Naturopathic Physicians – Applicants

To be eligible for registration as a licensed naturopathic doctor in British Columbia, an applicant must meet the following education, training, and evaluation requirements:

1. Graduation from a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and recognized by the College. See College-Recognized Naturopathic Medical Schools.
2. Successful completion of the following Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE):
   • a) – Biomedical Science: includes Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Physiology;
   • b) – Core Clinical Science: includes Botanical Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Public Health, Lab Diagnosis and Diagnostic Imaging, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Physical and Clinical Diagnosis, Physical Medicine, Psychology;
   • c) – Clinical Elective: Minor Surgery.
3. Successful completion of the College’s examinations: Jurisprudence and Oral & Practical.Examinations from other jurisdictions are not accepted in place of this College’s examinations.
4. Evidence of good character of the person consistent with the responsibilities of a registrant and the standards expected of a registrant, including those in the Code of Ethics
5. Evidince verifying the applicant’s identity.
6. Evidence that that an applicant is fit to engage in the practice of naturopathic medicine.
7. Evidence of English Language Proficiency.
8. Evidence dated not more than 60 days before the date of application from each applicable regulatory or licensing authority in every jurisdiction where the applicant is or was, at any time, entitled to practice a profession indicating that:
   • a) the applicant’s entitlement to practice in the profession has not been cancelled, suspended, limited, restricted, or made subject to conditions in the applicable jurisdiction at any time;
   • b) there is no investigation, review, or other proceeding underway in the applicable jurisdiction that could result in the applicant’s entitlement to practice being cancelled, suspended, limited, restricted, or made subject to conditions; or if there is, specifying particulars of any such investigation, review, or other proceeding.
9. Professional Liability Insurance

Please note that some exceptions may apply, for example, for an applicant who is a practising naturopathic doctor in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction.

Titles:

You must not practise naturopathic medicine in BC, or use the restricted titles of “naturopath”, “naturopathic physician”, “naturopathic doctor”, “physician”, “doctor”, or the abbreviation “Dr.”, until you have provided the College with proof of insurance and have obtained full (practising) registration.

Student applicants & registrants must identify themselves as a “naturopathic medical student” and must not use the restricted titles of “naturopath”, “naturopathic physician”, “naturopathic doctor”, “physician”, “doctor”, or the abbreviation “Dr.”, until they have been granted full (practising) registration.

SUBMITTING REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS:

Applicants must meet all registration requirements including successfully completing the College’s Jurisprudence and Oral/Practical examinations, before submitting their registration application.

Student Registration:

Student Registration may be applied for if a person is currently enrolled in a naturopathic medicine education program recognized by the Board for the purpose of registration (See College-Recognized Naturopathic Medical Schools).

A student must be registered with the College before undertaking a period of practical training involving direct patient care and may only provide services of naturopathic medicine while under the direct supervision of a full registrant of the College, and that supervising registrant must be present at all times.

A certificate of student registration is valid so long as the student registrant is enrolled as a student in a naturopathic medicine program recognized by the College.

1. A completed Registration Application and payment of the application fee (see “Fees” and review “Documentation” below for more information); 
2. Valid and current government issued photo ID with signature (see “Documentation” below for a list of accepted IDs);”
3. Proof of current professional indemnity insurance;
4. Proof of valid and current Basic Life Support (HCP) or CPR for HCP with AED training (see “Life Support Training” below to review the training requirements);
5. If you intend to apply for any certifications with the College, you must provide proof of valid and current Naturopathic Advanced Life Support (NALS) training (see “Life Support Training” below to review the training requirements);
6. A CRC Clearance Letter from the BC Government’s Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) (Information on “Criminal Records” here);”
7. Originals of the following must be sent to the College directly by the issuing institutions:
   1. Official Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) transcripts (including Part I – Biomedical Science, Part II – Core Clinical Science, and Part II – Clinical Elective: Minor Surgery).
   2. Official transcript from an approved naturopathic medical school.
   3. If applicable, a Certificate of Good Standing or equivalent letter from the competent regulatory or licensing authority in any jurisdiction where you are or were, at any time, registered or licensed for the practice of naturopathic medicine or another regulated profession.

