BNMDP has been a trusted certification body for natural medicine practitioners since 1998.
WHY BNMDP
The BNMDP-NA and NMCC recognize the increasing interest in natural medicine, but are concerned about the lack of regulation in North America, which has led to unqualified individuals engaging in practices that have damaged the reputation of Traditional Natural Medicine Practitioners. The public is often unable to distinguish between qualified and unqualified practitioners, which highlights the need for closer scrutiny by both individuals within and outside the profession.
To address these issues, the BNMDP-NA/NMCC is committed to promoting professionalism, high ethical standards, research, and education in Traditional Natural Medicine. This will help to protect the public interest and meet the growing demand for a comprehensive healthcare system. Without established standards for the profession, others may set standards that do not align with the fundamental principles and training of the field.
To ensure that potential registrants meet the educational, ethical, and upgrading standards set by the certifying body, specific levels of competency must be demonstrated. The BNMDP-NA/NMCC is made up of a multidisciplinary membership, including Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Acupuncturists, Osteopaths, Dentists, Naturally Oriented Medical Doctors (MD), Chiropractors, Orthomolecular Medical Doctors (OMD), Eastern Medicine Doctors, and other practitioners who share the Board's mission.
"Nature is the great healer, and to tap into her tremendous powers is to experience the true meaning of health."
— Benedict Lust
ABOUT BNMDP
The EBNMP, or Examining Board of Natural Medicine Practitioners, was founded in 1998 in Ontario, Canada to meet the need for a registry of Traditional Natural Health Practitioners. In 2003, it was renamed EBNMP-NA, still operating as a corporation under Ontario (Canadian) laws. Then, in July 2006, it was federally re-registered as a non-profit corporation in Canada and began collaborating with its USA counterpart, the Board of Natural Medicine Doctors and Practitioners-North America, under the name Natural Medicine Certification Counsel.
WHAT WE DO
Our organization welcomes individuals who possess a doctorate or a practitioner-level education in traditional natural medicine, as well as those in other healthcare disciplines who have received additional education in natural medicine. Although some of our members hold additional medical degrees, they are all united by their passion for traditional natural medicine. All members share a deep commitment to the philosophy, arts, and science of traditional natural medicine healing systems.
NMCC/BNMDP-NA maintains a commitment to upholding high standards of integrity, ethical practice, and the advancement of the Traditional Natural Medicine profession in North America. We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share our mandates.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL MEDICINE AND TRADITIONAL NATURAL MEDICINE
The distinction between Modern Naturopathic Medicine and Traditional Natural Medicine can be made by understanding their approaches to health and wellness. While both reject the use of drugs and surgery, Natural Medicine encompasses all practitioners who do not engage in diagnosis, disease prognosis, or disease treatment. The fundamental belief of natural medicine is that ill health is caused by an imbalance or disequilibrium, and the body's expression of symptoms is an attempt to restore balance. Traditional Natural Medicine practitioners focus on guiding their clients towards wellness through various means.
Naturopathic Medicine, on the other hand, is a specific subset of Natural Medicine that emphasizes the use of natural remedies and therapies to promote healing. Members of this organization are also considered Traditional Natural Medicine Practitioners as they fall within the broader category of Natural Medicine. Those who hold a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Natural Medicine can use the designation "DNM" but should not be confused with Naturopaths, who use the designation "ND".
MISSION STATMENT
Our mission is to promote the health and well-being of individuals through the advancement and advocacy of safe, effective, and evidence-based natural medicine practices. We strive to ensure that individuals have access to qualified and ethical practitioners who adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and education. Through research, education, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, we aim to integrate natural medicine into the healthcare system and contribute to the development of a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare. Our mission is driven by a commitment to the public interest and the preservation of the principles and values of Traditional Natural Medicine.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CERTIFICATION
Individuals who hold a doctorate or practitioner's level of education in traditional natural medicine, or have additional education in natural medicine from other healthcare disciplines, are eligible for membership in NMCC/BNMDP-NA. The common thread among our members is their devotion to traditional natural medicine. While some members may possess other medical degrees that complement their practice, all members share a strong commitment to the philosophy, arts, and science of traditional natural medicine healing systems.
NMCC/BNMDP-NA upholds rigorous standards of integrity, ethical practice, and the progression of the Traditional Natural Medicine profession in North America. We also strive to form partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share our mission.
CERTIFICATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for certification through BNMDP, natural medicine training programs must meet the following criteria:
Accreditation: The program must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
Curriculum: The program must have a curriculum that covers the fundamental principles and practices of the natural medicine modality being taught, as well as relevant anatomy and physiology.
Faculty: The program must have qualified and experienced faculty members who have expertise in the natural medicine modality being taught.
Clinical training: The program must provide clinical training opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised setting.
Assessment: The program must have a system in place for assessing students' progress and ensuring that they meet the necessary competencies before graduating.
By meeting these criteria, natural medicine training programs can ensure that they are providing students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience they need to become competent and effective natural medicine practitioners.
NOTICE
The EBNMP-NA and BNMDP are both esteemed non-profit organizations registered in the United States of America. They are dedicated to promoting and advancing natural medicine practices and principles throughout North America. The Canadian branch of this organization is known as the Natural Medicine Certification Council (NMCC), and it is a federally chartered non-profit organization in Canada.
The NMCC is committed to ensuring that natural medicine practitioners in Canada meet the highest standards of education, training, and certification. It provides rigorous certification programs, as well as ongoing support and resources to its members. The NMCC also advocates for the recognition and integration of natural medicine practices into mainstream healthcare systems.
It is important to note that the EBNMP-NA and the NMCC are not affiliated or associated with any other organization utilizing the acronym "EBNMP." We are dedicated to maintaining our high standards of professionalism, ethics, and excellence in natural medicine, and we operate independently of any other organization.