Education

After completion of standard premedical undergraduate coursework, a naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. but also studies holistic and natural approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). The naturopathic program includes two full years of supervised clinical training. Completion of optional residency is also available to some graduates. A naturopathic physician takes a rigorous national licensing examination so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. Additional information on naturopathic schools can be found at http://www.aanmc.org/.

October 30, 2006

The Princeton Review has just published and released their new edition of “Best 168 Medical Schools, 2007 Edition” (October 2006). The book includes med school applicant information and advice, as well as a chapter which profiles each of the six naturopathic medical schools. One excerpt comparing and contrasting the three major medical fields’ states:

“Naturopathic physicians (NDs) take a holistic approach to healing, and aim to cure disease by taking advantage of the body’s self-regenerative powers and harnessing the restorative power of nature. Like osteopaths, naturopathic physicians endeavor to treat the whole person by taking into account the emotional, genetic, and environmental factors that have influenced their state of health. Unlike osteopaths, however, naturopathic physicians emphasize natural remedies. NDs also differ from allopaths (MDs); rather than limiting their treatment to synthetic drugs and invasive procedures, NDs predominantly utilize natural medicines and procedures. Naturopathic physicians work to identify and eliminate the cause of disease, and are guided by six basic principles:

1. Do no harm
2. Utilize the healing power of nature
3. Identify and treat the causes
4. Treat the whole person
5. Focus on preventive medicine
6. Practice doctor-as-teacher”

Excerpted from
“Best 168 Medical Schools, 2007 Edition”
Chapter 3 So You Still Want to Be a Doctor, p. 24
By Malaika Stoll, The Princeton Review

Schools

We encourage you to visit the sites of all AANMC member schools to learn more about naturopathic medical education and discover the uniqueness of each institution.

Bastyr University, Kenmore, Wash.
Bastyr University offers a rigorous, naturopathic medical program emphasizing both the science base of medicine and its clinical application. Comprehensive clinical training at our newly renovated clinic prepares graduates to thrive as holistic physicians. Shifts at multiple external sites offer students exposure to diverse populations and a wide spectrum of health issues. The Bastyr campus is located just north of Seattle, Washington. Learn more.

 

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM), New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada - BINM offers Western Canada’s first four year full-time diploma of Doctor in Naturopathic Medicine. BINM offers small class sizes, an extraordinary faculty, and is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. BINM students are eligible to sit for the NPLEX examinations for licensing as Naturopathic Physicians. Learn more.

 

 
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Established in 1978, CCNM offers an accredited four-year, full-time professional program in naturopathic medicine. CCNM is committed to being the profession's college in Canada, producing excellence in naturopathic medical education, clinical practice and research. Learn more.

 

 
National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), Portland, Ore.
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, NCNM provides and fosters a challenging, eclectic, and rigorous academic experience. NCNM does not just teach medicine; they teach a philosophy of living that leads to radiant health, and they show students how to convey this wonderful gift to their patients. Learn more.

 

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (SCNM), Tempe, Ariz. - Located in sunny Arizona, SCNM prepares students to become naturopathic physicians trained and educated in the principles of naturopathic medicine. We promote learning through educational innovation, medical integration, and research and clinical collaboration. Their faculty's commitment to the art and science of healing has made SCNM a leader among the naturopathic medical schools. Learn more.

 

University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (UBCNM), Bridgeport. Conn. - The College's mission is to provide appropriate educational experiences to prepare candidates to become doctors of naturopathic medicine. The College seeks: to teach and search for new knowledge; to educate men and women of personal integrity and social conscience; and to maintain close relationships among faculty, students and community professionals. Learn more.

 

Also:
National University of Health Sciences, Lombard IL - National’s N.D. program provides you with a rigorous curriculum that blends thorough scientific foundation with comprehensive training in naturopathic treatments. As a student in the naturopathic physician program at National, you will study the same basic sciences as an M.D., but you will learn holistic and natural approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness.  Learn more.