3-Year Naturopathic Doctorate Degree Program Overview
Become a naturopathic doctor at Bastyr University. Our reengineered 3-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program will provide you with the training to diagnose and treat disease using a wellness-first, natural model focusing on improving whole body function versus an over-reliance on medications and surgical procedures.
The naturopathic degree program offers a full-time, in-person medical school experience that has three main components – basic science, diagnostic and clinical science, and clinical practice.
Starting in your first year, you will gain access to Bastyr clinics, where you will begin to merge what you learn in the classroom with real-life scenarios and real-life patients.
- Year-round instruction
- 11-week quarters (fall, winter, spring)
- 8-week quarters (summer)
- Tuition and debt burden reduced over 4-year programs
- Save on living expenses
- $160,000-$162,000 total tuition
- 3 years
- 1220 hours
- Increased hands-on clinical hours
- Strict milestone assessments
- NPLEX I + II reviews and testing built into the curriculum
- Secure residency, gain licensure, and start your practice sooner
Webinars will soon be scheduled to introduce our three-year program.
Naturopathic Medicine Program Details
CURRICULUM
The curriculum tables that follow list the tentative schedule of courses each quarter.
YEAR 1
SUMMER START (Optional, Early Entry to Fall Cohort)
- Integrated Structure and Function (7 cr)
- Integrated Structure and Function Lab (0.5 cr)
- Fundamentals of Research Design (2 cr)
FALL START
QUARTER 1 (Fall)
- Gross Human Anatomy 1 Lab (1 cr)
- Integrated Structure and Function (7 cr)
- If not completed during optional summer start
- Integrated Structure and Function Lab (0.5 cr)
- If not completed during optional summer start
- Integrated Muscular and Skeletal Systems (6 cr)
- Therapeutic Alliance 1 (1 cr)
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 1 (2 cr)
- Clinic Observation 1 (Year Long) (1 cr)
- Clinical Skills Lab 1 (1 cr)
- Integrated Case Studies 1 (1 cr)
Total Credits: 20.5
QUARTER 2 (Winter)
- Fundamentals of Research Design (2 cr)
- If not completed in optional summer start
- Gross Human Anatomy 2 Lab (1 cr)
- Integrated Cardiovascular and Immune Systems (5 cr)
- Integrated Respiratory System (4 cr)
- Integrated Digestive System (4 cr)
- Therapeutic Alliance 2 (1 cr)
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 2 (2 cr)
- Physical Medicine 1 (1 cr)
- Physical Medicine Lab 1 (1 cr)
- Clinical Skills Lab 2 (1 cr)
- Integrated Case Studies 2 (1 cr)
Important
- Fundamentals of Research Design is offered in multiple quarters
Total Credits: 23
QUARTER 3 (Spring)
- Gross Human Anatomy 3 Lab (1 cr)
- Integrated Endocrine System and Metabolism (4 cr)
- Integrated Renal and Reproductive Systems (4 cr)
- Integrated Nervous System (5 cr)
- Integrated Nervous System Lab (1 cr)
- Fundamentals of Behavioral Medicine (2 cr)
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 3 (2 cr)
- Physical Medicine 2 (1 cr)
- Physical Medicine Lab 2 (0.5 cr)
- Clinical Skills Lab 3 (1 cr)
- Integrated Case Studies 3 (1 cr)
Total Credits: 22.5
QUARTER 4 (Summer)
- Integrated Pathology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases 1 (7 cr)
- Botanical Materia Medica 1 (2 cr)
- Behavioral Medicine Theories and Interventions 1 (2 cr)
- Homeopathy 1 (2 cr)
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 4 (0.5 cr)
- Nutrition Principles 1: Assessment, Education and Macronutrients (3 cr)
- Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 1 (4 cr)
- Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 1 (1 cr)
- Clinical Diagnosis Lab 1 (1 cr)
- Clinic Observation 2 (2 cr)
- Physical Medicine 3 (2 cr)
- Integrated Case Studies 4 (0.5 cr)
Total Credits: 27
Total Credits (Year 1): 93
YEAR 2
QUARTER 1 (Fall)
- Integrated Pathology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases 2 (6 cr)
- Botanical Medicine Lab (1 cr)
- Botanical Materia Medica 2 (2 cr)
- Psychopathology (2 cr)
- Homeopathy 2 (2 cr)
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 5 (0.5 cr)
- Nutrition Principles 2: Micronutrients (2.5 cr)
- Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 2 (4 cr)
- Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 2 (1 cr)
- Clinical Diagnosis Lab 2 (1 cr)
- Critical Evaluation of the Medical Literature (2 cr)
- Physical Medicine 4 (3 cr)
- Integrated Case Studies 5 (0.5 cr)
Total Credits: 27.5
QUARTER 2 (Winter)
- Integrated Pathology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases 3 (5 cr)
- Medical Pharmacology (2.5 cr)
- Botanical Materia Medica 3 (2 cr)
- Behavioral Medicine Theories and Interventions 2 (2 cr)
- Homeopathy 3 (2 cr)
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 6 (0.5 cr)
- Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 3 (4 cr)
- Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 3 (1 cr)
- Clinical Diagnosis Lab 3 (1 cr)
- Fundamentals of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (1 cr)
- Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal System (2 cr)
- Clinic Entrance Assessment (0.5 cr)
- Integrated Case Studies 6 (0.5 cr)
Important
- Must pass Clinic Entrance Assessment to progress to rotations
Total Credits: 24
QUARTER 3 (Spring)
- Medical Procedures 1 Lecture/Lab (2 cr)
- Family Medicine I: Reproductive Health & Urology (3.5 cr)
- Internal Medicine I (10 cr)
- Emergency Medicine (2 cr)
- Neurological Therapeutics (2 cr)
- EENT Therapeutics (2 cr)
- Advanced Case Studies 1 (0.5 cr)
- Advanced Case Studies 2 (0.5 cr)
- Environmental Medicine (2 cr)
- lntegumentary System Therapeutics (2 cr)
