student residences, a botanical herb garden, a large learning resources centre, a 2,500-square-foot laboratory, plenty of classroom space, a healthy foods cafeteria, on-site dispensary, and a teaching clinic containing 40 treatment rooms.

Applying

To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed a minimum of three years (fifteen full courses or 90 credit hours) toward a baccalaureate degree, including specific prerequisite courses. Other components of the admissions process include an essay, two references, an autobiographical sketch, and a personal interview. There are two entry times for admission into the four-year, full time program: September and January.

For those applicants whose academic background does not include the sciences, CCNM offers a Naturopathic College Preparatory Program (NCPP).

If you would like a copy of the admission application form, please Request Information.