CCNM is delighted that it has received final approval from the Government of Ontario to grant a degree for its naturopathic program, and the graduates who were recognized at Convocation Hall on May 23rd are the first in the College’s history to receive a degree credential. This is very good news for the College and the profession. Nonetheless, as for any change, it has produced questions and concerns from some of our alumni who are unclear as to the implications this may have for them. In response, the following Q&A has been created. What is the degree called? Bachelor of Naturopathy Why is it “naturopathy” as opposed to “naturopathic medicine”? The Ontario Government decided that naturopathy would be the official term used within the Province. That is why we have the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and the Naturopathy Act. The nomenclature CCNM requested was Bachelor of Naturopathic Medicine and the Ministry approved Bachelor of Naturopathy. This was not the choice of CCNM; however, we recognize the title is in line with other official provincial documentation related to the profession. Why is it “Bachelor” instead of “Doctor”? Within academia, a first-level health-related professional degree is often considered to be the same level as a bachelor, regardless of whether or not the term doctor is included in the title. We have been informed that we are not eligible to apply for consent to move to the title “Doctor of Naturopathy” until the Naturopathy Act is proclaimed and the profession gains the right to use the restricted title of doctor. Will I be able to exchange my degree for one that says Doctor of Naturopathy? There are legislative constraints on the retroactivity of nomenclature changes. I am aware that some of the law schools in Ontario have permitted individuals with LLBs to return them for JDs, but the universities grant degrees under separate authority. The Act that allows the government to extend degree granting to our program does not permit retroactively changing credential titles. Will the fact that the degree does not say “Doctor” have any implications for my right to use the doctor title in Ontario, or in any other jurisdiction? No. The right to use the doctor title is either permitted, or not, through legislation. In Ontario, all graduates of CCNM (or of the Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine prior to that) who become members of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario will be able to use the doctor title, as permitted by the Naturopathy Act. This can only occur after proclamation. Will the name of the credential have any impact on my ability to enter further studies? Although I can’t speak for all institutions, I sincerely doubt it. If any graduate has difficulty in this regard CCNM would be pleased to provide them with an official letter attesting to the level of the program. If I have a Bachelor of Naturopathy can I upgrade later to a “Doctor of Naturopathy”? Since the two credentials are at an identical level, “upgrading” doesn’t make sense. We will continue to investigate if there is any possibility of credential change, but I am not hopeful. Bob Bernhardt President and CEO
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 20:18:16 +0000
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