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NADA Canada Institute

Training

Curriculum

Detailed curriculum outline for NADA Protocol training programs.

Introduction Workshop (Half-Day)

Duration: 3.5 hours (typically 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) Format: Didactic presentation with live demonstration Fee: $150 per participant

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the history and development of the NADA Protocol
  • Identify the five auricular points and their clinical rationale
  • Summarize the evidence base for the protocol's use in addiction, mental health, and community wellness
  • Articulate the group delivery model and its operational requirements
  • Determine whether the NADA Protocol is appropriate for their clinical or institutional setting

Schedule

| Time | Topic | |------|-------| | 9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome and introductions | | 9:30 – 10:15 | History: Lincoln Hospital to global adoption | | 10:15 – 10:45 | The five points: anatomy, rationale, and mechanism | | 10:45 – 11:00 | Break | | 11:00 – 11:30 | Evidence base: key studies and outcomes | | 11:30 – 12:00 | Live group treatment demonstration (observation only) | | 12:00 – 12:30 | Implementation considerations and Q&A |

Assessment

No formal assessment. Certificate of attendance provided.

Practitioner Training (Two-Day)

Duration: 14 contact hours over two days (typically 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM each day) Format: Didactic instruction, demonstration, supervised hands-on practice Fee: $450 per participant (includes training materials and NADA Protocol manual) Prerequisite: None (Introduction Workshop recommended but not required)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and locate the five NADA Protocol auricular points using anatomical landmarks
  • Demonstrate proper sterile needling technique (insertion, depth, angle)
  • Screen participants for contraindications and precautions
  • Facilitate a group NADA Protocol treatment session from setup to completion
  • Document treatments and outcomes according to standards
  • Manage common issues (needle sensitivity, fainting response, participant anxiety)
  • Describe the safety profile, adverse event management, and incident reporting
  • Articulate scope of practice boundaries and regulatory considerations

Day 1 Schedule

| Time | Topic | |------|-------| | 9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome, introductions, training overview | | 9:30 – 10:30 | Ear anatomy: structures, landmarks, point location | | 10:30 – 10:45 | Break | | 10:45 – 12:00 | The five points: detailed location and palpation practice | | 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch | | 12:45 – 1:45 | Needling technique: demonstration and theory | | 1:45 – 3:00 | Supervised practice: point location on partners (no needling) | | 3:00 – 3:15 | Break | | 3:15 – 4:00 | Contraindications, safety, and adverse event management | | 4:00 – 4:30 | Day 1 wrap-up and questions |

Day 2 Schedule

| Time | Topic | |------|-------| | 9:00 – 9:30 | Day 1 review and questions | | 9:30 – 11:00 | Supervised needling practice: participants needle each other under direct observation | | 11:00 – 11:15 | Break | | 11:15 – 12:00 | Group facilitation: setting up and running a session | | 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch | | 12:45 – 1:30 | Documentation, outcome tracking, and reporting | | 1:30 – 2:30 | Full group treatment simulation: each participant leads a portion | | 2:30 – 2:45 | Break | | 2:45 – 3:30 | Scope of practice, regulatory context, and insurance | | 3:30 – 4:00 | Competency check: observed point location and technique | | 4:00 – 4:30 | Certification pathway briefing, evaluation, and close |

Assessment

  • Practical competency check (Day 2): observed point location on a partner (5/5 points correctly identified) and demonstration of clean needling technique
  • Written knowledge check (optional, self-directed): contraindications, safety protocols, scope of practice
  • Participants who demonstrate competency receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to proceed to certification

Certification Assessment

Duration: 2-hour assessment session (scheduled individually after supervised hours are complete) Fee: $200 Prerequisite: Completion of Practitioner Training + 40 documented supervised treatment sessions

Competency Domains Assessed

  1. Point location accuracy — locate all five points on a volunteer ear with correct anatomical landmarks
  2. Needling technique — demonstrate proper insertion angle, depth, and sterile technique
  3. Contraindication screening — identify contraindications from a case scenario
  4. Group facilitation — describe setup, facilitation, and closure of a group session
  5. Safety response — describe management of a vasovagal response and a needle-stick incident
  6. Documentation — complete a sample session record

Passing Standard

Satisfactory demonstration in all six domains. Candidates who do not pass may reattempt after additional supervised practice (no additional fee for one reattempt).

Instructor Qualifications

All NADA Canada Institute training is delivered by certified NADA Trainers who meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of NADA Practitioner Training and Certification
  • Minimum 200 documented treatment sessions delivered
  • Completion of NADA Trainer development program (training-of-trainers)
  • Active clinical practice delivering the NADA Protocol
  • Current professional credentials in a health-related discipline