Are you curious about where to start on your ND application? All of the AANMC member naturopathic medical programs require prerequisite courses to apply. Please see the tabs below for more information on each program’s checklist. The MCAT is not required for ND admission, but may be reviewed if you have taken it. A great first step is to check with the school(s) you are considering in order to ensure all prerequisite requirements will be met.
In addition to the required coursework, other courses may strengthen your background and better prepare you for a naturopathic course of study, including: anatomy, biochemistry, botany, developmental psychology and physiology.
Future ND students can complete any undergraduate major, as long as the core requirements for entrance have been met.
Academic Prerequisites Comparison
While we do our best to keep the information on this page updated, please contact the schools directly to ensure you have the latest information. To view the academic prerequisites for each AANMC member school click the college’s name below.
Academic Prerequisites:
How Selection Works
Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, maturity and demonstrated humanitarian qualities. In evaluating applicants, the Schools of Naturopathic Medicine seeks qualities of motivation, intellect and character essential to becoming a physician.
Concrete exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine through job-shadowing or interviews with NDs is strongly recommended. Work or volunteer experience in other types of health care is a plus. The prerequisite coursework is the minimum required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but must complete prerequisites before beginning the program.
Please note: If you are unsure about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course. The admissions office may require a course description to verify content. Descriptions may be read over the phone, e-mailed, faxed or sent by regular mail.
Prerequisite Courses
In selecting applicants for admission, the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program seeks those qualities of motivation, intellect, and character essential to becoming a physician. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, maturity, and demonstrated humanitarian qualities. Work or volunteer experience in health care and exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine are both strongly recommended.
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.
Please note: If you have questions about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course.
| Courses | Quantity |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry I and II | 2 semesters or 3 quarters |
| General Biology* I and II | 2 semesters or 3 quarters |
| Organic Chemistry I | 1 course |
| Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry (preferred) | 1 course |
| Physics -Algebra or Calculus based (no lab required) | 1 course |
| Intro to General Psychology or Developmental/Lifespan Psychology | 1 course |
| College-level Algebra | 1 course |
Please note: Required chemistry and biology courses must be intended for science majors. All courses are subject to review by the admissions committee.
*Biology must cover cell biology and genetics
Required Abilities & Skills
Bastyr University is committed to providing equal opportunities for differently-abled persons. The following policy has been adapted from the American Association of Medical Colleges guidelines to ensure that prospective students have the physical and mental capacities to perform the required duties of a naturopathic physician.
Candidates for the naturopathic medicine degree must be able to demonstrate appropriate observational and communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social maturity. Technology can compensate for some disabilities in certain areas, but candidates should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary means that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation.
- Observation: Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation requires the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation. These are enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
- Communication: Candidates must be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients to elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity, and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
- Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. Candidates should be able to do basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.), re-position a patient, carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and read ECGs and x-rays. Candidates should be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, a critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing work loads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities assessed during the admissions and educational processes.
See the Bastyr University Catalog for more information.
Summer Prerequisites
The following course(s) are generally available to fill prerequisites during the summer quarter for the ND program. Summer registration information is sent to all applicants by the admissions office each spring. For further information, please contact Admissions at (425) 602-3332 or email Admissions@Bastyr.edu.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Organic Chemistry I & II
Recommended Reading
Bastyr University librarians have compiled volumes of useful reading material for NDs and other health care practitioners. The guide lists core books and journals that naturopathic doctors and other health practioners interested in natural medicine will find clinically useful.
Length of Program:
• Four years for full-time students
• Five years for dual-degree tracks
Tuition & Fees:
(first year) $40,697
Academic Prerequisites:
How Selection Works
Concrete exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine through job-shadowing or interviews with NDs is strongly recommended. Work or volunteer experience in other types of health care is a plus. The prerequisite coursework is the minimum required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but must complete prerequisites before beginning the program.
Please note: If you are unsure about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course. The admissions office may require a course description to verify content. Descriptions may be read over the phone, e-mailed, faxed or sent by regular mail.
Prerequisite Courses
In selecting applicants for admission, the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program seeks those qualities of motivation, intellect, and character essential to becoming a physician. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, maturity, and demonstrated humanitarian qualities. Work or volunteer experience in health care and exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine are both strongly recommended.
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.
Please note: If you have questions about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course.
| Courses | Quantity |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry I and II | 2 semesters or 3 quarters |
| General Biology* I and II | 2 semesters or 3 quarters |
| Organic Chemistry I | 1 course |
| Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry (preferred) | 1 course |
| Physics -Algebra or Calculus based (no lab required) | 1 course |
| Intro to General Psychology or Developmental/Lifespan Psychology | 1 course |
| College-level Algebra | 1 course |
Please note: Required chemistry and biology courses must be intended for science majors. All courses are subject to review by the admissions committee.
*Biology must cover cell biology and genetics
Required Abilities & Skills
Bastyr University is committed to providing equal opportunities for differently-abled persons. The following policy has been adapted from the American Association of Medical Colleges guidelines to ensure that prospective students have the physical and mental capacities to perform the required duties of a naturopathic physician.