CANADIAN MOBILITY TRANSFER (CFTA) APPLICANTS

Practising naturopathic physicians who are registered in good standing in other regulated Canadian jurisdictions are exempt from 7.2, and from completing the College’s Oral/Practical Examination. They must, however, meet the following requirements in addition to meeting the requirements in 1-6 and 7.1 and 7.3,:

8. Provide information about your activities since you became a naturopathic physician, including two letters of reference provided by individuals who can attest to your character and specifically your character in relation to your practice as an ND. References should not include family nor employees that an ND supervises. They should be professional colleagues who are familiar with your practice and who agree that the College may contact them regarding the reference.
9. Successful completion of the College’s Jurisprudence Examination (see “Jurisprudence and Oral/Practical Examinations” below).

1. A completed Registration Application and payment of the application fee (see “Fees” and review “Documentation” below for more information);
2. A completed Notarized Statement of Student Applicant’s Name Date of Birth and Educational Standing (see “Documentation” below for instructions on how to complete this form);
3. Valid and current (unexpired) government issued photo ID with signature (see “Documentation” below for a list of accepted IDs);
4. A completed Criminal Records Review Program criminal record check from the BC Government (review section on “Criminal Records” here);
5. If applicable, a Certificate of Good Standing (see “Documentation” below for the certificate’s requirements) or equivalent letter from the competent regulatory or licensing authority in any jurisdiction where you are or were, at any time, registered or licensed for the practice of naturopathic medicine or another regulated profession.

Autumn 2024 CCNM Intake: June 14, 2024
Winter 2025 CCNM Intake: October 25, 2024

Student registration application: $23

Full (practising) registration application:  $289

Applicants are encouraged to submit all of their materials in one package. Emailed documents should be submitted in PDF format.

All applicants are encouraged to review “Documentation” below for a list of accepted supporting documents and instructions on how to complete certain application forms.

Applications can be emailed at applications@cchpbc.ca or mailed to the College. Please use the Subject line: [ND] APP, First Name, LAST NAME Application for Registration.

Applicants should allow for sufficient time for all of their materials to be received by the College.

Applications will not be assessed and processed until the non-refundable application fee and all supporting documentation have been submitted.

Upon processing your application, the Licensure team will contact you with an update or will notify you if additional items are needed.

Unless necessary, please refrain from contacting the College multiple times regarding your application/request as this increases the processing time.

Applicants for Naturopathic Medicine: Full Registration

If the applicant has satisfied all of the application requirements upon initial review, they will be provided with a letter confirming that they have met the preliminary requirements for registration with the College. The letter may be used to obtain professional liability insurance.

The applicant will then be provided with the Practising Registrant Registration form. This form must be returned to the College along with payment of the registration fees (prorated by month), and evidence of professional liability insurance.

Applications are processed in the order they are received. This typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Obtaining Certifications

Please note that certification applications will NOT be accepted until an applicant has been granted registration with the College. If you have been granted registration, please review the certification application requirements here.

Applicants for Student Registration

If the applicant has satisfied all of the application requirements, they will be asked to pay the student registration fee ($115).

Upon paying the registration fee, the applicant will be provided with a letter confirming their student registration.

Applications are processed in the order they are received. This typically takes 5-10 business days.

NOTE: Processing times might increase depending on the period and the volume of requests received.

Bastyr University (Washington State campus)

14500 Juanita Dr NE
Kenmore, Washington, 98028
Phone: (425) 823-1300 

Bastyr University (California campus)

4106 Sorrento Valley Boulevard
San Diego, California 92121
Phone: 425-823-1300

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher

Formerly Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM)
330-435 Columbia Street
New Westminster, British Columbia, V3L 5N8
Phone: (604) 777-9981

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Toronto

1255 Sheppard Avenue East
North York, Ontario, M2K 1E2
Phone: (416) 498-1255

National University of Natural Medicine

49 S. Porter Street
Portland, Oregon, 97201
Phone: (503) 552-1660

National University of Health Sciences

200 E. Roosevelt Road
Lombard, Illinois, 60148
Phone: (800) 826-6285

Sonoran University of Health Sciences

2140 E. Broadway Street
Tempe, Arizona, 85282
Phone: (480) 858-9100

Universidad Ana G. Méndez

P.O. Box 3030
Gurabo, Puerto Rico 00778
Phone: (787) 743-7979

The College only accepts applications and supporting documents from applicants, registrants, and recognized institutions (where indicated). Other individuals cannot submit documents on behalf of applicants and registrants.

