INForMatIoN For Future StuDeNtS
the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Educating naturopathic doctors for almost 40 years
CaNaDa’S oNly
DoCtor oF Naturopathy Degree
about CCNM DoCtor oF Naturopathy Degree
CCNM is a special place. Our small student population ensures collaborative The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM)
relationships can be fostered among students and faculty. Our campus, with its treed is Canada’s leading naturopathic medicine education provider.
courtyard and herb garden, provides a warm and inviting environment, just steps from CCNM offers a four-year, full-time naturopathic medicine program;
the subway. CCNM’s culture is also amongst the most diverse and inclusive you will find
the only Doctor of Naturopathy degree in Canada.*
at any educational institution.
Naturopathic doctors address the fundamental CCNM’s curriculum includes:
CCNM’s faculty are committed to teaching the path to promoting health and wellness causes of disease, heal the whole person through • Biomedical sciences;
and to ensuring that CCNM graduates are well-prepared for successful careers as individualized treatment, and teach the principles
of healthy living and preventative medicine. • Clinical nutrition;
naturopathic doctors.
The Doctor of Naturopathy degree program • Lifestyle management;
I look forward to welcoming you into the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. provides more than 3,000 hours of classroom • Traditional Asian medicine and acupuncture;
training and 1,200 hours of clinical experience.
• Botanical (herbal) medicine; and,
The foundation for a successful career as a
naturopathic doctor is gained through courses in: • Physical medicine.
bob bernhardt, b.Sc., llM, M.ed., phD • History, philosophy and principles of
President /CEO naturopathic medicine;
• Art and practice of naturopathic medicine;
and,
• Foundations of naturopathic medicine.
* This program is offered under the written consent of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (formerly the Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities) for the period from May 20, 2014 to May 20, 2019. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be
appropriate to their needs (i.e., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).
More details about the Doctor of Naturopathy degree can be found at www.ccnm.edu
www.ccnm.edu 1
Developing you to be
a naturopathic doctor
Preparing for your future career starts in first year.
Career training begins in the very first year, externships with NDs in the community; and
through preceptoring, which is a component eventually, in fourth year, interning full-time at
of the ND program that allows students to CCNM’s naturopathic clinics and choosing to
observe health-care practitioners in the work with NDs across Canada.
community. Preceptoring provides students CCNM’s curriculum offers courses in practice
with a wide variety of experiences to develop management, carefully designed so that students
the clinical knowledge, attitudes and skills think about how they will manage their future
relevant to the role of a naturopathic doctor. practice. Topics such as accounting principles,
In second-year and beyond, students expand finances and marketing help emerging NDs plan
their work in our clinics, observing and then their professional careers.
participating in patient care; embarking on
C l i n i c a l E x p e r i e n ce
Robert Schad CCNM is home to the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic, a teaching clinic with
Naturopathic Clinic approximately 25,000 patient visits each year, fourth-year student interns co-manage
(RSNC) patient care, working under the supervision of naturopathic doctors while gaining
valuable hands-on experience. In addition to the RSNC, clinical experience can be
gained at a variety of clinics, listed below.
The Brampton The Brampton Naturopathic Teaching Clinic is the first naturopathic teaching clinic
Naturopathic Teaching in a hospital setting in Canada. It is a satellite clinic of RSNC, operated by CCNM in
Clinic (BNTC) collaboration with the William Osler Health System and the Central West Local Health
Integration Network. Located in Brampton Civic Hospital, it serves one of the fastest
growing and culturally diverse populations in Canada.
Clockwise from top:
Two students examine the models in the lab.
Toronto Community CCNM students can also intern at five community health centres across Toronto: Led by clinic supervisor Dr. Kristi Prince, ND (left),
a fourth-year clinic intern performs a checkup
Health Centres Sherbourne Health Centre, Anishnawbe Health Toronto, LAMP Community Health on a patient.
