Embarking on a career as a naturopathic doctor requires rigorous education and training in holistic and natural medicine. A comprehensive curriculum is the cornerstone of any reputable Naturopathic Doctor School, providing students with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to excel in this field. This overview details a typical four-year naturopathic medicine program curriculum, outlining the courses and clinical experiences designed to shape future leaders in naturopathic healthcare.
Year I: Foundations in Basic Sciences and Naturopathic Principles
The first year of naturopathic doctor school is dedicated to building a strong foundation in basic medical sciences alongside the core principles of naturopathic medicine. Students delve into the intricacies of human anatomy, physiology, and the fundamental theories that underpin naturopathic practice.
Fall Quarter
The Fall quarter introduces foundational courses crucial for understanding the human body and the naturopathic approach. Key courses include:
- Gross Human Anatomy 1 Lab (BC5122L): Hands-on laboratory experience in gross anatomy, essential for visualizing and understanding the body’s structure.
- Integrated Structure and Function (BC5170): An integrated approach to learning how the body is structured and how those structures function together.
- Integrated Muscular and Skeletal Systems (BC5171): In-depth study of the musculoskeletal system, vital for understanding movement, support, and common musculoskeletal conditions.
- Therapeutic Alliance 1 (BP5400): Introduction to building effective patient-doctor relationships, a cornerstone of naturopathic care.
- Naturopathic Medicine Seminar 1 (NM5103): Seminars exploring the breadth and depth of naturopathic medicine as a profession and healthcare system.
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 1 (NM5141): Foundational theories and principles that guide naturopathic medical practice.
- Clinic Observation 1 (NM5820): Early exposure to clinical settings, observing naturopathic doctors in practice.
- Clinical Skills Lab 1 (SN5100): Beginning to develop essential clinical skills necessary for patient interaction and examination.
- Integrated Case Studies 1 (SN5103): Introduction to case-based learning, integrating foundational knowledge to understand clinical scenarios.
Winter Quarter
Building on the Fall, the Winter quarter expands on body systems and introduces research principles and physical medicine.
- Gross Human Anatomy 2 Lab (BC5123L): Continuation of anatomical studies, further exploring the complexity of the human body.
- Fundamentals of Research Design (BC5142): Essential training in research methodologies, critical for evidence-based practice in naturopathic medicine.
- Integrated Cardiovascular and Immune Systems (BC5172): Detailed study of the heart, blood vessels, and immune system, understanding their integrated function.
- Integrated Respiratory System (BC5173): Comprehensive study of the respiratory system and its role in health and disease.
- Integrated Digestive System (BC5174): In-depth exploration of the digestive system, crucial for naturopathic approaches to nutrition and wellness.
- Therapeutic Alliance 2 (BP5401): Further development of therapeutic communication and patient relationship skills.
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 2 (NM5142): Expanding on naturopathic theories and their practical application in patient care.
- Physical Medicine 1 (PM5314) & Physical Medicine Lab 1 (PM5314L): Introduction to physical medicine techniques used in naturopathic practice.
- Clinical Skills Lab 2 (SN5101): Continued development of clinical examination and procedural skills.
- Integrated Case Studies 2 (SN5104): Further application of knowledge through integrated case study analysis.
Spring Quarter
The Spring quarter completes the first year with a focus on the endocrine and nervous systems, alongside behavioral medicine principles.
- Gross Human Anatomy 3 Lab (BC5124L): Final segment of gross anatomy lab, completing the full anatomical study.
- Integrated Endocrine System and Metabolism (BC5175): Study of hormones and metabolism, crucial for understanding endocrine disorders and metabolic health.
- Integrated Renal and Reproductive Systems (BC5176): Exploration of the kidneys, urinary tract, and reproductive systems.
- Integrated Nervous System (BC5177): Detailed study of the nervous system, its function, and neurological health.
- Fundamentals of Behavioral Medicine (BP5402): Introduction to the principles of behavioral medicine and its role in health.
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 3 (NM5143): Advanced exploration of naturopathic principles and their application to various health conditions.
- Physical Medicine 2 (PM5316) & Physical Medicine Lab 2 (PM5316L): Further training in physical medicine techniques and their clinical application.
- Clinical Skills Lab 3 (SN5102): Advanced clinical skills training, preparing for more complex patient interactions.
- Integrated Case Studies 3 (SN5105): Complex case study analysis, integrating knowledge from the entire first year.
Year II: Clinical Diagnosis and Naturopathic Modalities
Year two transitions into more clinically focused coursework, introducing pathology, diagnosis, and core naturopathic modalities such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition.
