The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, stands as the pioneering and most esteemed naturopathic medical school in North America. At NUNM, aspiring healthcare professionals embark on a meticulously designed four-year program to earn a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree, fully accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). This rigorous curriculum expertly blends time-honored naturopathic modalities with the advancements of modern clinical healthcare practices and principles, all under the guidance of distinguished faculty shaping the future of naturopathic medicine.
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Discover the Doctor of Natural Medicine Program at NUNM
NUNM’s Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is structured to provide a comprehensive and adaptable learning experience. Recognizing the evolving needs of today’s students, NUNM offers an innovative online option for the first year, allowing students to complete 25% of their ND degree remotely. This flexibility ensures that aspiring doctors of natural medicine can begin their journey regardless of location, and integrate seamlessly into the vibrant on-campus community in subsequent years. By choosing NUNM, you are opting for the most comprehensive naturopathic program in North America, positioning yourself at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Program Highlights: By the Numbers
The Doctor Of Natural Medicine program at NUNM is defined by its commitment to excellence and student success. Key program statistics highlight the depth and value of the education offered:
Program Length: Typically completed in 4 to 5 Years, allowing for personalized pacing.
Total Credits: A robust curriculum totaling 302 credit Hours, ensuring comprehensive coverage of naturopathic medicine.
Per Credit Cost: An investment in your future at $522 per credit, reflecting the high-quality education and resources provided.
Comprehensive Clinical Training in Naturopathic Medicine
NUNM distinguishes itself through its exceptional clinical training program. Students pursuing their Doctor of Natural Medicine degree benefit from exposure to the most diverse patient population among naturopathic medical schools. From the very first year, students gain real-world clinical skills, accumulating over 1,200 clinical learning hours by graduation. NUNM’s on-campus teaching clinic is not only a leader in patient-centered care, certified as a Tier 3 Patient-Centered Primary Care Home (PCPCH), but also serves a crucial community need. This prestigious designation enables the clinic to serve Oregon’s Medicaid population, with over 50% of patients relying on Medicaid. For many, visiting the NUNM clinic represents their first experience with any doctor, offering students invaluable experience treating a broad spectrum of acute, complex, and chronic conditions.
Accreditation and Licensure for Doctors of Natural Medicine
NUNM holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), affirming its commitment to overall academic excellence. Crucially, the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program itself is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the gold standard for naturopathic medical programs. Both NWCCU and CNME are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring the credibility and rigor of your education. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national board examinations administered by NABNE, a fundamental step toward naturopathic licensure in states and jurisdictions that recognize naturopathic physicians. Prospective students are encouraged to learn more about licensure in the United States for naturopathic physicians to understand the regulatory landscape for doctors of natural medicine.
Your NUNM ND Experience: FAQs and Program Insights
Choosing to become a doctor of natural medicine at NUNM means joining a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to holistic health. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to provide further insight into the NUNM experience:
Is the online first-year program as demanding as the in-person program?
Yes, the online first-year ND program mirrors the intensity of the on-campus program. It requires a significant time commitment, estimated at 60+ hours per week, balancing self-paced coursework with scheduled tutorials.
How much of the online program is self-paced?
Approximately 80% of the online first-year program is asynchronous, offering flexibility. The remaining 20% involves scheduled, synchronous tutorials with faculty.
Are there clinical training opportunities in the first year of the online program?
Yes, the first year includes 30 didactic/tutorial hours and ten clinical observation hours, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive 1,254 clinical training hours required for graduation and CNME accreditation.
Can I take elective courses in my first year?
Yes, first-year students can take electives, with a recommendation to limit it to no more than three electives in the initial year to manage workload.
What is the format of tutorials and labs in the online program?
Tutorials use a hybrid model, including independent work, group activities, and scheduled synchronous sessions. Labs are conducted during in-person intensive practicums in the second year.
Will I have time to work while in the program?
The Doctor of Natural Medicine program is academically rigorous and time-consuming. While the online option offers some flexibility, both online and on-campus programs demand a significant time commitment, potentially limiting time for employment, especially during the initial terms.
Can I pursue a second degree program at NUNM?
Yes, students can pursue a second degree program. Some combined programs may extend the study duration to 5 or 6 years.
Is the online option available for the entire ND program?
No, online naturopathic medicine courses are currently offered only for the first year of the ND program, providing an accessible entry point to becoming a doctor of natural medicine.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating with a Doctor of Natural Medicine degree?
The 4-year naturopathic medical training prepares graduates for primary care/general medicine practice. Further specialization through electives, certificates, and post-graduate board certifications is available in areas like oncology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, and more, allowing doctors of natural medicine to tailor their practice to their passions.
Contact NUNM Admissions today to learn more about becoming a Doctor of Natural Medicine and starting your application process.
