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CHOOSING NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
BECOMING A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
The naturopathic medical profession is currently enjoying unprecedented growth and development, while remaining rooted in a long-standing tradition.
Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) are trained to use natural modalities – including clinical nutrition, lifestyle counselling, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, Asian medicine/acupuncture and physical medicine – to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential.
The naturopathic profession is based upon a set of principles that guide NDs in the safe application of natural therapies and substances that help support and stimulate the body’s innate self-healing process. These principles underpin a complete, individualized and co-ordinated approach to health care, that integrates modern scientific knowledge with traditional and cutting edge natural medicine.
To succeed as a Naturopathic Doctor, you must embrace the profession’s principles as a foundation for your practice and your life. As a practising ND, you will be contributing to a new generation of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners.
Naturopathic Doctors must take their role as health care provider very seriously. As a highly trusted medical professional, your advice will foster a powerful healing partnership with your patients. Your actions will extend beyond your personal practice, leaving a deep impact upon the reputation of the profession. Naturopathic Doctors share the responsibility of ensuring that their advice and actions protect the health and well being of both their patients and the profession.
Challenge yourself to become better, and to change other people’s lives for the better. Choose naturopathic medicine.
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WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic medicine is a complete and co-ordinated approach to health care. It is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies and gentle techniques.
Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are specialists in natural medicine and preventative health care, integrating scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom. They are health-care professionals who use safe, gentle, non-invasive therapies including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, etc., to assist the whole person in maximizing the body's inherent self-healing capacity.
WHAT DOES CCNM'S PROGRAM ENTAIL?
Students receive more than 4,200 hours of classroom and clinical training. The three major areas of study are:
Basic Medical Sciences
Courses in anatomy and histology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and immunology are covered. Problem-solving skills in applied basic life sciences are developed through lectures, case discussions, tutorial groups and clinical simulations. Some of these courses include a laboratory component.
Clinical Disciplines
Includes physical and clinical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, radiology, naturopathic assessment and orthopedics. The principles and philosophy of naturopathic medicine form the bridgework between the academic and clinical parts of the curriculum.
Naturopathic Disciplines
Six major disciplines define the areas of naturopathic practice. These are Asian Medicine/Acupuncture, Botanical Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, Homeopathy, Physical Medicine and Lifestyle Counselling.
Each is a distinct area and includes both diagnostic principles and clinical practice, as well as therapeutic skills and techniques. Instruction in all the naturopathic therapies is provided.
Clinical experience
Fourth-year students provide patients with high quality natural health care at CCNM's on-site Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. As well, students in their second and third years have opportunities to observe and carry out some treatments. The purpose of clinical training is to provide a hands-on learning environment with patients, so that students can apply their academic knowledge and learn skills to become competent naturopathic doctors. Every aspect of clinical training is supervised by a faculty of registered naturopathic doctors.
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Click here for a sample of CCNM's class schedule
ASSESSING YOUR READINESS
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
CCNM is committed to a high standard of education. Each candidate is evaluated by the Admissions Committee with regard to academic achievement, motivation, character, community service and life experience. To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have completed 90 credit hours, 30 semester credits, 130 quarter credits or 15 full-year credits (approximately three years) at a university in Canada or its equivalent. These courses must be completed before enrolling in the program. A minimum number of prerequisite courses is required for admission. No credit is given for the completion of pre-requisites unless a final mark of 60 percent or better is achieved.
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Required Courses
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Semester Hours
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Credits
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General Biology*
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6 hours
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1 (full credit)
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Biochemistry
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3 hours
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0.5 (half credit)
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General Chemistry**
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6 hours
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1 (full credit)
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Organic Chemistry**
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3 hours
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0.5 (half credit)
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Psychology
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6 hours
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1 (full credit)
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Humanities***
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6 hours
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1 (full credit)
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- *The biology requirement may be fulfilled by either a one-year general biology course or by combining two semesters of courses such as anatomy, botany, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology or zoology.
