Naturopathy Doctorate Degree Program Overview
Become a naturopathic doctor at Bastyr University, an accredited naturopathic medical school. This degree program will train you to diagnose and treat disease using a wellness-first, natural model focusing on improving the function of the whole body versus an over-reliance on medications and surgical procedures.
This full-time, in-person medical school experience has two main components – basic science and clinical practice. The coursework requires strong scholastic ability, full-time attention and is designed to provide you with an integrated view of the structure and function of the human body, as well as diagnostic, management, and treatment skills. You will have a LOT to learn over four to five years. Starting in your first year you will gain access to the Bastyr clinics where you will begin to merge what you learn in the classroom with real-life scenarios with real-life patients.
- 4 years for full-time students
- 5+ years for dual-degree tracks
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) Degree
Program Highlights
25:1
Student to Teacher Ratio
4,100
Hours of Didactic and Clinical Instruction
48
Residency sites (located over 12 states and British Columbia)
ND Program Details
Overview
- Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Prerequisite Courses - must have a 3.0 prerequisite GPA average or higher with a C grade minimum in each course
In addition to completion of a bachelor's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent, prerequisite coursework is required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Bastyr University Admissions advisors can discuss details of prerequisite fulfillment. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but must complete prerequisites before beginning the program. No credit is given for prerequisite coursework earning a C- or lower.
Students may take individual, science-based prerequisites as a non-matriculated student. If you wish to discuss taking specific prerequisites at Bastyr, please contact Admissions. Here is a list of courses offered.
Coursework
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.
- General Biology* I and II 2 semesters or 3 quarters, (Biology courses must cover concepts in cellular biology and genetics)
- General Chemistry I and II--2 semesters or 3 quarters
- Physics-1 course
- College Algebra or higher-1 course
- Intro to General Psychology or Developmental/Lifespan Psychology- 1 course
Please note: Required chemistry and biology courses must be intended for science majors and no older than seven years at the point of admission. If completing prerequisites on a quarter system, one full year will be required for general chemistry and biology courses. All prerequisites are subject to review.
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.
Bastyr accepts graduate and undergraduate transfer credits earned at accredited colleges and universities. Learn what you need to make this process go smoothly.
A career in naturopathic medicine offers a life’s work helping people thrive.
- Naturopathic doctor working as a primary natural care physician in private practice or in an integrative medicine clinic
- Research in natural medicine
- Naturopathic consultant/advocate in industry, insurance or the political arena
- Wellness entrepreneur
- Natural medicine spokesperson/advisor
- Rural community doctor
- Dietary supplement entrepreneur or natural products specialist
- Corporate wellness educator
- Public health administrator
- Natural medicine author/public speaker
- Faculty member in a naturopathic or conventional medical institution
Naturopathic Clinical Training
Train at Bastyr's teaching clinics in San Diego and Seattle and help spread access to natural medicine at our community care sites. Your naturopathic primary care training emphasizes the highest standards in patient assessment, differential diagnosis, medical record documentation, referral practices and patient follow-up. The clinic’s natural, non-invasive approach evaluates the whole person to resolve health problems and support a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent illness.