A licensed naturopathic doctor is one who practices in a regulated province or state or, if practicing in an unlicensed province or state, has obtained and maintains his/her license in a regulated province/state and has completed a four-year, full-time program at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine. Following the completion of an accredited program, ND’s must successfully complete standardized North American Board exams in order to qualify for licensing.

In Canada, there are only 4 provinces with regulations governing Naturopathic Medicine:

1. Ontario

2. British Columbia

3. Saskatchewan

4. Manitoba

Alberta is expected to have regulations in place by 2008

In the United States 15 states have licensing laws. Minnesota is expected to join this list July 2, 2009 

If you have any doubts regarding the qualifications of your health care provider contact the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors at www.cand.ca

In the United States you can contact the American Association of Naturopathic Practioners.