- **A laboratory component is required with these courses.
- ***Humanities course work must include an essay writing component (such as: Sociology, Anthropology, Women's Studies, philosophy, English).
NOTE:
It is recommended that applicants complete
courses in some or all of the following areas
in order to prepare for the college curriculum:
- anatomy
- environmental science
- genetics
- human physiology
- microbiology
- physics
- sociology
- statistics
NOTE: Those lacking some or all of the pre-requisite courses may be eligible for admission into the Naturopathic College Preparatory Program.
NATUROPATHIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM
For those students who do not possess the required courses in science, CCNM offers a Naturopathic College Preparatory Program. The NCPP provides a thorough academic introduction to naturopathic medicine and relevant science subjects through an intensive, 16 to 21 week science-based curriculum. Qualified applicants must have completed a minimum of three years (15 full courses or 90 credit hours) toward a baccalaureate degree, including one full course or six credit hours in general chemistry with lab component. Also, a minimum of two years of relevant work and/or life experience is required. It is recommended that the applicant's cumulative grade-point average is at least 3.0 on a four-point scale (B, or 75 per cent) to be competitive. The applicant is also assessed on an essay, autobiographic-sketch and references. Admission to the Naturopathic College Preparatory Program constitutes conditional acceptance to the ND program. For more information you can e-mail NCPP or visit http://www.ccnm.edu/NCPP/preparatory.html.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

As the curriculum at CCNM is delivered in the English language, all applicants must demonstrate sufficient facility in the English language to fully participate in the learning process. For applicants who do not speak English as a first language, a minimum score of 237 on the computerized version, or 580 on the paper-based version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for admission to the college. CCNM's TOEFL institution code is 8673. Alternatively, if an applicant has successfully completed at least three years (90 credit hours) of study in an undergraduate program at a university where the principal language is English, that applicant will be considered to have proficiency in the English language.
For more information please view the TOEFL Information Bulletin.
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FEES
Visit the Important Dates and Fees page for application deadlines, program start dates and tuition fees.
FINANCIAL AID
International students may be eligible for financial aid including U.S. Government loans for U.S. students as well as scholarships, bursaries and private/bank loans. For more information visit or email our Financial Aid Officer.
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THE APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The application consists of:
1. A completed application form and payment of $150 application fee.
2. Official transcripts mailed directly to CCNM's Recruitment Department by the institutions attended.
3. International transcripts of academic record must be translated and evaluated by World Education Services (WES) and mailed directly to CCNM. For further information visit www.wes.org.
4. Proof of current course enrolment. (if applicable)
5. Letters of reference from two individuals (non-relative) mailed directly from these individuals to the Recruitment Department. It is recommended that references be obtained from the following groups:
a. Academic (post secondary)
b. Professional (previous employer)
c. Naturopathic Doctor (non-relative).
6. Written personal statements explaining commitment to and motivation for becoming a naturopathic doctor.
7. A copy of a birth certificate or equivalent.
NOTE:
I. The application date is dependent upon what program you are applying for. After the deadline, applications will be accepted subject to availability. A $50 late fee applies.
II. An interview may be required to assess each applicant's ability to successfully complete the program. Completion of a life sketch, outlining your most significant activities for the last 10 years, is required and will be used by the Admissions Team.
III. Once accepted, a deposit is required. The deposit is applied to the tuition fee. Failure to pay the fee before the date noted on the letter of acceptance may result in the position being offered to another qualified applicant.
Failure to comply with the instructions or to meet the deadlines may result in cancellation of the application. When all supporting documents are received by the Recruitment Department, an acknowledgement letter will be forwarded to the applicant. All documents received become property of CCNM.
Tuition and Application Dates
Visit the Important Dates and Fees page for application deadlines, program start dates and tuition fees.
APPLICATION FORM
The application form (in Adobe Acrobat format) is available at our Download Centre.