Fall Quarter
The Fall quarter of year two introduces the study of disease and begins training in clinical diagnosis and key naturopathic therapies.
- Integrated Pathology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases 1 (BC6107): First part of an integrated series covering the study of diseases, immune responses, and infectious agents.
- Botanical Medicine Lab (BO6305): Laboratory experience in preparing and understanding botanical medicines.
- Botanical Materia Medica 1 (BO6400): Introduction to the properties, uses, and applications of various medicinal plants.
- Behavioral Medicine Theories and Interventions 1 (BP6300): Exploring theories and interventions within behavioral medicine.
- Homeopathy 1 (HO6305): Introduction to the principles and practice of homeopathic medicine.
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 4 (NM6110): Continued exploration of naturopathic philosophy in clinical contexts.
- Naturopathic Medicine Seminar 2 (NM6103): Advanced seminars on current topics and professional development in naturopathic medicine.
- Nutrition Principles 1: Assessment, Education and Macronutrients (NM6303): Foundational nutrition principles, focusing on assessment, patient education, and macronutrients.
- Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 1 (NM6310): Introduction to diagnostic methods and clinical reasoning within a naturopathic framework.
- Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 1 (NM6315) & Clinical Diagnosis Lab 1 (NM6320): Hands-on labs focusing on physical examination skills and diagnostic techniques.
- Clinic Observation 2 (NM6810): Increased clinical observation hours, gaining more exposure to patient care.
- Physical Medicine 3 (PM6305): Advanced physical medicine techniques and applications.
- Integrated Case Studies 4 (SN6100): More complex integrated case studies, incorporating diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge.
Winter Quarter
The Winter quarter deepens the study of pathology and expands on naturopathic modalities and clinical skills.
- Integrated Pathology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases 2 (BC6108): Continuation of the pathology series, further exploring disease processes and immune responses.
- Botanical Materia Medica 2 (BO6401): Expanding knowledge of medicinal plants, their properties, and clinical uses.
- Psychopathology (BP6200): Introduction to mental health disorders and psychopathology.
- Homeopathy 2 (HO6306): Advanced principles and applications of homeopathy.
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 5 (NM6111): Advanced discussions on the evolving theories in naturopathic medicine.
- Nutrition Principles 2: Micronutrients (NM6304): Focus on micronutrients, their roles, deficiencies, and therapeutic uses.
- Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 2 (NM6311): Advanced clinical diagnostic skills and naturopathic differential diagnosis.
- Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 2 (NM6316) & Clinical Diagnosis Lab 2 (NM6321): Further refinement of physical examination and clinical diagnostic lab skills.
- Physical Medicine 4 (PM6306): Advanced physical medicine therapies and clinical integration.
- Integrated Case Studies 5 (SN6101): Advanced case study analysis, focusing on complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Spring Quarter
The Spring quarter completes the second year, finalizing pathology studies and introducing medical pharmacology and radiology fundamentals.
- Integrated Pathology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases 3 (BC6109): Final part of the pathology series, completing the comprehensive study of disease.
- Medical Pharmacology (BC6112): Introduction to pharmaceutical drugs, their mechanisms, and interactions – crucial for understanding conventional medical treatments.
- Botanical Materia Medica 3 (BO6402): Advanced botanical medicine knowledge, focusing on complex formulations and applications.
- Behavioral Medicine Theories and Interventions 2 (BP6301): Advanced behavioral medicine interventions and their clinical integration.
- Homeopathy 3 (HO6307): Advanced homeopathic case-taking and treatment strategies.
- Naturopathic Theory and Practice 6 (NM6112): Capstone course on naturopathic theory, integrating all learned principles.
- Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 3 (NM6312): Advanced clinical diagnosis, preparing for real-world patient scenarios.
- Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 3 (NM6317) & Clinical Diagnosis Lab 3 (NM6322): Mastery of physical examination and clinical diagnostic laboratory skills.
- Fundamentals of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (NM6325): Introduction to radiology and other diagnostic imaging techniques.
- Clinic Entrance Assessment (NM6825): Assessment to ensure readiness for entering the clinical phase of the program.
- Physical Medicine 5 (PM6310): Advanced physical medicine techniques and specialized applications.
- Integrated Case Studies 6 (SN6102): Comprehensive case studies, preparing for clinical practice.
Year III: Clinical Therapeutics and Specialized Medicine
Year three marks the transition to clinical therapeutics, applying the knowledge gained in the first two years to patient care. It introduces specialized areas such as pediatrics, orthopedics, and advanced therapeutics.
Summer Quarter
The Summer quarter initiates clinical application with medical procedures and specialized therapeutic areas.
- Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 1 (BO7400): Lab focused on formulating complex botanical medicine prescriptions.
- Coding and Billing (NM7111): Essential business skills for medical practice, focusing on coding and billing procedures.
- Medical Procedures 1 Lecture/Lab (NM7326): Training in common medical procedures used in naturopathic practice.
- Clinical Pharmacology 1 (NM7332): Clinical application of pharmacology principles in naturopathic contexts.
- Pediatric Therapeutics 1 (NM7347): Introduction to therapeutic approaches for pediatric patients.
- Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal System (NM7355): Specialized study of orthopedics and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Diet and Nutrient Therapy 1 (NM7403): Clinical application of diet and nutrient therapy principles.
- Physical Medicine 6 (PM7309): Advanced physical medicine in specialized clinical areas.
- Clinic Rotation (1 or 2) (Clinic Rotation): Beginning of clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience in patient care.
Fall Quarter
The Fall quarter focuses on advanced therapeutics, mental health, and maternity/pediatrics, alongside continued clinical experience.
- Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 2 (BO7306): Advanced botanical formulation techniques.
- Naturopathic Approaches to Addictions (BP7300): Naturopathic approaches to treating addictions.
- Homeopathy 4 (HO7300): Advanced homeopathy in complex and chronic cases.
- Naturopathic Medicine Seminar 3 (NM7103): Seminars focusing on advanced topics in naturopathic medicine and professional practice.
- Naturopathic Approaches to Mental Health (NM7303): Comprehensive study of naturopathic mental health care.
- Clinical Pharmacology 2 (NM7333): Advanced clinical pharmacology applications.
- Maternity and Pediatrics (NM7346): Specialized training in maternal and pediatric healthcare.
- Pediatric Therapeutics 2 (NM7348): Advanced pediatric therapeutic strategies.
- Endocrine System Therapeutics (NM7356): Therapeutic approaches to endocrine disorders.
- Advanced Case Studies 1 (NM7365): Complex case study analysis in advanced clinical contexts.
- Diet and Nutrient Therapy 2 (NM7404): Advanced diet and nutrient therapy in specialized conditions.
- Preceptorship 1 (NM8801): Beginning of preceptorship experiences, working closely with experienced clinicians.
- Physical Medicine 7 (PM7311): Advanced physical medicine applications in specialized areas.
- Clinic Rotation (1 or 2) (Clinic Rotation): Continuation of clinical rotations, building patient care experience.
Winter Quarter
The Winter quarter expands on therapeutics in neurology, environmental medicine, and specialized systems like cardiovascular and respiratory.
- Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 3 (BO7307): Specialized botanical formulations for advanced clinical scenarios.
- Homeopathy 5 (HO7301): Advanced homeopathy in complex clinical situations.
- Critical Evaluation of the Medical Literature (NM7142): Training in critically appraising medical research literature.
- Neurological Therapeutics (NM7316): Therapeutic approaches to neurological conditions.
- Clinical Pharmacology 3 (NM7334): Advanced clinical pharmacology in specialized therapeutic areas.
- Environmental Medicine (NM7339): Study of environmental toxins and their impact on health, and naturopathic approaches to environmental illnesses.
- Pediatric Therapeutics 3 (NM7349): Specialized pediatric therapeutics for complex cases.
- Cardiovascular Therapeutics (NM7358): Therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
- Respiratory Therapeutics (NM7359): Therapeutic approaches to respiratory conditions.
- Advanced Case Studies 2 (NM7366): Advanced case study analysis, focusing on complex therapeutic challenges.
- Digestive Therapeutics (NM7368): Therapeutic approaches to complex digestive disorders.
- Diet and Nutrient Therapy 3 (NM7405): Advanced diet and nutrient therapy in complex disease management.
- Clinic Rotation (1 or 2) (Clinic Rotation): Continued clinical rotations, enhancing practical experience.
Spring Quarter
The Spring quarter completes year three with a focus on renal, urology, EENT therapeutics, and jurisprudence, preparing for advanced clinical practice.
- Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 4 (BO7308): Specialized botanical formulations for advanced and specific clinical needs.
- Jurisprudence (NM7113): Legal and ethical aspects of naturopathic medical practice.
- Clinical Pharmacology 4 (NM7335): Advanced clinical pharmacology in highly specialized therapeutic areas.
- Pediatric Therapeutics 4 (NM7350): Specialized and advanced pediatric therapeutic management.
- Renal System Therapeutics (NM7361): Therapeutic approaches to renal diseases.
- Urology and Male Reproductive (NM7362) & Urology and Female Reproductive (NM7363): Specialized therapeutics for urological and reproductive health.
