Naturopathic Schools in the USA
If you’re looking for a school where you can train to become a naturopathic doctor, you want to ensure you’re receiving the best training possible. Established in 2001, The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) actively supports the academic efforts, curriculum, and learning methodology of accredited and recognized schools specializing in natural medicine degrees.
An education in naturopathic medical practice is an important and valued choice for any health professional career that fosters a continued learning environment, and looks to push the boundaries of natural health and medical knowledge.
AANMC is proud to count the list of top naturopathic schools throughout the USA as members.
Bastyr University, San Diego, California
Bastyr University in California offers a 41,000 square foot campus providing ample space for learning and connecting. Offering similar state-of-the-art facilities as their Seattle location, the campus is located minutes away from Torrey Pines State Park and sits adjacent to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Since its foundation in 2012, the Bastyr University California (BUC) campus has become a leader in the education of career practitioners in the natural health arts and sciences. The curriculum and leading edge research is globally recognized and consistently produces top industry leaders who have been changing the world for over 40 years.
Becoming a student at Bastyr means you’ll benefit from San Diego’s life science industry and integrative health community, which offers its own wealth of career opportunities upon graduation.
Bastyr University, Seattle, Washington
Located in Kenmore, just 10 miles northeast of Seattle, Bastyr University boasts a sprawling 186,000-square-foot campus. Situated among fields and woodlands on the northeast shore of Lake Washington, the state-of-the-art facility continues to push the boundaries of naturopathic education and research.
The campus itself includes a Naturopathic teaching clinic that’s accessible to students for all their health care needs, the campus library, multipurpose room with fitness equipment, student dorms, and interactive areas and kitchens.
The curriculum is globally recognized, and the wealth of programs combined with the faculty of industry professionals make Bastyr a prime location for education and learning in the naturopathic industry.
National University of Health Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
Offering the only naturopathic medicine degree program in the Midwest, National University of Health Sciences’ Chicago campus is situated on 35 acres located in a quiet suburb, only minutes from the thriving culture and city life of Chicago.
Steeped in a long history of providing exceptional educational standards in health career education, NUHS has been in operation since 1906. The academic program is known for being built on a solid foundation in the basic sciences. Students entering the naturopathic medicine program are also required to have earned a baccalaureate degree. This results in a higher academic caliber with students scoring well above national averages on required board and licensure tests.
Learn More About National University of Health Sciences, Chicago
National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon
A Portland staple since 1956, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical university in North America. Offering an inspiring learning environment, the curriculum and groundbreaking research community provide a dynamic educational experience for students and faculty alike.
NUNM provides a unique feature among naturopathic schools, featuring a Tier 4 Patient-Centered Primary Care Home (PCPCH) that has been consistently proven as an exemplary model for how primary care should be organized and delivered.
Medical students work with diverse patient populations in the community clinics to help gain an appreciation and thorough understanding of different practice settings. The health centers and acclaimed Helfgott Research Institute are central to the student experience and offer numerous benefits to the education programs.
Learn More About National University of Natural Medicine, Portland
Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Phoenix, Arizona
The sun-drenched campus of Sonoran University of Health Sciences offers the diversity of big city life, without the high costs of actually living in a big city. In addition to the widely recognized 4-year Naturopathic Medicine program, Sonoran University also offers two online Master’s Programs for those looking to earn a degree from a leading institution in both holistic and scientific approaches to natural medicine.
The progressive educational model at Sonoran University has been built using best practice and proven effective methods currently employed by some of the most prestigious medical schools in the world. As a premier medical school focusing on natural medicine, the degree programs at Sonoran University offer a wide scope of practice giving graduates ample opportunity to pursue their chosen career in naturopathic medicine.
Learn More About Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Phoenix
The Benefits of Becoming a Naturopathic Student
A naturopathic medical education provides a solid foundation for a number of different rewarding career paths. These professional settings may include private practices, multidisciplinary clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, insurance companies, supplement companies, laboratories, and more.
Career prospects for naturopathic doctors continue to grow each year as more people look for natural treatments that will either supplement or replace conventional medicine.
Supplement use in the United States is up 29%, with an estimated 76% of Americans now taking at least one supplement per day, according to a new Harris Poll commissioned by the Samueli Foundation. The survey of 2,053 adults over age 18 found that 41% of Americans are taking supplements to help improve sleep, while 57% do so to improve their overall health and immunity.
This increasing interest in natural wellness practices means there will be constantly more demand for naturopathic doctors across the country.
Another advantage of a naturopathic career is that upon graduating from an accredited institution, and passing the national board exams, students can begin practicing immediately.
What the Alumni Are Saying
“As I was growing up, I was exposed to both natural and conventional medicine. We used a lot of home remedies in our household whenever someone got sick. I wanted a school that would offer education in traditional natural medicine and strong science classes. Naturopathic school offered the integrative curriculum that I was looking for.” – Eleonora Naydis, ND, LAc
Career Resources
If you’re still thinking about attending a naturopathic school in the United States, and are looking to learn more about your intended career path, be sure to check out our career resources page for more information.
