ACMA President Dr. Sylvain Desforges Enrolls in Triple Degree ND/DIIM/PhD Program

Chiropractor, osteopath, and naturopath Dr. Sylvain Desforges—President of the Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine (ACMA), one of the largest alternative medicine associations in Canada—has recently enrolled in the online triple degree ND/DIIM/PhD program at National University of Medical Sciences (USA). 

In Canada, graduates of this triple degree program can offer natural therapeutics nationwide with the ND degree. In Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, & Nunavut they are eligible to bill all health insurers for naturopathic services and use the title of naturopath. The PhD in Osteopathic Clinical Sciences can support eligibility for membership in associations recognized by major insurers such as Canada Life, Sun Life, Blue Cross, and Manulife.

We are proud that over 500 of our alumni are members of ACMA, and they are eligible for the exclusive scholarship offered for the September 2026 intake.

With this scholarship, students can save over 50% on tuition. For example, Category 3 students pay only $8,500 total for three programs: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Doctor of Integrated Indigenous Medicine (DIIM), and a PhD in Osteopathic Clinical Sciences. This represents exceptional value—especially when compared to similar programs such as those offered by Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where tuition for comparable ND training can reach approximately $125,000.

Graduates of the triple degree program are eligible to join a national Indigenous health authority in the United States, enabling them to practice across all 50 states under that framework, use the title “Dr,” and access an expanded scope of practice. They may also join the GEHA Association, which allows practice in all 50 states with a more limited scope.

The DIIM degree provides eligibility to join the national Indigenous health authority, where Indigenous heritage is not required for membership. Through this pathway, graduates can practice with an expanded scope and use the title “Dr” across the United States.
In certain jurisdictions, such as Idaho, ND graduates may also pursue state licensure.

By combining these three degrees, students benefit from significant savings in both time and tuition—especially with the September 2026 scholarship, which reduces total tuition by up to 50%.

This integrated training allows graduates to offer a wide range of natural therapeutics, enhancing patient care and strengthening their professional positioning.

We are also developing a free teaching clinic and a teaching farm in California, where students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Participation is currently optional.

For more information or to register for the ND/DIIM/PhD triple degree program, please contact admissions@numss.us.