Candidates for the naturopathic medicine degree must be able to demonstrate appropriate observational and communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social maturity. Technology can compensate for some disabilities in certain areas, but candidates should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary means that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation.
- Observation: Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation requires the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation. These are enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
- Communication: Candidates must be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients to elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity, and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
- Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. Candidates should be able to do basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.), re-position a patient, carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and read ECGs and x-rays. Candidates should be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, a critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing work loads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities assessed during the admissions and educational processes.
See the Bastyr University Catalog for more information.
Summer Prerequisites
The following course(s) are generally available to fill prerequisites during the summer quarter for the ND program. Summer registration information is sent to all applicants by the admissions office each spring. For further information, please contact Admissions at (425) 602-3332 or email Admissions@Bastyr.edu.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Organic Chemistry I & II
Recommended Reading
Bastyr University librarians have compiled volumes of useful reading material for NDs and other health care practitioners. The guide lists core books and journals that naturopathic doctors and other health practioners interested in natural medicine will find clinically useful.
Length of Program:
• Four years for full-time students
• Five years for dual-degree tracks
Tuition & Fees:
(first year) $40,697
Academic Prerequisites:
Academic Requirements
Degree Requirements
Academic requirements can be found at https://ccnm.edu/future-students/admissions/academic-requirements.
Prerequisite Courses
All required prerequisite science courses and minimum grade requirements can be found at https://ccnm.edu/future-students/prerequisite-science-courses.
Proficiency in the English language
CCNM’s curriculum is delivered in English; applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language fluency. If your postsecondary studies were completed in a language other than English, proof of English proficiency must be submitted. CCNM’s minimum requirements are:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 86 out of 120 (CCNM TOEFL DI Code: 0245)
- IELTS (academic): minimum overall band score of 6.5 or higher (on a 9 point scale)
- ILAC level PW (University Pathway) 3.3 (must achieve minimum cumulative grade point average or minimum letter grade equivalent to 75%)
Admission Decision
The decision to admit an applicant is based primarily on the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average (minimum 2.7 on a 4.0 point scale, average is between 3.0 and 3.3) and admissions interview. In addition, the applicant will be assessed on: personal statement, resume and references. Learn more at CCNM’s How We Decide.
Length of Program:
Intensive four-year program that includes more than 1,200 hours of clinical experience and involves more than 3,000 hours of classroom training.
Our program covers three major areas of study: biomedical sciences, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapeutics.
Tuition & Fees:
Please visit CCNM’s Tuition Fees for the most up-to-date tuition fees.
Academic Prerequisites:
Academic Requirements
Degree Requirements
Academic requirements can be found at https://ccnm.edu/future-students/admissions/academic-requirements.
Prerequisite Courses
All required prerequisite science courses and minimum grade requirements can be found at https://ccnm.edu/future-students/prerequisite-science-courses.
Proficiency in the English language
CCNM’s curriculum is delivered in English; applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language fluency. If your postsecondary studies were completed in a language other than English, proof of English proficiency must be submitted. CCNM’s minimum requirements are:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 86 out of 120 (CCNM TOEFL DI Code: 0245)
- IELTS (academic): minimum overall band score of 6.5 or higher (on a 9 point scale)
- ILAC level PW (University Pathway) 3.3 (must achieve minimum cumulative grade point average or minimum letter grade equivalent to 75%)
Admission Decision
The decision to admit an applicant is based primarily on the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average (minimum 2.7 on a 4.0 point scale, average is between 3.0 and 3.3) and admissions interview. In addition, the applicant will be assessed on: personal statement, resume and references. Learn more at CCNM’s How We Decide.
Length of Program:
Intensive four-year program that includes more than 1,200 hours of clinical experience and involves more than 3,000 hours of classroom training.
Our program covers three major areas of study: biomedical sciences, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapeutics.
Tuition & Fees:
Please visit CCNM’s Tuition Fees for the most up-to-date tuition fees.
Academic Prerequisites:
Doctor of Naturopathic Program (ND) Application Requirements
- $75.00 application fee
- Resume or curriculum vita
- Designated essay questions
- Official copy of all transcripts
- Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
- Familiarity with or exposure to naturopathic medicine
- Virtual interviews for admission – by invitation only
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Prerequisite Courses
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent – candidates may apply while in progress
- Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
- B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
Prerequisite courses are designed to ensure entering students are academically prepared for the curriculum of the program.
| Biological Sciences | 2 | Science-major level. Competencies may be met through courses such as: cell biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany, etc. Content should cover cell biology. Lab work required. |
| Chemical Sciences | 4 | Science-major level. Two sequential courses in both general and organic chemistry; biochemistry may serve as a substitute for one organic chemistry course. Lab work required for the general chemistry series. |
| General Physics | 1 | |
| Mathematics | 1 | Must be in algebra, calculus, or statistics. |
| English Composition | 1 | |
| Psychology | 1 | Any general psychology course 100-level or higher. |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | 2 | Courses in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, politics, psychology, sociology art, religion, philosophy, literature, music and other related fields will satisfy this requirement. |
A grade of C or better is required for all prerequisite coursework. Candidates may apply while in progress.
