The following coursework is the minimum required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation.
Prerequisite Coursework
- College-level Algebra: 1 course
- Chemistry* (science-major level): Minimum of 4 courses. Must include a minimum of either two sequential courses in organic chemistry or one course in organic chemistry and one course in biochemistry. (This latter option is highly recommended.) (The standard prerequisite for science-major level organic chemistry is one year of general chemistry.) Appropriate, hands-on lab work required. (Hands-on labs are those taken in person or using home lab kits.)
- General Biology* (science-major level): 2 semesters or 3 quarters. Must cover concepts in cellular biology and genetics. Appropriate hands-on lab work required. Individual courses in the biological sciences may count if the above competencies are met, i.e., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and botany.
- Physics: 1 college-level course. It must be algebra-based; calculus-based is also acceptable. A lab is not required.
- Psychology: 1 course. Introduction to/ General Psychology or Developmental/ Lifespan Psychology.
*Required chemistry and biology courses not taken within seven years of matriculation into the program are subject to review by the admissions committee. Additional coursework may be (but is not always) required. Please contact Admissions with any questions about older courses.
Prerequisite Course Guides
The following guides list acceptable courses that meet our prerequisite requirements for the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. This list is updated annually in the summer; however, these courses are subject to change. If you have questions about a specific course, please contact an admissions advisor by calling (425) 602-3332.
Summer Prerequisite Course(s)
The following course(s) are generally available to fill prerequisites during the summer quarter for the ND program. Summer registration information is sent to all applicants by the admissions office each spring. For further information, please contact Admissions at (425) 602-3332.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Please see the Bastyr University Catalog for course descriptions (pdf). Many of these courses have their own prerequisites; please plan accordingly.
Strongly Recommended Courses
Though not required for admission, faculty recommend students complete biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology coursework in addition to the prerequisite requirements. These courses will substantially enhance students' ability to master the naturopathic course material.
Other Suggested Courses
Biomedical ethics, philosophy of science, public speaking, immunology, medical terminology and English composition.
Credit by Examination
Applicants may submit AP, IB, and CLEP scores for prerequisite consideration for math and psychology, and AP or IB scores for physics. Students who have had prior AP or IB coursework in chemistry and biology may submit AP or IB scores for biology or chemistry exams. Students must submit the original score received directly from the testing center. Decisions regarding credit are assessed on a case-by-case basis. The admissions committee reviews test scores within the context of an applicant's academic history. All equivalency decisions made by the admissions committee are final.