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| I have had many students ask me about the process of becoming a naturopathic physician. This page will hopefully answer many of their questions. Potential students should feel free to email me with questions and I will do my best to answer them.
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| Academic Overview: |
| High School: grade 11 & 12 science courses (chemistry, biology, physics), English |
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| University: 3 years minimum of an undergraduate degree. |
| There are science prerequisites required including: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, English, etc. (Note: Most naturopathic students have a Bachelor of Science.) Some naturopathic colleges are requiring a Bachelor's degree for admission. Please see the individual naturopathic college's prerequisites through the schools on the Naturopathic Links page. |
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| Naturopathic College: (4 years) |
| Admissions is competitive and is based on academic standing and personal qualities (assessed by essays, reference letters & personal interview.) |
| During the first 2 years, the basic medical sciences are emphasized (gross anatomy, pathology, physiology, microbiology. pharmacology, histology, etc.) Also included is the introduction to the foundations of naturopathic medical theory. |
| During the last 2 years, focus shifts to clinical medicine and care of patients under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. |
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| Board/Licensing Exams: |
| Following the second year of naturopathic college, students write the basic medical sciences series of the Naturopathic Physicians' Licensing Exam, also known as NPLEX. This exam is North American wide and is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE.) The basic medical sciences NPLEX consist of 5 exams: anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, and microbiology. |
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| After graduation from naturopathic college, students must then write the clinical medicine series of NPLEX, which consists of 10+ exams written over 3 days. (I refer you to the NABNE website for details as I am still unsure of exactly how many exams I wrote! Suffice to say, it was not a fun summer and I have a blurry recollection of it.) |
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| Depending on where you wish to practice naturopathic medicine, the province or state where you wish to be licensed likely has extra exams which need to be passed. |
| For example, in BC the jurisprudence, minor surgery, and a practical exam must be passed before you are licensed. Each province or state has their own requirements. |
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