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FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION
Students who have completed their university study at an institution outside of North America, must have their transcripts evaluated and translated (if necessary) by World Education Services (WES). All post-secondary transcripts must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. The following services are available from World Education Services (WES).
Course-by-Course Report
- lists all subjects completed at the post-secondary level
- provides a Canadian semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
- provides a Canadian grade average, and
- designates the level (upper or lower) of each undergraduate course (for applicants who have selected education as their primary purpose)
This is the report you should order for:
WES basic service includes:
- Ten-day service - evaluation completed and mailed (Canada Post) within 10 business days
- One official evaluation report sent to you AND one report sent to the institution of your choice
- Evaluation of ALL your formal credentials, regardless of number or complexity
- Calculation of a Canadian grade average (for applicants who have selected education as their primary purpose), permanent archiving of your evaluation and the option to obtain additional official reports at any time in the future.
NOTE: Fees are not refundable and are subject to change.
For further information and current prices contact:
Canadian Office at ontario@wes.org
(416) 972-0070 or 1-866-343-0070
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CCNM Application Checklist:
- Completed Application Form
- $150 Application Fee (plus $50 late fee if applicable)
- All post-secondary transcripts, sealed and delivered directly to CCNM
- Transcript evaluation from WES
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Proof of enrolment in current course(s) (if applicable)
- Completed autobiographical sketch
- Two confidential reference forms
- Personal Statement/Essay
- Copy of Birth Certificate
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OBTAINING A VISA
GETTING A PERMIT TO STUDY IN CANADA
Most foreign students will need a Study Permit to study in Canada. You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from CCNM. The time needed to process an application to study in Canada may vary at different visa offices. Applications processed in Canada normally take up to 33 days.
You may also need a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to your Study Permit, however you do not have to make a separate application or pay a separate fee. An officer will issue it at the same time as the documentation that you will need to enter Canada as a student.
To obtain a Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa, you must contact the Government of Canada for an application. You will also be required to present the following documentation:
1. Letter of Acceptance from CCNM
2. Proof of Identity
3. Proof of Financial Support
4. An indication that you intend to return to your home country upon completion of the program
5. Medical assessment (if required)
Once you have filled out the application, contact your local Visa office to see if you need to fill out any additional forms. Once complete, you must submit your forms along with your application fee and supporting documentation to a Visa office at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate responsible for the country in which you are living. For more information visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.html.
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Study Permit/Temporary Resident Visa Checklist:
- Completed application form(s)
- Application Fee
- Letter of Acceptance from CCNM
- Proof of Identification
- Proof of Financial Support
- Medical Assessment (if applicable)
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LIVING IN TORONTO

Toronto is one of the most exciting cities in North America. With a population of almost 4.5 million, Toronto is Canada’s largest city. It has an excellent public transportation system, well-maintained roads and highways, and a low cost of living when compared to other cities of its size.
Toronto is a vibrant mosaic of many cultural and ethnic groups. It is made up of many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its unique variety of foods, people and lifestyles. In Toronto, different neighbourhoods, cultures and ethnicity’s come together to form a warm and welcoming city where visitors feel safe, comfortable and right at home. In fact, Toronto has been rated the safest big city in North America.
In the language of Canada’s native Mohawk people, Toronto means, “meeting place.” With a vibrant entertainment scene that brims with all kinds of music, theatre, galleries, sports, shopping and cuisine, any part of Toronto is a great place to meet up with friends. Newcomers to Toronto also appreciate Canadians’ friendliness and approachability.
Toronto’s warmth extends beyond its residents. The average summer temperature in Toronto is 21 degrees Celsius, often climbing higher than 30 degrees. In summer, which generally spans from May until mid-September, the city comes alive. Torontonians enjoy rollerblading, shopping, relaxing on patios, strolling along the waterfront, soaking up sun on the beach, taking harbour ferry tours and visiting the city’s renowned island, parks and zoo. Toronto is driving distance from local skiing, Montreal, Ottawa, Niagara Falls and New York.
