Study naturopathy : training for our times
A preventive, holistic approach
In a world shaped by stress and a relentless pace of life, a growing number of people want to understand the root of their imbalances rather than simply treating the symptoms. Naturopathy answers that need: a preventive, holistic approach that respects the body’s natural ability to self-regulate.
Guide written and reviewed by David R. Bentata, founder of the Collège des Médecines Douces du Québec and a practitioner of acupuncture and homeopathy for over 40 years.
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Reviewed by Nora Magalie Ezzaher, nutritionist, naturopath, and instructor at the CMDQ.
Context and philosophy
In a world marked by stress, a hurried lifestyle and a certain fatigue with purely mechanical approaches to health, more and more people seek to understand the origin of their imbalances rather than merely treating their symptoms. Naturopathy responds precisely to this: a preventive, holistic approach that respects the body’s natural capacity to self-regulate.
The health practitioner specialized in naturopathy guides clients toward lasting balance through listening, education and the reform of lifestyle habits — without medication. It is not a medicine that opposes conventional medicine: it is an invitation to view health as a whole, where the physical, emotional, mental and sometimes spiritual bodies constantly interact.
Our perspective: balance
A holistic vision: poor nutrition affects the physical body; suppressed emotions disturb the emotional body; repetitive thoughts trouble the mental body. The naturopath learns to read these interactions rather than isolate a single symptom.
The role of awareness: awakening the client’s awareness — their ability to perceive what is happening within — is at the heart of therapeutic work. It is this clarity that the CMDQ cultivates in its future practitioners throughout the program.
This philosophy never rejects conventional medicine: it invites the patient, like the future therapist, to understand that health is cared for as a whole — a principle the CMDQ has passed on since its founding.
Do you have the naturopath’s profile?
Our students are all different — young people seeking a future-proof field, professionals changing careers, parents wishing to better support their families. All find at the CMDQ a rigorous, flexible framework tailored to their reality. No academic prerequisite is required.
Studying young
Choosing a people-focused profession geared toward tomorrow’s health challenges, within a structured academic framework.
Changing careers
A 100% online model that respects family and professional commitments, and values your life experience as a genuine clinical asset.
What we find in our students
- A sincere curiosity to understand the “why” behind health imbalances
- The ability to commit to a demanding path, at their own pace
- A taste for cross-referencing information to build a holistic view of the person
- A strong sense of professional ethics and conduct
- A true calling to support and care for others
How to become a naturopath in Canada?
Becoming a naturopath in Quebec and Canada does not require belonging to any mandatory professional order: the profession is not regulated. The safest route is to complete comprehensive training at a recognized naturopathy school, then join a professional association. Here are the key steps.
1. Choose a recognized naturopathy school
Opt for an institution whose naturopathy diploma is recognized by professional associations, such as the CMDQ.
2. Follow structured training
Distance naturopathy training lets you study naturopathy in Canada at your own pace, without leaving your job or family commitments.
3. Earn your diploma and join an association
The Naturopath, N.D. diploma opens access to professional associations and to insurance reimbursement of care.
The naturopathy program: a modular, capitalizable path
The CMDQ naturopathy program leads to a recognized naturopathy diploma, the title of Naturopath, N.D. It is organized into four progressive, capitalizable modules: Health Advisor, Health Educator, Health Practitioner and Naturopathy.
Each module ends with its own certificate, immediately usable in professional practice, even before completing the full program. You can therefore spread your investment over time and start practising as soon as you earn your first certificate.
No academic prerequisite is required: the only entry point is a genuine motivation to understand the human body and to support the health of others.
100% online learning, never on your own
Your own pace
You progress according to your availability and can pause at any time after earning a certificate, then resume exactly where you left off.
A teacher one click away
Every student benefits from a personal tutor, able to answer questions quickly and precisely throughout the program.
Included tools
- Interactive e-learning tools
- Printable course workbooks
- Online exams and student centre
- Videos and virtual library
- Personalized tutoring service
- Clinical case studies
Careers and opportunities in naturopathy
Training in naturopathy is not limited to opening a practice. It is a cross-disciplinary education that opens onto rich and varied careers, often in unexpected sectors.
Educate and support
Private practice, specialized centres, spas and health retreats: in one-on-one consultation or group workshops.
Health, consulting and research
Developing natural products — supplements, organic cosmetics, essential oils — in research, formulation or advisory roles.
Sport, wellness and prevention
Sports clubs, fitness centres and thalassotherapy facilities increasingly integrate prevention programs.
Teach and train
Schools, businesses and associations: internships, workshops and tutoring offer many opportunities to share your knowledge.
Communication and media
Growing demand for health information opens doors in columns, blogs and wellness-focused programs.
Retail and management
Organic stores, laboratories and specialized bookshops seek people who can combine advice with health expertise.
Recognition that protects your future
A reputation built since 1988
For nearly 40 years, the CMDQ has built a solid reputation among the public, professional associations and partners in the natural-medicine sector, in Quebec and internationally.
Partners and affiliated organizations
RITMA, ANQ, IPHM, Fédération des Médecines Alternatives, CNS, Syndicat Professionnel de Naturopathie, Passeport Santé, CNFDI, Institut de Coaching Holistique… Many associations recognize the CMDQ’s training. The College can refer you to a suitable association, allowing your clients to obtain reimbursement for their care.
An international reach
Taught in English since 2000, the CMDQ’s education today produces graduates practising in Quebec, France, Switzerland, Belgium and many other countries.
Comparing naturopathy schools: what sets the CMDQ apart
Before committing, take the time to draw up your own comparison of naturopathy schools. Four criteria make the difference — and on each one, the CMDQ stands out as a leading naturopathy school in Quebec and Canada.
Support
A personal tutor and a student centre, so you never study alone despite the distance.
Flexibility
Online naturopathy training in Canada, 100% distance learning and capitalizable module by module.
Experience
Nearly 40 years of expertise and the largest online naturopathy college in Canada.
Richness of therapeutic content and tools
Get detailed course content and see the differences in the care methods taught.
What our graduates say
Human support, content quality and the flexibility of the format are the three pillars most often cited by our graduates to explain their success.
Kelly J., France
“In practice as a naturopath since 2016, I feel professionally ready thanks to my training at the CMDQ.”
Chloé R., France
“A complete, well-structured program, supported by tutoring that greatly contributed to my success.”
A. Abderrahmane, university professor, Quebec
“I can confirm the excellence of your training, both scientifically and pedagogically.”
S. Hinse, Quebec
“I came out of the program with a naturopath diploma and a great deal of pride.”
Katia B., Quebec
“Two years studying nutritherapy then naturopathy, never feeling alone despite the distance.”
Your project deserves precise answers
The CMDQ provides an academic team available to answer all your questions: program, financing, career paths, balancing studies with personal life. Ready to turn your passion into expertise?