Length of Program:
Four – five year programs for full-time students with an optional first-year online.
Length of program can be extended by adding our dual degrees and certificates.
Tuition & Fees:
(first year) $42,766
Academic Prerequisites:
Prerequisites for Admission
Students are expected to have completed a total of 24 credit hours in life and physical science coursework before entering the chiropractic or naturopathic programs.
The 24 credits of life and physical science coursework should include both lecture and laboratory components in each of the following areas:
- Biology
- Physics
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Additional coursework is recommended, but not required for admission:
- Anatomy (human or comparative)
- Biochemistry
All courses must be taken at an accredited institution and must be transferable at the baccalaureate level. All courses must be completed with a “C” grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher. A grade of “C-” is not satisfactory unless it is equivalent to a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-826-6285 or admissions@nuhs.edu for more detailed information on required prerequisites.
Degree and GPA Requirements
Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree and a minimum GPA of 3.00. Those between a 2.75 and 2.99 may be admitted under an Alternative Admissions Track Plan (AATP).
Technical Standards
In addition, ND students must read and understand the technical standards for the ND program.
Academic Options
Students who desire a naturopathic education but have undergraduate degrees with a non-science major, or those who fall short of the required science credit hours to meet National University admission requirements, may enroll in the Prerequisite Program. Under the prerequisite program, students can finish the above prerequisites in an accelerated format during two eight-week mini-terms prior to starting their doctoral program.
Students who have not completed their baccalaureate degree may enroll in the NUHS Bachelor of Biomedical Science Degree completion program. It is designed for students with a two-year/associate’s degree or 60 semester hours of general education credits, who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree to prepare for a career in science or health care.
Students who are in the process of completing the above prerequisites at another institution are still welcome and encouraged to apply. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-826-6285 or admissions@nuhs.edu to speak with an Admissions Counselor regarding admission.
Length of Program:
• Three and one half years (10 trimesters) for full-time students
• Five years for dual degree tracks
• Flexible track options
Tuition & Fees:
$30,100 estimated cost for two trimesters.
Academic Prerequisites:
Academic Requirements
The following are general admission requirements that must completed and submitted:
- Complete a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) prior to matriculation. Total post-secondary coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university. To search for your institution in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited postsecondary institutions visit http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
- Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be sent directly to Sonoran University electronically to transcripts@sonoran.edu or directly to NDCAS.
- Complete all prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university prior to matriculation into the ND program. (Applicants with science courses older than seven (7) years must demonstrate competency in the discipline(s) in question and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.)
- Laptop and reliable high-speed internet for use in completing college course work. For a complete listing of Sonoran University’s technical requirements please visit our IT Tech Check.
- To ensure that incoming naturopathic medical students are able to complete the entire curriculum, Sonoran University requires that each student be able to meet the technical standards defined in this document.
Academic Prerequisite Coursework
- 12 semester credits in biology with labs (for science majors)
- 3 semester credits in general organic chemistry with lab (for science majors)
- 3 semester credits in biochemistry OR an additional 3 semester credits in organic chemistry (for science majors)
- 3 semester credits in psychology (developmental psychology is recommended, behavioral or cognitive learning courses will also be considered in lieu of psychology)
*Highly Recommended Courses Prior to Matriculation
In addition to the above prerequisite course work, the following coursework (with lab when available) is highly recommended: Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nutrition, Cell Biology, Genetics, English Composition.
**Please note – Although the ND degree program does not have an English composition prerequisite course requirement, the ND program does involve significant writing, including scientific papers. Therefore mastery of written/spoken English is critical.
Application Requirements
Sonoran University accepts either the Admissions Portal application –or– the NDCAS application. Please select and submit only one application and submit required application documents as directed through that application service.
- Applicants for the College of Naturopathic Medicine need to submit application through either Sonoran University direct portal or through NDCAS.
- Three letters of recommendation mailed directly to either NDCAS or Sonoran University: One academic reference, one reference from a regulated health care professional, one additional reference from either of the above categories or a past employer/volunteer supervisor.
- Personal essay
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including military training transcripts for veterans, traditional college coursework, and vocational training, showing completion of academic requirements.
- In-person interview (qualified applicants selected for interview will be contacted by the Admissions Office)
- If accepted into the College of Naturopathic Medicine, you will be required to undergo a criminal background check (CBC) and give permission for the results to be provided to Sonoran. All expenses associated with the CBC are the responsibility of the applicant. The offer of admission will not be considered final until completion of the background check, with results deemed acceptable by Sonoran.
Length of Program:
• Four and five year tracks
Tuition & Fees:
(first year) $43,349
In evaluating candidates for naturopathic medical programs, admissions counselors look for students who want to be academically challenged and are comfortable relying on their own intuition and creativity. High-level critical thinking and excitement for the challenge of formulating personalized treatment plans are additional characteristics of successful students.
Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the internal qualities essential to becoming naturopathic physicians, including concern for others, integrity, curiosity, motivation and a strong belief in the efficacy of natural medicine. Future ND students must also demonstrate appropriate observational and communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual abilities, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social maturity.
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