- Clinic Rotation (2) (4 cr)
Total Credits: 30.5
QUARTER 4 (Summer)
- NPLEX I Review (4 cr)
- NPLEX Exam (0 cr)
- Naturopathic Approaches to Mental Health & Addiction (4 cr)
- Family Medicine II (6 cr)
- Internal Medicine II (10 cr)
- Advanced Case Studies 3 (0.5 cr)
- Medical Procedures 2 Lecture/Lab (2 cr)
- Advanced Case Studies 4 (0.5 cr)
- Advanced IV Lecture/Lab (2 cr)
- Mid-Clinical Assessment (0.5 cr)
- Clinic Rotation (2) (4 cr)
Important
- Must take NPLEX I
- Must pass Mid-Clinical Assessment to progress to Year 3
Total Credits: 29.5
Total Credits (Year 2): 111.5
YEAR 3
QUARTER 1 (Fall)
- Practice Management I (2 cr)
- Advanced Topics in Public Health (1 cr)
- Modality Elective Tracks (choose one, 4 cr):
- Homeopathy
- Botanical Medicine
- Physical Medicine
- Specialty Elective Tracks (choose one, 4 cr):
- Advanced Reproductive Health
- Advanced Pediatrics
- Environmental Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Oncology
- Advanced Internal Medicine
- Clinic Rotation (4) (8 cr)
Total Credits: 19
QUARTER 2 (Winter)
- Practice Management II (2 cr)
- Modality Elective Tracks: choose one. See examples above (4 cr)
- Specialty Elective Tracks: choose one. See examples above (4 cr)
- Clinic Rotation (4) (8 cr)
Total Credits: 18
QUARTER 3 (Spring)
- Practice Management III (2 cr)
- Clinic Rotation (6) (12 cr)
Total Credits: 14
QUARTER 4 (Summer)
- Clinic Exit Assessment (0.5 cr)
- Clinic Rotation (6) (12 cr)
- NPLEX II Review (2 cr)
- NPLEX II Exam (0 cr)
Important
- Must pass Clinic Exit Assessment to graduate
Total Credits: 14.5
Total Credits (Year 3): 65.5
Total Credits (Full Program): 270
Total Hours (Full Program): 4102
SUMMARY OF CLINIC REQUIREMENTS
- Clinic Observation 1 (20 hours) (1 cr)
- Clinic Observation 2 / Hydrotherapy (48 hours) (2 cr)
- Clinic Entrance Assessment (0.5 cr)
- Mid-Clinical Assessment (0.5 cr)
- Clinic Exit Assessment (0.5 cr)
- 3 Second-Year Patient Care Rotations: 144 hours
- 20 Third-Year Patient Care Rotations: 960 hours
- 1 Second-Year Physical Medicine Rotations: 48 hours
Total Clinical Credits: 52.5
Total Clinic Hours: 1220
- 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
- Personal statement
- Copy of photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- $75 nonrefundable application fee
- Faculty interview
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.
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.
PREREQS FOR 2026 APPLICANTS
- General Chemistry I and II (labs required) (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
- General Biology* I and II (labs required) (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
- Organic Chemistry I (lab required) (1 course)
- Organic Chemistry II (lab required) or Biochemistry (preferred) (1 course)
- Physics (Algebra- or Calculus-based, no lab required) (1 course)
- Introduction to General Psychology or Developmental/Lifespan Psychology (1 course)
- College-level Algebra (1 course) (required only in 2026, not in 2027)
PREREQS FOR 2027 APPLICANTS
In addition to the courses listed above, the 2027 entering cohorts must also complete:
- Biochemistry (1 course)
- Anatomy and Physiology (2 courses, at least one with a lab)
- Advanced Biology (2 courses)
Important
- 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 prerequisite courses must show a grade of C or higher.
- The cumulative GPA for all prerequisite coursework must be 3.0 or higher.
- All prerequisites are subject to review.
FINANCIAL AID & STRATEGIC START DATES
Navigating medical school funding requires strategic planning, especially with major federal financial aid changes taking effect on July 1, 2026.
This year, Bastyr’s 3-Year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program offers two distinct entry points: June 2026 and September 2026.
By choosing the June start date and initiating a Grad PLUS loan before the federal deadline, you may be "grandfathered" into the current rules, retaining access to higher borrowing limits for the duration of your degree.
We strongly encourage you to review our full breakdown of these Federal Loan Changes and consult our Financial Aid advisors to determine which start date best protects your future.
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 other higher education institution
The 3-Year Program — Same Rigor. More Clinical Hours. Less Tuition and Debt.
4,102
Didactic and Clinical Instruction Hours
1,220
Clinical Hours: Hands-on Experience at Bastyr's Teaching Clinics
52
Residency Sites in 12+ States and British Columbia
Why the New 3-Year Program?
Bastyr has fundamentally re-engineered the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine curriculum to meet the needs of today’s students. By using a year-round, 11-week quarter system, we have reduced and repackaged the credits from 300 to 270 without compromising clinical rigor.
Financial Freedom
Save a full year of living expenses and significantly reduce total tuition.
Integrated Licensure
Built-in NPLEX I and NPLEX II preparation and testing helps get you board-ready before you graduate.
Increased Clinical Experience
Increased clinical requirements from 1,204 to 1,220 hours, help ensure graduates are just as prepared as those in 4- or 5-year tracks.
Begin Your Healing Practice Sooner
Enter the workforce and begin your calling up to one year earlier than traditional tracks
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…
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.
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.
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
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.
