Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Doctors?

A Medical doctor typically attends a 4-year nationally accredited medical school followed by a residency program. A Naturopathic doctor attends a 4 year nationally accredited naturopathic medical school which includes 2-3 years of clinical experience. This training includes Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory, Physical/Clinical Diagnosis, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Cardiology, Pharmacology, etc. It is in the last couple years of training that the fields begin to diversify. Naturopathic doctors are rigorously trained in alternative modalities such as: Homeopathy, Botanical Medicine, Naturopathic Manipulation, Hydrotherapy, Physical Medicine, Diet/Lifestyle Counseling, and Allergy elimination. Both a Medical doctor and a Naturopathic doctor are required to pass nationally recognized Basic Sciences Board Exams and Clinical Sciences Board Exams. Both are then required to pass a Jurisprudence and Legend Substances Exam in order to gain state licensure. Both a Medical doctor and a Naturopathic doctor are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. The major difference is that Medical doctors are trained to treat symptoms while Naturopathic doctors are trained to investigate the underlying causes of illness.

What type of education and training are required to become a Naturopathic Doctor?

A Naturopathic Physician is a primary care doctor who performs comprehensive interviews, exams, and laboratory tests including lifestyle factors, nutrition status, inborn errors in metabolism, certain organ function, physical examination, hormonal imbalances, and overall systemic health. He or she prescribes herbs, nutritional therapies, acupuncture, homeopathy, exercises, or other treatments to prevent and or treat these areas. Naturopathic doctors can use one or several types of therapies at once to accelerate the healing process, rather that just use one treatment alone.

Naturopathic Medicine is a 4 year post secondary program following an undergraduate degree – thus most naturopathic doctors have seven or more years of university.

In Canada, there are two accredited programs:

The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BCNM) in Vancouver, British Columbia and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, Ontario.

Other programs are offered in the USA. For a listing of all accredited colleges, please visit www.aanmc.org.

What are the requirements for registering as an “ND” in Saskatchewan

A doctor practicing under the title of Naturopathic Doctor in Saskatchewan must be registered with the SANP. If you are interested in becoming a member of the SANP please contact the registrar.

Click here for the Requirements for Registration in the SANP. Once you have read through the Requirements for Registration and are satisfied that you meet the criteria and are eligible for membership in the SANP, please complete the Application Form Form and Transcript Release Form and return this completed form along with appropriate fees and the supporting documentation listed in the Requirements for Registration to the:

Office of the Registrar

2120 College Avenue

Regina Saskatchewan

S4P 1C5

What can I expect on my first visit?

Your ND takes a detailed look at your personal history, symptoms, family history as well as other factors which may be contributing to your illness. They will then order any further testing that is required. Working with that information they will then formulate a plan for you to get started on your road back to good health. Follow ups are determined by your ND depending on what you condition is and the rate of progress that you make.

A typical first visit with an ND will range from 60 to 90 minutes in length so your ND can get to know you.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my insurance plan?

Most third party health coverage providers cover the services of a licensed naturopathic doctor. Packages offered by providers differ between employers. Check with you own insurance provider to see if you have coverage. Saskatchewan Health does not cover Naturopathic Medicine fees.

What type of conditions does Naturopathic Medicine address?

Naturopathic doctors can treat many of the conditions that any other physician would treat. Naturopathic doctors seem to specialize and be particularly effective in the treatment of chronic diseases. Chronic disease refers to any lasting disorder or illness that has failed to effectively respond to previous treatments by other physicians. This can include the physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual sphere. Naturopathic doctors see patients with colds and flus, hormonal problems, digestive problems, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, cancers, diabetes, heart disease and many others.

IHow do I book an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor?

f you would like to consult a Naturopathic Physician, please contact one in your region.

IWhat do I do if I have a concern about a Naturopathic Doctor?

f you have a concern or would like to resolve a complaint:

1. First contact the Naturopathic Physician, inform them of your concern and seek to resolve. Most matters can be easily remedied through open communication. If that does not prove to be satisfactory:

2. Contact the SANP Registrar. At that time your will be asked to also submit a written summary of your concern, and will be informed of the resolution process that will be carried out Media Interviews

The SANP is available to conduct interviews related to any aspect of Naturopathic Medicine, from regulation to public safety to the provision of information on any health topics or issues. To book an interview, please contact our SANP Government, Media and Public Liaison

Position Papers

The SANP supports the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors position on current health issues. For access to the CAND position papers on topics from Avian, Swine and West Nile viruses to Bisphenol A, please visit the CAND website