Explore naturopathic medicine training at University of Western States, including hands-on labs, early clinical experience, and community-focused care.
At University of Western States (UWS), based in Portland, Oregon, learning how to become a naturopathic doctor is deeply tied to developing the curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking needed to care for the whole person. Students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program gain exposure to diverse health conditions, learn how to think diagnostically, and practice evidence-informed care that bridges science and humanity. For many, the experience shapes not just their professional competence, but also their philosophy of healing.
“After 30 years of practice, I can say we offer something really profound,” says Jennifer Means, NMD, faculty member and naturopathic physician. “Our ability to sit down and listen, and really figure out what’s going on with patients, is special.”
What Does Naturopathic Medicine Training Look Like at UWS?
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is a graduate-level degree that integrates biomedical sciences with clinical training. The training emphasizes hands-on laboratory instruction and evidence-informed clinical reasoning from the start of the program.
From the beginning, UWS students are immersed in hands-on learning that builds both confidence and capability. Courses like Lab Diagnosis bring scientific principles to life through active participation.
“In my Lab Diagnosis class, we work on each other. We draw blood on each other. It’s very much a hands-on class,” explains Dr. Means.
Beyond memorization, students learn how each test connects to patient outcomes. “By the end of their second term, I want them to be able to draw blood, process blood, and think differentially about what kinds of labs to run,” she says. “If someone’s fatigued, are you checking for anemia, thyroid, or adrenals?”
The analytical skill of linking symptoms to evidence is essential to clinical success. It’s what separates memorization from knowledge and ensures graduates are ready to practice with both precision and empathy.
When Do Naturopathic Medicine Students Begin Clinical Training?
Students in the Naturopathic Medicine program begin clinical education near the end of their second year, progressing from observation to supervised patient care.
How UWS Integrates Classroom Learning and Clinical Practice
Coursework at UWS is intentionally aligned with clinical experiences so students can apply diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in real patient settings.
Clinical education at UWS begins earlier than in many programs. Students transition from observation to supervised patient care around the end of their second year, allowing them to apply coursework to real clinical situations.
“As they’re going into their third year, they’re coming into the clinic,” Dr. Means explains. “They start off observing advanced students then move into hands-on practice under faculty supervision.”
These experiences prepare students for the demands of patient care, including managing schedules and navigating complex health presentations. “You’re managing people,” she says. “You’re managing your time but also learning how to enter into that relationship with focus and care.”
Why Communication Is Central to Naturopathic Training
Effective communication is a core clinical competency in naturopathic medicine, supporting individualized, patient-centered care.
Dr. Means emphasizes that learning to communicate effectively is just as critical as mastering medical skills. “Communication plays a huge role,” she notes. “We’re doing individualized medicine, not just treating depression but treating that person who has depression.”
In the clinic, students learn to listen deeply, convey empathy, and educate patients about their own health. These are all vital traits for a successful naturopathic career.
How UWS’ Teaching Clinic Supports Community Health
UWS’ teaching clinic provides no-cost appointments, expanding access to naturopathic care while giving students experience with diverse patient populations.
The on-campus clinic is central to its support of community health. “The cost of coming into the clinic is zero,” says Dr. Means. While patients may pay for supplements or lab work, appointments themselves are free, making naturopathic care accessible to a wide range of people.
This approach benefits both students and patients. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program gain exposure to a broad spectrum of conditions (from mild digestive issues to complex chronic illnesses) while patients receive personalized care that addresses the root causes of their health concerns.
That variety teaches adaptability and empathy. “You’ve got to meet people where they’re at,” she says. “Sometimes it’s getting someone to eat one vegetable a day, and for someone else, it’s exercising 180 minutes a week.”
This philosophy of meeting patients where they are lies at the heart of UWS’s approach. It reflects the belief that healing starts with understanding, not assumptions.
What Whole-Person Care Means in Naturopathic Medicine Education
Whole-person care in naturopathic education involves addressing physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence health and healing.
The focus on whole-person health is a defining aspect of UWS’s naturopathic medicine program. This translates to treating the individual, not just the symptoms. Students learn to look beyond the surface to explore physical, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to well-being.
“As naturopaths, we get a lot of people that fall outside the box of standard medical care,” Dr. Means explains. “They’re told, ‘Your labs look fine, there’s nothing wrong with you,’ but they still don’t feel well.”
In these cases, students learn how to use labs and patient histories to confirm or rule out possibilities, and to create care plans that combine clinical evidence with natural therapies. They’re trained to think critically, ask questions, and design interventions that consider both data and the patient’s lived experience.
How Students Learn Professional Boundaries in Clinical Training
Clinical training at UWS teaches students how to balance empathy with professional boundaries to support patients without overextension.
Students learn how to care deeply without carrying the emotional burden of every patient. “It’s not my job as a clinician to carry that but to help them navigate it and support them,” says Dr. Means. “That takes practice and inner work.”
These lessons, both scientific and emotional, shape how graduates approach their future patients and communities.
Licensure note:
Completion of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program does not automatically confer licensure. Licensure requirements and scope of practice vary by state and are set by regulatory authorities.
Begin Your Naturopathic Medicine Path at UWS
For those exploring how to become a naturopathic doctor, the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program offers a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, early clinical training, and a commitment to community wellness. Students develop both the clinical skills and human understanding needed to deliver thoughtful, whole-person care.
Through faculty mentorship and real-world observation, students gain insight into professional practice beyond the classroom. “I have some students who come in every semester to observe what I do in my actual private practice,” Dr. Means shares. Through these experiences, UWS prepares students to serve patients from every background with skill and empathy.
Explore the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program to begin pursuing your career as a naturopathic doctor. Fill out the brief form below for more information.