What is the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta?
The College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta (CNDA) is the governing and regulatory body for the naturopathic profession in Alberta. We govern naturopathic doctors in order to support and protect the public's interest and ensure that our members deliver safe, ethical and competent naturopathic care to Albertans.
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct health care profession that emphasizes disease prevention, treatment of the underlying cause of disease, and the promotion of optimal health. The guiding principles of naturopathic medicine are:
First, do no harm - Primum non nocere
Provide the most effective health care with the least risk.
Self-healing power of nature - Vis medicatrix naturae
Recognize, respect and promote the body's inherent power to heal itself.
Treat the causes - Tolle causum
Strive to diagnose and remove the causes of illness rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms.
Doctor as teacher - Docere
Educate patients, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health.
Treat the whole person - Tolle totum
Take into account all the influences on health for each person they treat.
Health promotion, the best prevention - Praevenire
Promote health as a way to prevent disease for individuals, communities and our world.
What requirements are necessary to practice as a registered naturopathic doctor in Alberta?
In order to practice as a naturopathic doctor in Alberta, one must have graduated from an approved naturopathic medical program, successfully passed the standardized North American licensing exams, a practical exam, and the provincial jurisprudence examination. Additionally, one must have been granted a practice permit from the CNDA Registrar.
What is a competence program?
The Alberta public has a right to know that their health care provider is current and competent in the practice naturopathic medicine. For these reasons, the Health Professions Act requires Council to develop and implement a continuing competence program to ensure that their registrants fulfill their professional responsibility of maintaining competence.