- 1000 hours of training, or competencies and experience in the field deemed equivalent.
- Trainings whose focus is esthetic are not eligible.
- In most cases naturotherapists are multi-disciplinary.
- For the Quebec naturopath, a bachelor of science or the fast-track AQTN science core courses is highly recommended.
- From 2018-2021, we also use these requirements.
- University-level courses (accumulation of hours).
- AQTN does not accept personal trainers, geobiologists, iridiologists, osteopaths, homeopaths, Swedish massage therapists (typically 400 hours), podologists or esthetic related modalities.
As noted above, certain hours from bachelor degree courses are admissible,
although generally insufficient by itself.
Examples include :
social work, nursing, education, human nutrition,
global nutrition, nutritional biochemistry.
- Alternative medical systems.
- Bodywork therapies.
- Biologically based therapies.
- Mind-body therapies.
Quebec naturopaths
Naturotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatments, but can be complementary to them. We increasingly hear talk of integrative medicine, which is all about taking charge of one’s health – of which the most common recommendation is to increase physical activity.
Are there reserved acts for Quebec naturopaths? The answer is no, there is no law protecting or regulating the acts of a naturopath in Quebec. Quebec naturopaths are constrained by law 21, the CMQ and those laws as relating to reserved acts with the Order of dieticians. Note that medical doctors trained out of country looking to practice medicine as Naturopathic doctors are not eligible.
Quebec naturopaths cannot prescribe medication or order blood tests for analysis. The scope of practice is therefore more limited than in regulated provinces. Note that Revenu Quebec allows a tax deduction under medical expenses on income tax returns for certified AQTN naturopaths.
In the evaluation process, we will look at the work you are doing – not just the diplomas, which may lead to certain exclusions.
To better understand the definition of a Quebec naturopath, we present some examples:
- A reflexology therapist is not a naturopath, however a naturopath may use reflexology in their treatment.
- A nutritionist is not a naturopath, but a naturopath can certainly use nutrition in their treatment.
- A hypnotherapist of NLP therapist is not a naturopath, but a naturopath can certainly use these techniques in a treatment.
- Someone who recommends the use of hydrotherapy is not a naturopath, but a naturopath can suggest this course of action in a treatment.
- A massage therapist is not a naturopath, however a naturopath can use massage in a treatment, although we would expect the naturopath a proper training in massage therapy.
- A herbalist is not a naturopath, however a naturopath can certainly recommend herbs in their treatment.
- One may use Alexander’s technique to improve posture and is not a naturopath, but a naturopath can certainly use this technique to help correct posture if they have the skill set.
- One may use Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques to balance and improve health and well-being, but is not a naturopath. A naturopath can certainly use this technique to help correct posture if they have the skill set.
Hello,
I am a certified massage therapist and would like to apply to be a Naturotherapist. I have over 1000 hours in alternative therapies but do not have a bachelor in sciences. What course would I need to complete to have the designation “Naturotherapist”?
Thank you kindly,
Kim Hitchcock
The core courses, which currently can be completed in 16 weeks. Note that there the possibility of recognizing acquired competencies (RAC) for modules such as nutrition, A&P, and others.