If a document must be uploaded to ROSS, registrants are responsible for notifying the Licensure Team when they have done so at registration@cchpbc.ca

All applications and supporting documents provided to the College should be in PDF format. Documents must be scanned properly as pictures of documents or screenshots will not be accepted.

Registration Application Form

• Forms not notarized will be refused by Licensure Team.
• Forms that do not include notary or legal counsel name, business address, stamp or seal, and contact details will be refused.
• Online notaries are not accepted.
• Initials must be handwritten in Section G.
• Do NOT write n/a or place stray marks on the document.
• Personal information must be current and must match government-issued photo ID including the signature.
• The identity document used to verify identity for the notarization should be attached as an Exhibit to the Registration Application.
• Please allow sufficient time to make arrangements for your form to be notarized by a notary public or legal counsel, before submitting it to the College.

Notarized Statement of Student Applicant’s Name Date of Birth and Educational Standing

• The form is provided to the College directly by the educational institution. Applicants should request this from the educational institution. Notarized Statements submitted directly by applicants will not be accepted.

Valid and Current Government-Issued Photo ID with Signature

• The provided ID must be unexpired to be considered current. Accepted examples are drivers’ license or passport.
• Must be clear with no blurriness, with enough contrast to discern facial features.
• Personal information must be current and must match application form including signature.

Official Transcripts

• Transcripts will only be accepted directly from the respective institution(s). The College will accept electronic copies so long as they are provided directly from the institution(s).
• Applicants can request that their institution forward electronic copies to applications@cchpbc.ca Please use the Subject line: [ND] APP, First Name, LAST NAME Transcripts for Application.
• Transcripts requiring translation must be translated by an STIBC translator and must be received directly from the translator.

Certificate/Letter of Good Standing

• Must be dated within sixty (60) days from the date of the application and sent directly by the competent regulatory or licensing authority to the College’s Licensure Team at applications@cchpbc.ca Please use the Subject line: [ND] APP, First Name, LAST NAME Certificate of Good Standing.
• Must include start date of registration, registration number, and current registration expiration date (or date registration expired).
• If translation is required, the applicant/registrant is responsible for the fee and both the original and translated copies must be sent by the regulatory body.

Professional Liability Insurance

Proof of liability protection insurance is required for Naturopathic Medicine: Full & Naturopathic Medicine: Temporary classes of registration.

Obtaining Professional Liability Insurance

• If your insurance provider requires a registration license number prior to issuing your insurance, you will be issued a provisional letter for registration after your documents have been received, assessed, and deemed to be satisfactory. You may provide this letter to the insurance company, if needed, to obtain the professional liability insurance.
• Please note that the College cannot recommend specific insurance providers.

Required Coverage:

• Each Naturopathic Medicine: Full & Naturopathic Medicine: Temporary registrant must obtain and at all times maintain professional liability insurance with a limit of liability not less than $3,000,000 per occurrence and per aggregate insuring against liability arising from an error, omission or negligent act of the registrant.
• Each Naturopathic Medicine: Full & Naturopathic Medicine: Temporary registrant must obtain and at all times maintain professional liability insurance with a limit of liability not less than $3,000,000 per occurrence and per aggregate insuring against liability arising from an error, omission or negligent act of any employees, agents, students or volunteers who assist the registrant in the delivery of naturopathic medicine services.
• In addition to the above, registrants with or applying for a Health Profession Corporation (HPC) permit must obtain and maintain a professional liability insurance with a limit of liability not less than $3,000,000 per occurrence and per aggregate insuring against liability arising from an error, omission or negligent act of all employees of the health profession corporation.

Evidence of Professional Liability Insurance:

• Send a copy of the ‘insurance declaration’ page (usually page #4 of your policy) to registration@cchpbc.ca. This page summarizes the insurance coverage. If the type and amount of your insurance are not clearly stated, the College might request the entire policy.
• Registrants with Health Profession Corporations (HPC) must ensure that their policy clearly outlines their name and name of their HPC as the insured parties. The ‘insurance declaration’ page should state the name of both parties. The named insured must be the legal name of the registrant / legal HPC Name in a format similar to the following example: Named INSURED: Jane Doe / Jane Doe, ND, Inc.
• If they are not both listed on your policy, please contact your insurance company to have it updated.

Applicants for registration must successfully complete the College’s Jurisprudence and Oral Practical Examinations. Examinations from other jurisdictions are not accepted in place of this College’s examinations.