Centre, Parkdale Community Health Centre and Queen West Community Health
A clinic intern checks the pulse of her patient.
Centre. These centres offer care to diverse and under-serviced populations, including
Clinic supervisor Dr. Mark Fontes, ND (right),
the elderly, those with physical disabilities and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. with a patient as two interns look on.
2 CCNM Information for Future Students www.ccnm.edu 3
graDuate SuCCeSSeS
“ Seeing patients improve is so inspirational.
Most people don’t realize that the solutions are
only 10-20 degrees from what they’re
doing now – they just need some guidance –
and then they can change themselves.”
Dr. Marc bubbs, ND (class of 2010)
More than twenty per cent of all NDs practising in North America
are graduates of CCNM. Whether it’s opening a private practice,
partnering with a team of NDs, or pursuing a more integrative
approach to medicine with other health-care professionals in a “ Through my research at the OICC,
I look forward to adding to the body of
multidisciplinary setting, graduate success takes many paths. evidence supporting the use of naturopathic
medicine in adjunctive cancer care.”
Dr. Marc bubbs, ND Dr. Nicole egenberger, ND Dr. ellen McDonnell, ND (class of 2015)
Dr. Marc Bubbs, ND, recently published Dr. Nicole Egenberger, ND, opened her
The Paleo Project, which provides guidelines practice, Remède Naturopathics, in the heart of
for nutrition and movement to help individuals Manhattan, where she specializes in women’s
perform, look and feel better at any age. When health and pediatrics. Dr. Egenberger embraced
he’s not speaking at conferences across North building a business in New York, an unregulated
America and the U.K., Dr. Bubbs sees patients at state, as she believed there was an unmet need
two clinics in downtown Toronto. He also serves for patients wanting naturopathic medical care.
as the sports nutrition lead for the Canadian She was right and now enjoys a steady patient “ People call asking about my specialties because
Mens’ National Basketball team. base while still discovering the city she adopted as they know they want to see a naturopathic
her home. doctor. Many patients have realized that NDs
Dr. ellen McDonnell, ND are the specialists in natural alternatives
Dr. Ellen McDonnell, ND, accepted a two-year and are seeking us out.”
Dr. brenda tapp, ND
residency position at the CCNM’s Ottawa Dr. Nicole egenberger, ND (class of 2003)
Dr. Brenda Tapp, ND, focuses on supportive
Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC). A large cancer treatments at the Peterborough Centre of
focus of her research residency is gained from Naturopathic Medicine. In addition to supportive
her work in the clinic, as well as working with the cancer care, her clinic provides family health
CCNM research department on clinical trials, care, cosmetic acupuncture and women’s health
such as a Canada/U.S. Integrative services. In both 2014 and 2015, Dr. Tapp was
Oncology Study. awarded the Business Excellence Award in
Health and Wellness, sponsored by the Greater “Our medicine is so incredibly powerful
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the and I am grateful that my training allows
Small Business Committee. me to improve not just symptoms of
my patients, but their overall quality of life.”
Dr. brenda tapp, ND (class of 2012)
4 CCNM Information for Future Students www.ccnm.edu 5
Research Clockwise from top:
Research fellow Dr. Monique Aucoin, ND,
is an important member of CCNM’s research team.
A sample of test tubes that our researchers
use for analysis.
Executive director of the OICC, Dr. Dugald Seely, ND
(right), examines a research graph.
Students have access to many online medical and
research databases at CCNM.
CCNM is a leader in evidence-based naturopathic medicine research,
the results of which have been published in the Canadian Medical
Association Journal, The Lancet and The British Medical Journal.
CCNM is currently conducting more than $10 million in studies
examining a variety of adjunctive therapies for cancer care.
