February 24, 2026
*Not currently accepting applications*
Train to Treat the Person, Not Their Symptoms
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program at UWS prepares you to look beyond isolated symptoms to deliver comprehensive and individualized whole-person care. Our rigorous naturopathic medicine curriculum emphasizes a balanced clinical approach, combining conventional medical training with naturopathic assessment and treatment modalities.
By understanding how a patient’s wellness is impacted by their history, lifestyle, environment, physiology, and more, you will learn to design care plans that better reflect and address unique health concerns. This naturopathic medicine degree prepares graduate to treat the full person, not just a set of presenting symptoms.
Functional Medicine Certification
In addition to national naturopathic physician licensing exams (NPLEX), UWS NMD graduates are eligible and prepared to sit for the Functional Medicine Certified Professional™ (FMCP) credential exam administered by The Institute of Functional Medicine. Following graduation and passage of this exam, UWS NMD graduates are eligible for the Functional Medicine Certified Professional–Medical™ (FMCP-M) credential.
Curriculum Note: Courses with prerequisites must be taken in sequence. Full course descriptions, prerequisite details, and registration requirements can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Comprehensive Didactic and Clinical Training
The NMD program at UWS includes a rigorous exploration of the biomedical sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology.
Clinical coursework and experiences emphasize the practical applications of naturopathic medicine: holistic patient assessment, individualized care plan development, communication with other health care providers, and being able to clearly explain each treatment approach.
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Curriculum
Quarter 1
Basic sciences foundational to medicine, as well as an overview of the history and philosophy of naturopathic medicine, training in clinical skills, and the tools needed to conduct research in evidence-based practice.
- Human Morphology I
- Cellular and Molecular Architecture
- Landmark Palpation
- Evidence Informed Practice (EIP) 1
- Function and Dysfunction I
- History and Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine I
- Clinical Skills I
- Biomedical Integration I
Quarter 2
- Neuroscience I
- Human Morphology II
- Metabolism
- EIP II
- Function and Dysfunction II
- Clinical Skills II
- Biomedical Integration II
- Introduction to Functional Medicine
Quarter 3
- Human Morphology III
- Neuroscience II
- Immunology
- EIP III
- Function and Dysfunction III
- Clinical Skills III
- Diagnostic Imaging I
- Biomedical Integration III
Quarter 4
- Microbiology
- Foundational Nutrition
- Function and Dysfunction IV
- Clinical, Physical, and Laboratory Diagnosis I
- Diagnostic Imaging II
- Botanical Pharmacy Lab
- Physical Exam Lab I
- Laboratory Diagnosis Lab I
- Health Care Systems
Quarter 5
Builds on the basic sciences of Year 1, with additional training in diagnosis based on clinical, physical, and laboratory information. Students take the clinic entrance exam in Quarter 6.
- Function and Dysfunction V
- Genomics
- Clinical Skills IV
- Clinical, Physical, and Laboratory Diagnosis II
- Botanical Medicine I
- Physical Exam Lab II
- Nutrition II: Assessment
- Laboratory Diagnosis Lab II
- Public Health I
- Orthopedic Assessment
Quarter 6
- Function and Dysfunction VI
- Clinical, Physical, and Laboratory Diagnosis III
- Botanical Medicine II
- Pharmacology I
- Hydrotherapy
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Nutrition III: Management in Pathologies
Quarter 7
- Secondary Clinical Rotation
- Secondary Clinical Rotation
- Consolidation I
- Clinic Forum I
- Case Report Writing
- Physical Medicine I
- Botanical Medicine III
- Pharmacology II
- Functional Medicine Meal Planning in Health and Illness
- Gastroenterology
- Homeopathy I
Quarter 8
- Secondary Clinical Rotation C
- Secondary Clinical Rotation D
- Physical Medicine II
- Botanical Medicine IV
- Nutrition IV: Special Populations, and in TCM and Ayurvedic Paradigms
- Cardiovascular Health
- EENT
- Behavioral Medicine
- Homeopathy II
Quarter 9
Clinical rotations begin. Courses put a greater focus on systems (endocrinology, oncology, and more) and treatment modalities (homeopathy and pharmacology).
