Qualifications
Naturopathic Doctors (Qualifications)
Naturopathic Doctors must complete at least 3 years of undergraduate study at a recognized University, with certain pre-requisites in subjects such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry and psychology, in order to be admitted to a Naturopathic College. They must then complete 4 years of study at an accredited Naturopathic College (in Toronto, Vancouver or the U.S.), which includes basic medical sciences, naturopathic therapies and extensive clinical experience. After graduation, a potential N.D. must write a series of board examinations (NPLEX), one set which are written by all North American candidates, as well as a specific series of examinations for the jurisdiction that they wish to practice in (i.e. Ontario). After passing these examinations, an N.D. is eligible to obtain a license to practice in their chosen jurisdiction. Once in practice, each N.D. in Ontario must perform a certain number of Continuing Education credits in specific disciplines every two years.
Currently in Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors are regulated under the Drugless Practitioners Act (DPA), which establishes the guidelines for the licensing body, the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy (BDDT-N). The BDDT-N issues licenses for all Naturopathic Doctors in Ontario, and monitors their practices. However, this process is changing. In 2008, the Ontario government passed a bill to regulate Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the same Act that governs Medical Doctors, Dentists, Optometrists, Nurses, Massage Therapists and most other health professionals in the province. This move from the DPA to the RHPA will take several years and is currently underway. Until it is completed, N.D.’s will continue to be regulated by the BDDT-N. Becoming regulated under the RHPA is a very important step for the Naturopathic profession, and for the safety of the public in Ontario. It will allow the public the assurance that anyone who is using the title “Naturopathic Doctor” has the training and qualifications listed above, and will ensure that Ontarians continue to have access to quality health care.
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Massage Therapy (Qualifications)
The practice of Massage Therapy, as defined under the Massage Therapy Act, is “the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body, and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain.”
Massage Therapists must have completed a 2-3 year diploma program from a recognized Massage Therapy school. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical assessment, kinesiology, nutrition, public health and ethics and professionalism comprise most of the 2300 hours of academic study. Extensive Clinical training is also included in the course. Potential Massage Therapists must then pass provincial licensing examinations.
Massage Therapy is one of 23 regulated health professions in Ontario governed under the “Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).” Other regulated professions include Medical Doctors, Dentists, Veterenarians, Nurses and Optometrists. The RHPA establishes a “College” to regulate each profession.
In Ontario, Massage Therapy is regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The CMTO ensures quality control and standards of practise through provincial examinations and ongoing reviews of members. Registered Massage Therapists must participate in a Quality Assurance Programme that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.
Only members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist and use the letters M.T. or R.M.T. with their names.
CranioSacral Therapy (Qualifications)
Most CranioSacral Therapists are trained and certified through the Upledger Institute, which has the leading program worldwide for CranioSacral Therapy.
The entry-level workshop, CranioSacral Therapy I, is completed first and involves a solid anatomical and physiological background. Students then complete 75 hands-on clinical sessions, before taking the second workshop, CranioSacral Therapy II. After completing CranioSacral Therapy II, students may enroll in the certification program. Examination for certification involves written, oral and practical testing. The pace of study and examination is set by the student. Continuing Education credits with the Upledger Institute are required to maintain certification.
