In British Columbia, naturopathic medicine has been a designated health profession since 1936. Naturopathic doctors (ND) are currently legislated by the BC Health Professions Act. The regulating body for Naturopathic Physicians is the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC).
It is the mandate of the CNPBC to ensure that all Naturopathic Physicians have met the following requirements for licensure.
- Completion of at least three full years of undergraduate study in an accredited college or university. This education must include 30 credits at each of the first, second and third year levels. Although this is the minimum, the majority of NDs have attained an undergraduate or higher degree before enrolling in Naturopathic medical school.
- Doctors must have graduated from an accredited Naturopathic Medical program by completing not less than 4 years and 4500 hours of medical training.
- Doctors must have successfully completed both the Basic and Clinical Science components of the North American standardized NPLEX examinations. These examinations include material on the following disciplines: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Physiology, Botanical Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Public Health, Lab Diagnosis, Diagnostic Imaging, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Physical and Clinical Diagnosis, Physical Medicine and Psychology and Minor Surgery.
- CNPBC administers Oral Medical Knowledge and BC Jurisprudence Examinations which must also be completed and passed.
Beyond the initial basic naturopathic training, all doctors are required to complete Continuing Education hours to constantly maintain and improve their medical knowledge. For example, at Ocean Park Natural Therapies all the doctors have studied and practice prolotherapy to serve patients better.