TORONTO FACTS:
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Places Rated Almanac ranked Toronto the safest large metropolitan area in North America.
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Forty-eight per cent of Toronto’s population are immigrants.
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Toronto’s population speaks more than 100 languages.
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Toronto boasts more than 79 ethnic newspapers and magazines.
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More than 20,000 retail stores and restaurants do business in Toronto.
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One of North America’s largest medical centres, Toronto is home to more than 50 hospitals, 8,000 physicians and more than 50,000 health care professionals.
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Toronto is home to four professional sports teams, including the Maple Leafs (hockey), the Raptors (basketball), the Blue Jays (baseball), and the Argos (football).
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Toronto is Canada’s hottest tourist destination. In 1999, the city welcomed more than 21 million visitors!
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Toronto has North America’s second largest public transit system, after New York City.
- Toronto has the third largest English-language theatre district in the world, after London and New York City.
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STUDENT RESIDENCE
The Student Residence is conveniently located adjacent to the main campus building.
We offer co-ed accommodations on both a short-term and year-round basis. Residents are just steps away from such amenities as the Learning Resources Centre and the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.
Location
The campus is located at one of the newest stops in Toronto's safe, clean and efficient subway systems and easily accessible to major highways. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residence Rooms
All 200 rooms are for single occupancy only. Furnishings include a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe closet and a personal refrigerator. All rooms are fully carpeted. For more information contact the Residence Department.
TV Lounges/Dining Areas
Each floor has a number of shared lounges complete with colour television and a balcony overlooking the courtyard. A fully equipped kitchen adjoins each lounge. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available on each floor.
Courtyard
The large, landscaped courtyard provides an ideal space for socializing or studying. Brick barbeques in the courtyard are available for resident use.
Security
The Residence offers 24-hour security personnel as well as fully monitored security cameras located on the campus grounds.
Local features
Nearby amenities within walking distance include major shopping centres, restaurants, North York General Hospital, recreation centres, public libraries and parks.
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YOUR TIME AT CCNM

Naturopathic Students’ Association (NSA) Health & Dental Plan
All CCNM students in the naturopathic doctor program are assessed a fee for the NSA Health and Dental Plan. The plan provides students with health and dental coverage for 12 months. Students already covered through another plan may opt out of the NSA Health & Dental Plan, online, within the first three weeks of classes. NSA members can also enroll their spouse and/or dependants in the plan. For more information, contact studentcare.net/works at 1-866-369-8791 or visit their website at http://www.studentcare.net.
When preparing for your arrival and stay in Canada consider the following checklist for essential items you should plan on having during your stay.
International Student Essentials:
- Documentation (ID, Letter of Acceptance, Medical Information, Study Permit, etc.)
- Financial Information (Bank information, Canadian currency)
- Warm weather clothing (T-shirts, shorts, swimsuit)
- Cold weather clothing (Sweaters, hat, gloves, winter coat and boots)
STUDENT LIFE
CCNM offers more than just an education, it offers a chance for students to participate in many non-academic clubs and events overseen by the Naturopathic Students Association.
Some of CCNM’s Student Clubs include:
- Athletics Club
- Ball Hockey
- Botanical Society
- Campus Association for Baha'i Studies
- CCNM Christian Fellowship
- Group Cardio
- Meditation Club
- Philosophy of Naturopathy
- Taijiquan Practice on Tuesdays
- Thursday Night Yoga with Aparna
- Western Wesen Federation
Events include:
- CCNM Suppliers Show
- Consciousness Week
- Graduation Formal
- Grand Rounds
- Health and Wellness Fair (Open House)
- Kidz and Teens Health Awareness Week
- Men’s Health Awareness Week
- Visiting Elders Series
- Winter Formal
- Women’s Health Awareness Week
Check our NEWS & EVENTS section for more information.