One of CCNM’s most significant and well-known A companion economic study estimated $1,187
research studies – involving the Canadian Post per participant in direct savings, making a
Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal compelling case for incorporating naturopathic
Workers – demonstrated a long-term reduction medicine into employee benefits packages.
of cardiovascular disease risks. Naturopathic Additional studies in this series demonstrated the
treatments reduced the risk factors for heart efficacy of naturopathic care for treating chronic
attacks and strokes among participating postal back pain, rotator cuff tendonitis and anxiety.
employees and better cardiovascular health led
to increased productivity.
O n g o i n g r e s e a r c h p r o j ec t s i n c lu d e :
Type 2 CCNM, the William Osler Health System and the Wise Elephant Family Health Team
Diabetes Study were awarded a $418,000 grant in 2015 to assess outcomes of adjunctive naturopathic
care for type 2 diabetes. Of the more than 10,000 Family Health Team patients in the
study’s catchment area, approximately 15 per cent present with type 2 diabetes; enabling
researchers to collect and compare health outcomes related to specific ethnic and
cultural groups.
Integrative CCNM and the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC) were awarded a $3 million
Cancer Research grant in conjunction with Dr. Leanna Standish, ND, and Bastyr Integrative Oncology
Research Centre for a joint Canadian/U.S. research investigation into advanced
treatment for stage 4 cancer patients.
Natural Health A large-scale Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded project is
Product Research underway to assess the safety and effectiveness of common natural health products,
including fish oil, vitamin D and phytoestrogens, for prostate cancer patients.
6 CCNM Information for Future Students www.ccnm.edu 7
Academic & Faculty Leadership
“I feel honoured to be working with the talented
students who come to CCNM. Watching
them grow into the future leaders of the profession
is truly inspiring.”
Dr. Nick DeGroot, ND (class of 1998)
Our faculty brings together leading researchers, clinicians and
teachers in naturopathic medicine. NDs, PhDs, MDs and other
specialists work together to help students prepare for successful “ As NDs, we’re in such a good position to help
people with complex chronic illness. Watching the
careers as naturopathic doctors. students grow and be okay with not knowing
or understanding everything, and bearing
Dr. Nick De Groot, ND Dr. Jonathan Prousky, ND with the process of working really hard to figure
A Class of 1998 graduate along with Jasmine Dr. Prousky, ND, is responsible for the delivery it out, is really empowering for them.”
Carino, Dr. Nick De Groot, ND, has served as the of safe and effective naturopathic medical care
Dean of CCNM since 2008. His previous roles at in his role as the Chief Naturopathic Medical Dr. Louise McCrindle, ND (class of 2008)
the College include Dean of Clinical Education, Officer at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.
Associate Naturopathic Medical Officer and He has built his career through treating mental
Assistant Professor of Integrated Clinical Studies. health illnesses. A prolific writer, Dr. Prousky has
He also did his post-graduate clinical residency published numerous books and articles, while
at CCNM. As Dean, Nick is responsible for also teaching at CCNM.
overseeing the Doctor of Naturopathy degree
program and for ensuring that the teaching clinics “ My goal is to help people feel more regulated
Dr. Jasmine Carino, ND and resilient. NDs can help a lot of people
at CCNM meet the highest standards of clinical Dr. Jasmine Carino, ND, graduated from but you have to put time and energy into it as
education and patient care. CCNM in 1998 and was one of the first NDs it takes time to see improvement. I love seeing
accepted into the two-year residency program. the positive changes in my patients.”
Dr. Louise McCrindle, ND Now, as the Associate Dean, Curriculum and
Dr. Jonathan Prousky, ND
Dr. McCrindle, ND, treats chronic fatigue and Residency Program, Jasmine designs short and
fibromyalgia patients in private practice and at long-term strategies for curriculum change,
the RSNC, where she teaches and mentors oversees the residency program, and helps ensure
CCNM students. She co-authored The Complete the delivery of high-quality continuing education
Fibromyalgia Health, Diet Guide and Cookbook, a to health-care providers.
resource to support patients with this condition.
“Since graduating from this program in 1998,
I have played a small, and sometimes large role in
the changes in the curriculum over the years.
