What would you do if you could choose some of the courses you took at CCNM? There have been rumours and whispers of electives for many years now, but this is the first time it is being considered by the administration as a real possibility. The opportunity to opt out of some courses and choose advanced levels of others may soon be a reality for students at CCNM. This initiative is being praised by some, condemned by others, and seen as an inevitable part of the engine of progress by many. Although I will never personally experience the impact of this change, I think that it is a fundamental issue that warrants serious discussion.
 
Students can be heard discussing the possibilities as they walk through the school. Some point out that it could mean avoiding homeopathy or the dreaded third-year botanical medicine. Others fear that it would allow for specialization and the loss of versatility in new graduates. As for me, I wonder what this might mean for the profession as a whole. Which classes would be optional? Surely the school must meet minimum requirements for certain modalities like acupuncture and homeopathy?  However, what about naturopathic history, radiology, and art & practice? These courses might not be required by the board, so it is possible they could become optional. What then? Will the next generation of naturopaths have no idea about our history for favour of some other subject? Will they be unable to read x-rays or recite the therapeutic order? Of course, we do not know what new skills they would trade for these losses. Perhaps advanced homeopathy would be offered?  Maybe the school could find a place for more education regarding the herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The possibilities are great, but are they worth the cost?
 
I, for one, am in support of electives being offered at CCNM. Although there is great potential for problems, I think that the potential to improve the quality of our education is even greater. It is the next step towards the future, and I sincerely look forward to it.