Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

Programs of study

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) is Canada's premier institute for education and research in naturopathic medicine. CCNM's four-year accredited professional program in naturopathic medicine provides more than 3000 hours of classroom training and 1200 hours of clinical experience.

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.

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 including: Asian Medicine/Acupuncture, Botanical Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Homeopathic Medicine, Physical Medicine and Health Psychology/Counseling.

The ND program's extensive classroom training prepares students for their roles as primary interns co-managing patient care in the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, the main teaching clinic of CCNM. It hosts approximately 25,000 primary care patient visits per year and is equipped with 40 patient treatment rooms and six media equipped preview/review rooms. The clinic offers a range of services, from IV therapy and lifestyle counseling to hydrotherapy and acupuncture. In addition, students may complete a 4-month placement in one of five external community health centers.

Research Facilities

The Department of Research and Clinical Epidemiology at CCNM is a world-wide leader in advancing our understanding of complementary and naturopathic medicine as a viable, sustainable health-care system. Our research faculty is amongst the brightest in the field, cultivating research initiatives with the CCNM community and constantly engaging our students through teaching, experiential learning and mentorship. The Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research (the formal legal name for the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine) is now eligible for research grants and funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Financial Aid

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. Keep in mind that government loans may not cover the full cost of tuition.

Cost of Study

For the academic year 2009/2010, tuition is $18,355 CAD. The fee for international students is $21,990 CAD. The estimated cost of textbook and equipment is $2,000 CAD for each of years one and two. Books and equipment in year three is estimated at $1000 CAD and $0 CAD for year four.

Living and Housing Costs

CCNM offers on-site, co-ed accommodations both on a short-term and year-round basis. All rooms are for single occupancy only. The current monthly rate is $425 CAD. Each floor has a number of shared lounges complete with color 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 on CCNM's web site.

Student Group

The student body consists of more than 500 students including representation from ten Canadian provinces, several American states and a number of international countries. Students are represented by the Naturopathic Students' Association.

Student Outcomes

Naturopathic practice is regulated under provincial law in four provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Alberta is presently waiting approval of its regulations and Nova Scotia has legislation which provides Title Protection. Regulated naturopathic doctors are required to complete a minimum of three years of pre-medical studies at a recognized university, four years of full-time naturopathic education at a CNME-accredited naturopathic college, and pass rigorous regulatory board examinations that are standardized for North America.

Location

The campus is located in Toronto, 20 minutes north of the downtown core. Toronto offers a variety of multicultural experiences including art, theatre, music, sporting events, recreation facilities, parkland, and restaurants. 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 4.3-acre campus includes student residences, a botanical herb garden, a large learning resources center, 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 bachelor's degree including organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physiology, psychology and humanities. 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.

Some prerequisite courses can be completed through CCNM's Continuing Education Department.

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