Residencies
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.
