In Canada there are various institutions offering T/CM courses but there is no universal system or standardization. Training programs are provided mostly by private institutes, universities, and community colleges operating independently. While allopathic medical courses include some T/CM components, there are typically limited to brief lectures (1). Due to lack of a national regulatory system, accreditation is mainly handled by T/CM associations or institutions, each following its criteria and standards.
Several organizations are responsible for accrediting educational programs and courses in T/CM. These organizations ensure that the courses and training meet the required standards for quality, professionalism, and safety in various complementary and alternative healthcare fields, including naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Organizations involved for this country’s accreditation of courses currently in our database:
- The Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine (ACMA) – https://www.acma-association.com/
The ACMA is a non-profit organization that accredits health professionals practicing T/CM in Canada. The ACMA ensures that its members are competent and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
- Canadian Medical Association (CMA) – https://www.cma.ca/
The CMA represents complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and provides guidelines for training and education. While not an accrediting body, it influences educational standards in T/CM.
- The Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC) – https://cmaac.ca/
The CMAAC supports T/CM education and regulation in Canada. It works with regulation and educational bodies to provide professional advocacy and resources.
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) – https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/
The CTCMPAO regulates and accredits T/CM in Ontario, ensuring that programs meet required academic and training standards.
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) – https://ncbtmb.org/
The NCBTMB certifies and accredits therapeutic massage and bodywork programs, including complementary healing practices. While based in the U.S., it also accredits Canadian institutions meeting its standards.
- The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) – https://cchpbc.ca/
The CCHPBC regulates health professionals in British Columbia, including acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopaths, and T/CM practitioners.
- Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) – https://csnn.ca/
The CSNN offers diploma programs in holistic nutrition and is a recognized institution for natural health and complementary medicine education in Canada.
- Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) – http://www.cnme.org/
The CNME is the primary accrediting body for naturopathic medical programs in Canada, ensuring that training meets specific educational and professional standards.
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) – https://ccnm.edu/
The CCNM is a leading naturopathic medical institution, working with regulatory bodies to maintain high standards in naturopathic education and practice.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) – https://www.cand.ca/
The CAND is a national organization supporting naturopathic doctors in Canada. Though not an accrediting body, it helps maintain regulatory and professional standards for naturopathic education.
- The Canadian Herbalists Association of British Columbia (CHA of BC) – https://www.bcherbalists.ca/
The CHA of BC certifies and accredits herbal medicine practitioners, setting educational guidelines for herbalism training programs.
- The Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance (CMTA) – https://crmta.ca/
The CMTA helps accredit massage therapy programs across Canada, ensuring training meets industry standards for professional practice.
- Massage Therapists’ and Wholistic Practitioners’ (Association of Maritimes) (MTWPAM) – https://www.mtwpam.com/
The MTWPAM represents holistic practitioners and massage therapists in the Maritimes (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia), promoting high professional standards.
- Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) – https://aanmc.org/
The AANMC represents naturopathic medical colleges across North America, promoting educational excellence and professional development in naturopathy.
- The Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine – https://ccatcm.ca/
The CCATCM, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a government-approved career college specializing in acupuncture, T/CM, and natural nutrition programs.
Reference
- Legal Status of Traditional Medicine and Complementary/Alternative Medicine: A Worldwide Review. World Health Organization, 2001. Available at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/42452/1/WHO_EDM_TRM_2001.2_eng.pdf
