Job requirements Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in Canada

National Occupational Classification update

We have updated this page to reflect the transition to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This means that the occupation "naturopathic doctor (ND)" was moved from the group Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (NOC 3125) to the group Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (NOC 31209).

Find out what you typically need to work as a naturopathic doctor (ND) in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (NOC 31209).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

Doctors of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.)
  • A four-year doctoral degree program in podiatric medicine available in the United States and in Quebec, normally following completion of a bachelor's degree program, is required.
  • A medical residency is required in Alberta and British Columbia.
  • A doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degree is required to practise podiatry in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Chiropodists and podiatrists
  • A three-year diploma program in chiropody (DCh) obtained in Canada or A first-degree program in podiatric medicine (D.Pod.M.) obtained abroad (United Kingdom) is usually required.
  • A licence is required in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
Naturopaths
  • A university degree in pre-medical science is required.
  • Completion of a university program in naturopathic medicine, obtained abroad or A four-year program in naturopathic medicine from a private institute is required.
  • A licence is required in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Orthoptists
  • A bachelor's degree and completion of a two-year accredited training program in orthoptics are required.
  • Certification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council is required.
  • Continuing education is required for recertification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council.
Osteopaths
  • A bachelor's degree is required for admission to a doctor of osteopathy program.
  • A four-year program in osteopathic medicine leading to a doctor of osteopathy degree and A one-year medical residency are required. These qualifications are usually obtained in the United States.
  • A licence is required in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Naturopathic Doctor Regulated College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
Podiatric Surgeon Regulated College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta
Manitoba Naturopath Regulated Manitoba Naturopathic Association
Podiatrist Regulated College of Podiatrists of Manitoba
Stretcher Attendant Regulated College of Paramedics of Manitoba
New Brunswick Podiatrist Regulated New Brunswick Podiatry Association Suite 300
Nova Scotia Naturopathic Physicians Regulated Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Ontario Chiropodist Regulated College of Chiropodists of Ontario
Drugless Practitioner (naturopath) Regulated The College of Naturopaths of Ontario
Podiatrist Regulated College of Chiropodists of Ontario
Québec Podiatrist Regulated Ordre des podiatres du Québec
Saskatchewan Podiatric Surgeon Regulated College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
Naturopathic Physician/Naturopathic Practitioner Regulated Saskatchewan Association Of Naturopathic Practitioners
Podiatrist Regulated Saskatchewan College of Podiatrists

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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