Allison Ziegler

A licensed naturopathic doctor has a total of 8 years of education.

First they receive an undergraduate degree where they accomplish the basic pre-medical school requirements. The naturopathic medical program, comparable to allopathic program, is an additional 4 years, where they study the basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology and biochemistry and the more directed medical classes such as psychology, pathology and diagnosis, pharmacology, laboratory diagnosis, minor surgery, radiology and emergency medicine. In the fourth year of the naturopathic medical program, students become interns in a naturopathic medical clinic under the guidance of various clinical supervisors. In their internship year, students work closely with patients to further develop their professional skills.

Naturopathic physicians receive a high level of education through an accredited naturopathic medical institution. Such institutions must be accredited by The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and be a member of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).

Graduates from an accredited college must complete the National Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX) as well as completion of respective provincial licensing exams/recommendations.

It is important to ensure that the naturopathic doctor you book an appointment with has completed studies at fully accredited naturopathic medical school, has completed their licensing exams and is registered with the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (SANP).