CCNM - Help Us Grow


The World of Naturopathic Medicine is at CCNM More than ever, people across North America are seeking natural ways to sustain and improve their health. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary care that addresses the root cause of illness or disease and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. NDs are trained to provide a wide range of individual, family and community health services to people of all ages. The naturopathic doctor emphasizes the patient's responsibility towards personal health and well-being, and presents a holistic approach to individualized health care. A combination of physical, psychological and biochemical therapies are used, which include: Asian medicine/acupuncture botanical (herbal) medicine clinical nutrition homeopathic medicine physical medicine health psychology and lifestyle counselling As a pioneer in Canadian naturopathic education, The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine began its operations (as The Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine) in 1978. By 1983, the College was offering Canada’s first four-year, full-time professional program in naturopathic medicine. The following year, CCNM moved to Toronto and today welcomes students from across the globe. CCNM educates the profession The Canadian College Of Naturopathic Medicine educates, develops and trains naturopathic doctors through excellence in health education, clinical services and research that integrate mind, body and spirit. Graduates receive a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) diploma. Candidates must have a minimum of three years (15 full courses or 90 credit hours) of study at an accredited university including the following prerequisite courses: general biology, general chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, psychology and humanities. CCNM is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Accreditation by the CNME means that the mission and objectives of the College are soundly conceived and clearly stated, that its educational program has been designed to meet the standards of the Council, that its mission and objectives are being accomplished, and that the College is so organized, staffed, and supported that it should continue to merit confidence. For more information about CNME, visit www.cnme.org. CCNM’s facility provides the backdrop for top-notch learning experiences CCNM’s 4.3-acre campus is located in Toronto and includes an on-site, 200-bed residence, plenty of classroom space, large learning resources centre, 248-seat lecture theatre, healthy-foods cafeteria and extensive bookstore/dispensary, and is home to the the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, Canada’s largest naturopathic teaching clinic. The location is easily accessed by public transit, just steps from the Leslie subway station. Several bus routes also service the campus. Two major highways (401 and 404) provide convenient access by car. North York General Hospital is located across the street. There are walking and cycling trails in the adjacent park, the East Don Parkland Park. The Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic offers unsurpassed clinical training Clinical experience is a key component of the education provided at CCNM. Clinical training provides students with a hands-on learning environment with patients, so that they can apply their academic knowledge and learn the skills necessary to become competent and caring naturopathic doctors. The Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC), CCNM's on-site teaching clinic, is Canada's largest natural health clinic. Students are trained under the direction of a team of dedicated naturopathic doctors who are regulated by the Province of Ontario. In addition to RSNC, the College operates five external satellite clinics where students provide care to a variety of under-serviced populations, such as people living with HIV/AIDS, First Nations people, the elderly and people with physical disabilities. Students are introduced to the clinic in their second year, when they provide hydrotherapy treatments and bodywork to clinic patients. Third-year students first observe with clinical supervisors and subsequently assist fourth-year interns in the RSNC and its satellite teaching clinics. Through this more interactive role, they improve their skills in physical examination, medical history taking, differential diagnosis, case analysis and development of treatment plans. Fourth-year students take an active, primary role in patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty. Interns enhance and refine their diagnostic skills and competency in all the core naturopathic modalities. Through an extensive externship program, students obtain the opportunity to gain experience in naturopathic medical settings. CCNM’s learning resources centre is regarded as one of Canada’s most established The learning resources centre is regarded as one of Canada's finest natural medicine information facilities. The Essiac® botanical medicine collection, established in 1998 through a generous donation from Essiac® International, is well on its way to becoming the most comprehensive collection in North America. CCNM conducts groundbreaking complementary research The last few years have marked a dramatic transformation in the research department at CCNM. The College is advancing as Canada's premier institution of choice for applying research methodology to the modalities embraced by the complementary medicine model. The department continues to focus on the methodologies and application of evidence-based medicine, resulting in an impressive series of journal publications. CCNM’s curriculum meets the needs of tomorrow’s profession The curriculum in the first year of the naturopathic program concentrates on the bio-medical sciences, and also introduces students to naturopathic philosophy. The second year focuses on the clinical sciences and on developing diagnostic skills concentrating on the pathology of the human body. In the third year, students will develop specific treatment skills in the management of various disorders. Students will begin to apply these skills in a clinical setting. In fourth year, students concentrate on managing patients through rotations in each of the naturopathic treatment modalities. Students who have successfully completed all academic and clinic requirements receive the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine diploma, and are then eligible to write their professional national licensing board exams. CCNM’s student body is dynamic and involved Each year, the CCNM student body elects representatives to carry out the work of the Naturopathic Student's Association (NSA). In addition to academic and clinical liaison work, the NSA funds a variety of clubs. Examples of activities and clubs in which students can get involved are: Healthy Spirits, karate, running, tai chi, Toastmasters, yoga, ball hockey, dance, meditation and belly dancing. Students also organize many events throughout the year, such as Orientation Week, Unity Summit, Consciousness Week, Annual Formal, Women's and Men's Health Awareness Weeks, Suppliers Show, Naturopathic Café (talent night), and V-Day. CCNM Press educates both professionals and the public CCNM Press publishes college texts, clinical reference materials, consumer health books and corporate wellness guides in the field of naturopathic medicine, to further the advancement of the profession and to teach the principles of healthy living and preventative health care. Recent titles include Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology by Michael Friedman, ND, and Healing Anxiety, by Jonathan Prousky, ND. Want to learn more? CCNM offers several events, on site and off campus, designed for potential students to learn more about its ND program. Information sessions and ”Discover CCNM” programs are presented throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events, please contact the recruitment office at 416-498-1255, ext. 245, by e-mail at info@ccnm.edu, or visit the Media and Events section of our website. Back to top