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Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopath, Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Practitioner
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) combine modern science with traditional and natural forms of treatment to treat the root causes of disease. They support the body to heal itself. In general, they:
To restore normal function, NDs look for the root causes of disease. These may include:
After assessing the causes of a patient’s symptoms, NDs create a treatment plan. This may include:
Many NDs take advanced training in specific therapies, such as intravenous therapy or chelation therapy. They refer patients to other health-care providers when the required treatment is not within their scope of practice, such as when patients may need surgery.
Most naturopathic doctors (NDs) work in private or multi-use clinics. They spend part of their working day on their feet examining and treating patients. They also spend time at a desk talking to patients and doing paperwork. A patient visit to an ND may be held in person or virtually.
NDs set their own hours. They often work some evenings and weekends to meet patient needs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information obtained by observing, interviewing and examining patients to diagnose and treat disorders and illnesses with natural methods of healing such as herbal medicines, biochemical therapy, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and counselling
Interest in operating equipment to perform acupuncture and hydrotherapy; and in performing acupressure, reflexology and spinal manipulation
Interest in mentoring patients by prescribing treatments and diets that include natural foods and herbs, corrective exercises and other natural methods of healing
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) need:
They should enjoy:
Training for a career as a naturopathic doctor (ND) requires a bachelor’s degree with pre-med sciences, followed by 4 years in an accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. To practise, graduates must write and pass standardized exams conducted by the North American standardized Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX). (In Ontario, they must pass exams held by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.) They must also pass exams in their jurisdiction.
The accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program in Canada is the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). This program can be undertaken at two campuses, one in Toronto and one in Vancouver (Boucher campus). The entrance requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a competitive average in general biology, physiology, organic chemistry (with lab), biochemistry, psychology, and the humanities.
In the United States, the following schools offer ND programs:
Consult these institutions before registering in a pre-professional program to ensure you will meet their entrance requirements.
In Alberta, colleges and universities located throughout the province may offer the pre-professional courses required for admission to ND programs. Post-secondary entrance requirements vary depending on the institution and the program. In general, they include a high school diploma with a good average in 5 related Grade 12 subjects, such as English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Physics 30.
Some naturopathic schools offer optional post-doctoral supervised clinical residency programs. These range from 1 to 3 years in length. These residencies may include supervised private practice, student supervision, teaching, and practice at community outreach clinics.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
To practice naturopathic medicine in regulated Canadian provinces and American states, graduates of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine programs must pass standardized licensing exams and register with appropriate provincial or state licensing boards.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Naturopathic doctors blend modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of treatment to support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself and treat the underlying cause of disease.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Naturopaths Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) is mandatory. Only registered members may perform restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Naturopathic Doctor.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most naturopathic doctors (NDs) set up private practices or join clinics with other health-care providers. Some work in research and development, marketing, government, teaching, or consulting.
As with other health professions, ND practices take time to build. Success depends on individual initiative, experience, and ability.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
2016 NOC: 3125
93.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Naturopathic doctors in private practice are self-employed. Their incomes vary with location, number of patient visits, and the cost of running a private practice.
Alberta Association of Naturopathic Doctors (AAND) website: albertanaturopaths.org
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) website: www.cand.ca
College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) website: www.cnda.net
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