- EENT Therapeutics (NM7364): Therapeutic approaches to ear, nose, throat, and eye conditions.
- Advanced Case Studies 3 (NM7367): Highly complex case study analysis, simulating advanced clinical scenarios.
- Diet and Nutrient Therapy 4 (NM7406): Advanced diet and nutrient therapy in highly specialized and complex conditions.
- Mid-Clinical Assessment (NM7830): Assessment to evaluate progress and readiness for advanced clinical training.
- Clinic Rotation (1 or 2) (Clinic Rotation): Ongoing clinical rotations, refining patient care skills.
Year IV: Advanced Clinical Practice and Specializations
The final year of naturopathic doctor school is heavily focused on advanced clinical practice, specialization, and preparation for independent practice. Extensive clinic rotations and preceptorships define this year.
Summer Quarter
The Summer quarter initiates advanced clinical rotations and focuses on integumentary and advanced medical procedures.
- Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 5 (BO8302): Highly specialized botanical formulations for advanced and individualized patient care.
- Integumentary System Therapeutics (NM8300): Therapeutic approaches to skin conditions and diseases.
- Clinical Pharmacology 5 (NM8301): Final clinical pharmacology course, focusing on complex and integrative applications.
- Medical Procedures 2 Lecture/Lab (NM8310): Advanced medical procedures training, expanding the scope of practice.
- Advanced Case Studies 4 (NM8313): Highly advanced and complex case study analysis, preparing for independent practice.
- Pediatric Therapeutics 5 (NM8320): Final pediatric therapeutics course, focusing on highly complex and specialized cases.
- Diet and Nutrient Therapy 5 (NM8411): Culmination of diet and nutrient therapy training in highly specialized and individualized care.
- Clinic Rotation (4) (Clinic Rotation): Intensive clinical rotations, comprising a significant portion of the quarter.
Fall Quarter
The Fall quarter emphasizes advanced medical ethics, business practices, public health, and geriatric medicine alongside intensive clinical rotations.
- Advanced Medical Ethics (NM8100): In-depth exploration of ethical challenges in advanced medical practice.
- Naturopathic Medicine Seminar 4 (NM8103): Capstone seminars on advanced topics in naturopathic medicine, leadership, and future of the profession.
- Advanced Business Practices 1 (NM8105): Advanced business skills for establishing and managing a naturopathic practice.
- Advanced Topics in Public Health (NM8316): Exploring the role of naturopathic doctors in public health.
- Advanced Topics in Geriatric Medicine (NM8317): Specialized training in geriatric naturopathic care.
- Preceptorship 2 (NM8802): Advanced preceptorship experiences, refining clinical skills and professional identity.
- Clinic Rotation (4) (Clinic Rotation): Continued intensive clinical rotations.
Winter Quarter
The Winter quarter focuses on rheumatologic disorders, oncology, and advanced business practices, with the majority of time in clinical rotations.
- Advanced Business Practices 2 (NM8106): Advanced business management and financial planning for naturopathic practices.
- Rheumatologic Disorders (NM8311): Specialized training in treating rheumatologic conditions naturopathically.
- Advanced Topics in Oncology (NM8319): Naturopathic approaches to cancer care and oncology.
- Clinic Exit Assessment (NM8891): Final assessment to ensure readiness for independent naturopathic practice.
- Clinic Rotation (4) (Clinic Rotation): Final intensive clinical rotations, consolidating skills and experience.
Spring Quarter
The Spring quarter is primarily dedicated to the final preceptorship, solidifying clinical skills and professional readiness before graduation.
- Preceptorship 3 (NM8803): Final preceptorship, culminating clinical training in a real-world practice setting.
- Clinic Rotation (4) (Clinic Rotation): Concluding clinical rotations, finalizing patient care experience.
Summary of Clinic Requirements
Clinical experience is integral to naturopathic doctor school. The curriculum includes a structured progression of clinical observation, rotations, and preceptorships totaling significant credit hours to ensure comprehensive practical training.
- Clinic Observation 1 & 2 (NM5820, NM6810)
- Clinic Entrance & Exit Assessments (NM6825, NM8891)
- Third & Fourth Year Patient Care Rotations (NM7851-7866, NM8851-8866)
- Preceptorships 1-3 (NM8801-8803)
- Interim Patient Care (NM8844)
- Physical Medicine Rotations (PM7851-7866, PM8851-8866)
This detailed curriculum ensures that graduates from a leading naturopathic doctor school are well-prepared to provide holistic, patient-centered care and become leaders in the field of naturopathic medicine.
View the tentative schedule for naturopathic courses each quarter.
