Prerequisite Coursework
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.
Overall Preparation
Completion of a bachelor's degree is expected. A limited number of exceptions are made for candidates who demonstrate a high level of academic performance and professional achievement. No specific major is advised. In addition to a strong preparation in the sciences, a broad background in the humanities and liberal arts is encouraged. Prerequisite coursework is used to determine a student's preparation for the naturopathic program. No credit is given for prerequisite coursework earning a C- or lower.
Prerequisite Coursework
- College-level Algebra: 1 course
- Chemistry (science-major level): at least 4 courses. Must include a minimum of either two sequential courses in organic chemistry or one course in organic chemistry and one course in biochemistry. The chemistry sequence should include an introduction to biological molecules. (The standard prerequisite for science-major level organic chemistry is one year of general chemistry.) Appropriate lab work required.
- General Biology (science-major level): 2 semesters or 3 quarters. Must cover concepts in cellular biology and genetics. Appropriate lab work required. Individual courses in the biological sciences may count if the above competencies are met, i.e., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and botany.
- Physics: at least 1 college-level course. Many institutions do not cover all required concepts in one course; required concepts include mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism. Course may be algebra-based, and lab is not required.
- Psychology: 1 course. Introduction to psychology is recommended.
Note: In addition to the prerequisites listed above, the following coursework is required if a bachelor's degree will not be completed by matriculation:
- English: 2 courses. Composition courses are recommended.
- Humanities: 2 courses.
Strongly Recommended Courses
Though not required for admission, faculty recommend students complete biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and botany coursework in addition to the prerequisite requirements. These courses will substantially enhance students' ability to master the naturopathic course material.
Other Suggested Courses
Biomedical ethics, philosophy of science, public speaking and English composition.
Credit Requirements
Candidates must have completed at least 90 semester/135 quarter credits upon matriculation. At least 30 semester credits/45 quarter credits must be upper-division (i.e. junior or senior level courses, usually numbered 300-400, at a four-year institution).
Age of Course
Required chemistry and biology courses not taken within seven years of matriculation into the program are subject to review by the admissions committee. Additional coursework may be required.
Credit by Examination
Applicants may submit AP, IB, CLEP and GRE scores for prerequisite consideration for math, psychology and physics. Students who have had prior AP or IB coursework in chemistry and biology may submit AP or IB scores for biology or chemistry exams. Students must submit either the original score received directly from the testing center or a copy of their high school or college transcripts showing the score results. Decisions regarding credit are assessed on a case-by-case basis. The admissions committee reviews test scores within the context of an applicant's academic history. All equivalency decisions made by the admissions committee are final.