I love being a part of a team that is unwavering in
its intent to improve the educational experience
of our students, and graduate confident and
competent naturopathic doctors.”
Dr. Jasmine Carino, ND (class of 1998)
8 CCNM Information for Future Students www.ccnm.edu 9
campus life
At CCNM, living on campus combines the best of city living with the
convenience, safety and closeness of being onsite, where a cafeteria
serves healthy meals and your classes are quite literally down the hall
from your room.
CCNM’s co-ed residence comprises 198 restaurants and stores are at CCNM’s doorstep to
single-occupancy rooms and is located in the ensure you have what you need when you need it.
main building. All rooms have a single bed, One of the most multi-cultural and diverse cities
desk and chair, internet, wardrobe closet and on the planet, Toronto consistently tops global
a small refrigerator. There are TV lounges with lists as being one of the best places in the world to
balconies overlooking the courtyard and fully live. It was recently ranked the best city for young
equipped kitchens. people to live by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
For those students who choose to live off-
campus, convenient access to the subway, Clockwise from top:
Excited first-year students head to Unity Summit,
a two-day retreat that occurs in the first week of school.
A student studies in her residence room.
Ranked as the safest Toronto ranks as A group of classmates hang out at the Welcome Back
BBQ, a fun event that we host in September for new
metropolitan city in the best city for young and returning students.
North America people to live
Hearty Catering, located in CCNM’s cafeteria,
serves a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten
free offerings. Ingredients are sourced from local
Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 Safe Cities Index Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 Youth Economic Strategy Index farmers wherever possible.
10 CCNM Information for Future Students www.ccnm.edu 11
Admissions
CCNM is committed to excellence in naturopathic education
and to the success of its graduates.
To be eligible for admission, future students must based primarily on the applicant’s undergraduate
complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited grade point average (average 3.3, within a range of
institution. The decision to admit an applicant is 2.7 to 4.0) and personal interview.
In addition, the following courses need to be completed prior to admission:
Required Credit
Courses Hours Units Requirements*
General Biology 6 1.0 May be fulfilled either by a one-year biology course or by two semesters
of courses such as anatomy, botany, cell biology, endocrinology,
genetics, immunology, or zoology.
Physiology 6 1.0 May be fulfilled either by a one-year physiology course or a one-year
anatomy and physiology course.
Chemistry 6 1.0 May be filled either by a one-year chemistry course or two semesters
of any chemistry. General, organic and/or biochemistry courses
would be accepted.
Psychology 3 0.5 May be fulfilled either by one semester of introductory psychology,
health psychology, developmental psychology, or other similar courses.
Humanities 6 1.0 Acceptable courses include, but are not limited to: psychology, sociology,
Elective economics, organizational behavior/management, English, history, etc.
This elective must include an essay-writing component. Foreign language
courses are not accepted towards the humanities prerequisite.
*Some prerequisite sciences courses can be completed at CCNM.
Financial Information* CCNM students may be able to take advantage
We know that cost is a key factor when of Canadian and/or provincial student loan
considering higher education. We are proud to programs. CCNM also offers a limited number
offer our Doctor of Naturopathy degree at the of bursaries as a result of the generosity
lowest tuition of all the accredited naturopathic of its donors. Private and professional school
schools in North America. loans may also be available through your
* Please contact CCNM for the most current tuition fees. financial institution.
Admissions and financial information details can be found at www.ccnm.edu
12 CCNM Information for Future Students
the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Educating naturopathic doctors for almost 40 years
For more details about the Doctor of Naturopathy degree visit:
www.ccnm.edu
CoNNeCt WIth uS
Talk to a Student Services advisor today!
1-866-241-2266 ext. 245
info@ccnm.edu
1255 Sheppard avenue east
toronto, ontario, Canada M2K 1e2
Member of the association of
accredited nautropathic Medical Colleges
