Education and Development

As naturopathic medical students, we spend a majority of our schooling within the boundaries of the required curriculum at our respective institutions. Our education, however, extends far beyond the classroom. As we transition from first year medical students to naturopathic practitioners, there are infinite paths we may follow. The NMSA Education team strives to help students successfully navigate through their academic journey by compiling useful resources regarding study tools, residencies, preceptorships, career development, and philosophy.

– NMSA Education Team

NMSA Education Team

VP of Education, Vacant -

Philosophy Chair, Hunter Peterson  -

Professional Development Chair, Jacqueline Solowjew-

Residency Chair, Emerald Mansfield and Michelle Cameron -

Research Chair, Heather Harrington -  

 

Naturopathic Educational Affiliates

Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) - http://www.cnme.org/

  • The body that accredits the seven naturopathic medical colleges and their associated residencies
  • The CNME's Mission is quality assurance: serving the public by accrediting naturopathic medical education programs that voluntarily seek recognition that they meet or exceed CNME's standards. Students and graduates of programs accredited or preaccredited (candidacy) by CNME are eligible to apply for the naturopathic licensing examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners (NABNE), and are generally eligilble for state and provincial licensure in the U.S. and Canada.

Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) - http://www.aanmc.org/

  • The organization representing the seven naturopathic medical college
  • It was established in February 2001, to propel and foster the naturopathic medical profession by actively supporting the academic efforts of accredited an drecognized schools of naturopathic medicine.

North American Board of Naturopathic Medical Examiners (NABNE) - http://www.nabne.org/

  • The organization that creates, administers, and grades the 2 part NPLEX licensing exams

Naturopathic Post-Graduate Association (NPGA) - http://www.np-ga.org/

  • The body that administers the universal application and residency match program

 

 

Residency Overview

Naturopathic residencies are postdoctural programs to enhance the skills and proficiency of newly graduated naturopathic doctors under the guidance of seasoned physicians.
Typically programs are one year (twelve month) in duration with a limited availability of second year or two year residency programs.  Occasionally there are also opportunities for a third year.  Residencies are accredited by the CNME, to assure that the residency is structured, with proper support and a scholarly environment.  Supervisors of the resident are Naturopathic doctors except in integrative residencies, where an advisor naturopathic physician will supervise the resident 40% of the time.  Residencies at naturopathic school clinics involve assisting in classes, and assisting or supervising teaching shifts. Responsibilities of a resident vary program by program, but must fulfill the CNME requirements for accreditation.
Each residency is sponsored by a naturopathic college.  The three sponsoring naturopathic schools as of January 2012 are: Bastyr University, The National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), and The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM).  Recently, The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) has been approved to sponsor residencies, thus creating the opportunity for CNME approved residencies in Canada!  Each of these schools sponsors on-site and distant clinics.  For instance, NCNM sponsors both residencies at NCNM, University of Bridgeport, and various other clinics throughout the country.