Naturopathy Doctorate Degree Program Overview
Become a naturopathic doctor at Bastyr University, an accredited naturopathic medical school. The 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.
The naturopathic degree program offers a full-time, in-person medical school experience that has two main components – basic science and clinical practice. Over the course of five years, 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. 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 in over 12 states and British Columbia)
Expected Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program Outcomes
Upon completion of Bastyr’s ND program, students will be able to walk away with knowledge in a variety of subjects:
- Basic Sciences
- Behavioral Medicine
- Botanical Medicine
- Clinical Sciences
- Homeopathic Medicine
- Nutrition
- Physical Medicine
Learn more about these integral parts of naturopathic medicine and what you can expect to learn.
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.
For more information, see tuition and fees.
A career in naturopathic medicine offers a life’s work helping people thrive. Some naturopathic career opportunities include:
- 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
How to Become a Naturopathic Doctor
Access our free guide to evidence-based education in natural medicine at Bastyr and explore:
- What naturopathic doctors (ND) do
- The difference between an MD and an ND
- The education and licensing needed to practice as an ND
- What to look for in an ND program
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at Bastyr has been the most challenging, enriching, and fulfilling experience of my academic career. In addition to the intellectual rigor of the didactic classes, you are challenged in both your ability to provide the best care for your patients and your capacity to become a beacon of change and hope for a better health care system at large. Throughout this program, your strengths become refined and your weaknesses evolve into invaluable experiences for growth towards becoming a doctor. The network of clinicians, professors, colleagues, and friends that you cultivate during your time here is the foundation of support from which true leaders grow.
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.
Faculty Spotlight
Kristina Conner
ND, MSOM, LAc
After completing her ND residency, Dr. Conner started her private practice in Indiana, when there were only a few NDs in the state. Subsequently, Dr. Conner became increasingly involved in…
Faculty Spotlight
Gregory Yasuda
ND
Dr. Yasuda has been in private practice since 2003 and has been a faculty member at Bastyr University since 2009. He is also a contributing editor of the Textbook of Natural Medicine,…
Faculty Spotlight
Cynthia Hope
ND
Dr. Hope has clinical interests in biofeedback, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, and physical medicine. Prior to her work as a clinic supervisor at Bastyr University Clinic, Dr…
Faculty Spotlight
Emma Norton
ND
Previous to joining Bastyr University, Dr. Norton's past experience includes her role as an assistant professor at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, as well as…
