Alternative Medicine College of Canada
For over 35 years, the Alternative Medicine College of Canada has been training passionate practitioners in naturopathy and integrative health. A pioneer in distance education, it is now the largest online naturopathy college in Canada.
Our mission: to make natural health accessible to everyone, thanks to flexible training programs that are recognized and grounded in a holistic vision of the human being. Transform your passion into expertise and finally bring your project to life!
The Future in Your Hands
A brief History
Founded in Montreal in 1988 by dedicated practitioners, the College des Medecines Douces du Quebec aimed to create a bridge between conventional medicine and natural therapies through credible training programs. Over time, distance learning became the ideal solution to preserve the diversity of courses, thanks to the time savings it offers. First aimed at French speakers, the program has been available in English since 2000 and continues to grow in popularity under the name : Alternative Medicine College of Canada. AMCC is considered the largest online naturopathy college in Canada.
A Different Perspective
Our online naturopathy school, based in Quebec, was founded on certain principles we would like to share with you here.
In Search of Balance
Throughout your studies at AMCC, you will learn that every imbalance can affect one or more of our bodies: physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. For example, poor nutrition impacts the physical body; repressed emotions disturb the emotional body; persistent negative thoughts unsettle the mental body; and the spiritual body can become disconnected from higher forces, whether you call them the Universe or God.
Health as a Whole
Disease can be seen as the body’s inability to adapt to overwhelming circumstances. The attitude of the therapist and the patient then depends on how this “surrender” of the body’s natural defenses is interpreted. For our naturopathy school, this dysfunction results from not following the rules of life that support these defenses. This viewpoint does not reject conventional medicine, but instead invites the patient to understand a key notion: health is a global reality that must be considered as a whole in order to facilitate better healing.
With healthy habits, behaviour, and mindset, each person plays a major role in how their body functions. As Dr. Schweitzer said: “The true doctor is the doctor within.” Too many practitioners, trained in a strictly mechanistic view, neglect this principle, which is fundamental in some traditional medicines, like Chinese medicine.
It is our responsibility to guide not only our physical body as much as possible, but also our emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
The Role of Consciousness
In a truly naturopathic approach, consciousness is essential. Each body—physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual—can have its awareness altered: by drugs, unresolved fears, or, for the spiritual body, a total rejection of any openness to the Universe.
Consciousness is the ability to perceive what’s happening within us. Yet, through lack of attention or perspective, a large part of this perception often remains unexplored. Through the lessons and practical exercises offered at our school, therapeutic work is specifically aimed at awakening this consciousness. Both the student and the future therapist will learn to develop this inner clarity, which is essential to guide others toward greater overall well-being.
Becoming a Naturopath to Foster Well-being
The growing interest in natural medicine highlights one key fact: conventional medicine no longer fully meets today’s expectations. In a world marked by stress, pollution, and health scandals, many are seeking a more human, attentive, and holistic approach to health.
Chronic illnesses, often minimized, mask deep imbalances that medication alone does not always address. As a result, an increasing number of people want to understand where their ailments originate, actively participate in their well-being, and take charge of their own healing process.
Naturopathy and natural practices, whether in France, Quebec, or elsewhere, are becoming a vital complementary alternative to maintain and restore balance in both body and mind.
The Role of the Practitioner
The Natural health practitioner, and naturopath, guides clients towards lasting balance through attentive listening and genuine understanding. They mobilize the body’s natural resources while respecting its biological laws.
Their approach relies on comprehensive consultations, personalized education, and lifestyle reform, empowering clients in their health journey.
Far from quick fixes, their goal is to restore the body’s natural functions in a lasting way and promote self-healing.
Opportunities and Careers in Natural Medicine
Training in therapy goes beyond practicing in a private clinic. This comprehensive training can enrich careers in other areas and combine with a variety of skills, opening access to a wide range of opportunities focused on health prevention and education.
Educate and Guide
The therapist (naturopath, homeopath, bio-energy specialist, etc.) may work in private practice, within specialized centres, or in wellness facilities (spas, retreat centres).
Health, Consulting, and Research
They can also contribute to developing natural products (dietary supplements, organic cosmetics, essential oils) by providing expertise in research, formulation, and consulting.
Sports, Wellness, and Prevention
Sports clubs, fitness centres, and thalassotherapy spas integrate programs focused on prevention and health education. The therapist intervenes through individual coaching or management of group projects.
Teaching and Training
Numerous opportunities exist in education and awareness (schools, food service, daycares, seniors' residences), through workshops, seminars, projects or mentoring—either independently or as part of organizations and associations.
Communications and Media
The growing demand for information on natural health has created opportunities in journalism and media, notably through columns, blogs, or shows devoted to wellness and nutrition.
Events and Wellness Retreats
Organizing workshops, seminars, wellness retreats, and naturopathic stays: these events bring together stress management, healthy nutrition, detox, meditation, yoga, and practices to support physical and mental regeneration.
Business and Management
Organic shops, laboratories, and specialized bookstores are seeking professionals who can combine consulting, expertise, and customer relations in the natural health sector.
In Summary
Careers in alternative medicine are rich and varied. Success depends on constant updating of knowledge and ongoing skill development, which are truly the keys to a fulfilling professional path.