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WORKING IN CANADA
Typically, those who possess a study permit are not allowed to work while in Canada. However, you may be eligible to work on campus at the institution where you study without a work permit.
CCNM has limited opportunities for on-campus work including positions in the Learning Resource Centre, Residence, Recruitment and Advancement Departments.
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Visit the Important Dates and Fees page for application deadlines, program start dates and tuition fees.
Check our NEWS & EVENTS section for more information.
North American University Tour
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NATUROPATHIC PRACTICE
Naturopathic Practice in Canada
Naturopathic Doctors are primary care providers trained to work in co-operation with all other health care practitioners. Naturopathic practice is regulated under provincial law in four provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan, with licensure pending in Alberta. Regulated naturopathic doctors are required to complete three years of pre-medical training at a recognized university, four years of full-time naturopathic education at an approved college and pass rigorous regulatory board examinations that are standardized across North America.
More information about Naturopathic Practice in Canada
Naturopathic Practice in the U.S.
Licensed States and Licensing Authorities
In the United States, health-care practitioners are licensed by the state they practice in; consequently, there is no one set of rules or steps toward licensure that will apply to all state licensing requirements. A requirement common to all licensing jurisdictions is that the applicant must have passed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX). To be eligible to sit for NPLEX, an applicant must document a naturopathic medical education from (or equivalent to that of) the post-graduate degree programs of the approved North American naturopathic medical colleges.
Currently, 13 states and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors. In these states, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from a four-year, residential naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license.
Licensed naturopathic physicians must fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually, and will have a specific scope of practice defined by their state’s law. The states that currently have licensing laws for naturopathic physicians are:
| Alaska |
Montana |
| Arizona |
New Hampshire |
| California |
Oregon |
| Connecticut |
Utah |
| Hawaii |
Vermont |
| Kansas |
Washington |
| Maine |
Puerto Rico and
Virgin Islands |
In unlicensed states:
Practitioners can not diagnose or prescribe
U.S. Licensing Authorities
Federation of Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Authorities
SW Capitol Highway #160
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 224-7744
Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination Board (NPLEX)
P.O. Box 69657
Portland, OR 97201
(416) 498-4255 ×227
(503) 250-9141
North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE)
8948 SW Barbur Boulevard #157
Portland, OR 97219-4047
(503) 778-7990
Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
Division of Occupational Licensing Naturopathic Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
(907) 465-2695
Arizona Naturopathic Board of Medical Examiners
1400 W. Washington Ave, #230
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-8242
Connecticut Board of Naturopathic Examiners
410 Capitol Avenue, MS#12APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
(860) 509-7562
Hawaii Board of Examiners in Naturopathy
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Maine Board of Complementary Health Care Providers
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-8579
Montana Alternative Health Care Board
301 S. Park
Helena, MT 59620-0573
(406) 841-2394
State of New Hampshire Department of Health
Board of Naturopathic Examiners
129 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-5127
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners
(503) 731-4045
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407
Portland, OR 97232
Puerto Rico
Junta Examiadora de Doctores en Naturopathia Oficina de Regiamentacion y Certification Para Profesionales de La Salud
Call Box 10200
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00909-0200
Vermont Office of the Secretary of State
Office of Professional Regulation Naturopathic Physicians Advisors
26 Terrace Street, Drawer 9
Montpelier, VT 05609
Washington State Naturopathic Physician Licensing Program
1300 SE Quince Street
P.O. Box 47870
Olympia, WA 98540-7870
(360) 236-4941
(808) 586-2704
(Source: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians)
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CONTACT US
For more information on becoming a CCNM student, contact info@ccnm.edu.
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
1255 Sheppard Ave. East
Toronto, ON M2K 1E2
Canada
Tel: 416-498-1255 ext. 245
Toll free in North America: 1-866-241-2266 ext. 245
Fax: 416-498-1643
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RELATED LINKS
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