Practising naturopathic physicians in other regulated Canadian jurisdictions seeking registration with the College are only required to take the Jurisprudence Examination.

The College uses NABNE’s NPLEX exams – NPLEX I & NPLEX II & Minor Surgery.

Additional registration requirements can be found in the “Naturopathic Medicine Applicants” section above.

Dates and Deadlines

The following are the upcoming examination dates and deadlines. Please note that examination dates may be subject to change.

Deadlines to submit applications and supporting documentation are non-negotiable. Late applications will not be accepted.

November 2024 Jurisprudence

February 2025 Jurisprudence & Oral Practical

Applications and Guidelines

Candidates must review the Examination Guidelines  before submitting an application.

To register for examinations, candidates must submit the following to the College by the deadlines indicated above:

1. A completed Examinations Application Form

2. A completed Payment Authorization Form , authorizing payment of the applicable examination fee(s) as indicated in your Examinations Application Form:

• $231 for the Oral Practical Examination

• $116 to reattempt one or more sections of the Oral Practical Examination

• $116 for the Jurisprudence Examination

• $58 to reattempt the Jurisprudence Examination

3. The candidate’s official transcript sent directly from a College-recognized naturopathic medical school to the College. Schools may send the transcript electronically to applications@cchpbc.ca

5. Photocopy of a valid and unexpired government-issued photo identification, the original to be presented on examination day

Examination Accommodations

Candidates must review the Examination Guidelines  for eligibility and criteria.

To request an examination accommodation, please email applications@cchpbc.ca

Post Examination

Exam Results

Examination results may take 4-6 weeks and will be emailed to candidates at the email address indicated on their application form. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their contact information remains current throughout the examination process.

You must not practise naturopathic medicine in British Columbia, or use the restricted titles of “physician”, “doctor”, or the abbreviation “Dr.”, until you have obtained full (practising) registration with the College.

Applying for Full (Practicing) Registration

Candidates planning to apply for registration with the College should carefully review and follow the registration application procedures outlined in the above “For Applicant” section. Candidates must not submit documents for registration until they have successfully passed the College’s examinations.

Release of Exam Results to Another Jurisdiction

To request that your examination results be sent to another jurisdiction, please email registration@cchpbc.ca.

Results will be sent to the requested jurisdiction within 5-10 days of the College receiving payment of the administrative fee ($50).

Examination Appeals Policy

A formal appeals process exists for both the Jurisprudence and Oral Practical Examinations.

To appeal exam results, candidates must submit a Request for Appeal within 14 calendar days from the issuing date of the examination results.

Candidates must review the Examination Appeals Policy  for eligibility and criteria.

Call For Examiners

The College is accepting applications from registered naturopathic doctors for the role of examiner.

To Apply

Please submit the Examiner Application form, a Curriculum Vitae, and a professional reference to applications@cchpbc.ca.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The selection process will include a 45-minute interview via videoconference and a reference check.

For more information, please contact applications@cchpbc.ca.

Questions

If you have questions or concerns regarding examinations, please contact the College by phone or by email at applications@cchpbc.ca.

All registrants must maintain valid Basic Life Support (BLS) for HCP, or CPR for HCP with AED. Registrants must renew BLS (HCP)/CPR for HCP with AED prior to the expiry set by the provider.

Registrants with certifications must hold Naturopathic Advanced Life Support (NALS), in addition to BLS (HCP)/CPR for HCP with AED. Registrants must renew their NALS qualification every two (2) years.

All life support & advanced life support courses must be completed in-person.

Life support & advanced life support certificates must be uploaded on ROSS > “Qualifications” tab.

Approved BLS (HCP)/CPR for HCP Training

Registrants may take any BLS (HCP) or CPR for HCP with AED from any trainer approved by the following providers:

• Canadian Red Cross
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• St. John Ambulance
• Canadian Ski Patrol
• Lifesaving Society
• FireMedix Training

Approved NALS Training

Registrants may take any of the following courses to satisfy the training requirements for NALS:

• Naturopathic Advanced Life Support, provided by OHM Medical Training Services Inc.
• Naturopathic Advanced Life Support, provided by TAMIK Training and Supplies Ltd.
• Naturopathic Advanced Life Support, provided by Life Safe Medical Training.
• Naturopathic Advanced Life Support, taught by Dr. Cheryl Karthaus, ND.
• Emergency Procedures Course taught by Dr. Michael Prytula, ND