Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program - Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Overview
Canada's premiere instituted for naturopathic education and research
Located in Toronto, Ontario, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) is Canada's premier institute for education and research in naturopathic medicine. CCNM offers a rigorous 4-year, full-time doctor of naturopathic medicine program.
CCNM is also home to the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, a dynamic naturopathic teaching clinic where senior clinicians and ND supervisors conduct more than 26,000 patient visits per year.
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the accrediting agency for naturopathic colleges and programs in Canada and the United States.
Naturopathic Medicine
CCNM's 4-year accredited professional program in naturopathic medicine provides more than 3000 hours of classroom training and 1200 hours of clinical experience.
Naturopathic medicine is founded on the principle of healing through the cooperative power of nature. Individuals who choose to practice as naturopathic doctors pledge to "encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of the planet for ourselves and future generations." The focus is on promoting health, not on alleviating symptoms. To address the fundamental causes of disease, to heal the whole person through individualized treatment, to teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine -- these are among the principles that drive the content and structure of the ND program.
Naturopathic medicine is a primary health-care profession that focuses on the promotion of health, assessment of the physical and mental condition of an individual, and the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and dysfunctions. It does this through the integrated use of therapies and substances that promote the individual's inherent self-healing mechanisms.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) Curriculum
The ND program is broadly composed of three main areas of study, the biomedical sciences, the clinical sciences and the art and practice of naturopathic medicine: biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, and the art and practice of naturopathic medicine
CCNM's 4-year accredited professional program in naturopathic medicine provides more than 3000 hours of classroom training and 1200 hours of clinical experience.
There are 6 major modalities that help to define naturopathic practice. Each is a distinct area of practice and includes diagnostic principles and practices as well as therapeutic skills and techniques. The integration of these modalities to effectively meet the individual health needs of each patient is one of the major outcomes of CCNM's ND program. Below is an overview of the major modalities covered in the program.
- Asian Medicine/Acupuncture
- Botanical Medicine
- Clinical Nutrition
- Homeopathic Medicine
- Physical Medicine
- Health Psychology and Lifestyle Counselling
A Culture of Rigorous Research
- Groundbreaking studies on chronic pain and anxiety with Canada Post workers.
- The first integrative oncology centre in Canada.
- Partnerships with the country's leading universities and research institutes.
- Publications in the topmost naturopathic and medical journals.
CCNM's Department of Research is a world-wide leader in advancing human understanding of complementary and naturopathic medicine as a viable, sustainable health-care system.
Integrative Cancer Care
CCNM's Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC), set to open in 2011, will be a model multi-disciplinary flagship centre providing whole-person integrative care to people with cancer, cancer survivors, and those seeking both primary and secondary cancer prevention.
The OICC will be the first integrative oncology and research centre in Eastern Canada to provide care, advocacy, and education for the use of whole-person care to the cancer community and health-care practitioners, regionally and nationally.
Often cancer patients do not communicate their complementary care choices with conventional oncologists. One of oncologists' biggest concerns with complementary medicine is the potential for this care to interfere with conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The OICC will work with patients, their families and their health-care professionals to develop a complementary, non-interfering therapy program to optimize overall wellness.
Now, with CCNM Board approval, and with $1.35 million financial support from the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation, CCNM is planning its next steps to make this first-rate cancer-care centre a reality.
While approximately 80 per cent of Canadians wish to pursue complementary therapies to augment and ameliorate conventional cancer therapies, many cannot afford the additional out-of-pocket expense. With support from donors, OICC can commit to providing free individualized care to those that do not have extended insurance and cannot afford the care that they need.
The centre will be operated by CCNM, a registered charity providing research and education in naturopathic medicine. CCNM is committed to seeing positive changes in our healthcare system.
Students from All Over North America and the World
CCNM's annual enrollment is approximately 550 students. They come from every province in Canada, and from the United States and around the world. The ratio of women to men at CCNM is approximately 4:1, with student ages ranging from 20 to 50 years and older.
Financial Aid Programs for Both Canadians and US Citizens
Qualifying students who enroll with CCNM may take advantage of federal, provincial and US federal student loan programs. In addition, CCNM offers a number of scholarships, bursaries, loans and awards through the generosity of its donors. Private and professional school loans may also be available through your financial institution.
CCNM Graduates in Clinics, Research, and Industry
Upon graduation, many naturopathic doctors open successful practices throughout North America. Other graduates become partners or employees of existing naturopathic practices, or find positions in multidisciplinary clinics, fitness and wellness centers, spas, and corporate wellness programs. CCNM graduates also go on to perform various types of research in industry, government, and university settings.
Student Life
.CCNM's location in Toronto offers a wealth of entertainment, leisure, and cultural activities for students to enjoy. Whether students' tastes lead them to exotic cuisines, multicultural festivals, sports events or the theatre district, there's always something to capture their interest in Toronto.
Campus facilities include:
- NSA student centre
- Fitness centre
- The Paracelsus Herb Garden
- Public transit
- Career Resource Centre
- Hearty Catering Cafeteria
- Learning Resources Centre
- Bookstore
- On-site Student Residence