- Secondary Clinical Rotation E
- Secondary Clinical Rotation F
- Physical Medicine III
- Nephrology and Urology
- Psych Assessment
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Female and Male Reproductive Systems I
- Homeopathy III
Quarter 10
- Secondary Clinical Rotation
- Pharmacology III
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Female and Male Reproductive Systems II
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Chinese Medicine
- Public Health II
- Proctology
Quarter 11
- Primary Clinical Rotation A
- Primary Clinical Rotation B
- Primary Clinical Rotation C
- Naturopathic Philosophy II
- Clinic Forum II
- Pulmonary Health
- Counseling I
- Grand Rounds I
- Environmental Medicine
Quarter 12
- Primary Clinical Rotation D
- Primary Clinical Rotation E
- Primary Clinical Rotation F
- Primary Clinical Rotation G
- IV Therapeutics
- Exercise and Nutrition in Sports Medicine
- Counseling II
- Homeopathy IV
- Grand Rounds II
- Minor Office Procedures
Quarter 13
Clinical rotation responsibilities increase. Coursework focuses on entrepreneurship and business practices. Students submit IFM Case Report in Quarter 14.
- Primary Clinical Rotation H
- Primary Clinical Rotation I
- Primary Clinical Rotation J
- Primary Clinical Rotation K
- Entrepreneurship
- Oncology
- Case Report I
- Grand Rounds III
- Emergency Medicine
Quarter 14
- Jurisprudence and Ethics
- Primary Clinical Rotation L
- Primary Clinical Rotation M
- Primary Clinical Rotation N
- Primary Clinical Rotation O
- Consolidation II
- Business Practices
- Obstetrics
- Case Report II
- Grand Rounds IV
Naturopathic Modalities
Together, these modalities will expand your ability to address root causes, adapt treatment to each patient, and practice in alignment with naturopathic principles.
Nutrition
A cornerstone of naturopathic care; learn to evaluate diet and lifestyle as key determinants of health and wellness.
Botanical Medicine
Study evidence-based applications of plants and how botanicals may be prepared and used in various interventions.
Homeopathy
Critically evaluate homeopathy research and determine when relevant techniques are appropriate for certain care plans.
Hydrotherapy
Use hot and cold water applications in clinical settings for injury recovery, illness prevention, and other health outcomes.
Physical Medicine
Practice gentle approaches to musculoskeletal care to support movement recovery, rehabilitation, and physical function.
*Not currently accepting applications*
Admissions Requirements
University of Western States admits new students into the NMD program in the fall (October) academic term. You are encouraged to begin the formal application process up to 12 months in advance of your anticipated entry date. It is not necessary for you to have completed all
The application includes a list of materials that must be submitted for official consideration of an applicant’s file. You should carefully review the program’s selection criteria to ensure you are making the best possible presentation of your qualifications.
In addition to the general entry requirements, you must also meet specific entry requirements listed below for the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program:
- Complete online admissions application
- Official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree (preferred), with a 3.0 GPA or higher OR
- Successful completion of 90 semester/135 quarter credits with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- The following required prerequisite coursework must be passed with a 2.75 GPA (24 semester/36 quarter credits). Science courses must have been completed within seven years prior to enrollment in the NMD program:
- Biology (2 semester/3 quarter courses with lab)
- Chemistry (2 semester/3 quarter courses with lab)
- Physics (1 course)
- Psychology (1 course)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Two essays (250-500 words each)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- A personal interview is required of all applicants
- Successful completion of a background check
- Application fee of $50
International Students Studying in the U.S.
International students accepted into the NMD program must meet U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidelines for studying in the U.S. prior to crossing the border to enroll at UWS. Students should initiate this process with plenty of lead time, preferably several months before leaving home. Questions about enrolling as an international student should be directed to the Office of Admissions.
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
The University of Western States College of Naturopathic Medicine was granted candidacy status by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, a professional accrediting agency for naturopathic medicine programs, on April 24, 2025. Candidacy is not equivalent to accreditation and does not ensure eventual accreditation; however, it signifies that the naturopathic medicine program is recognized by the Council and is progressing toward accreditation. For information, contact: CNME, PO Box 178, Great Barrington, MA 01230; (413) 528-8877.
Licensure
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is designed to offer students naturopathic medical education sufficient to apply for licensure in all states and jurisdictions with naturopathic licensure or registration. Licensure regulations vary from one jurisdiction to another and are subject to change. Students should contact individual licensing boards and consult the Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities (FNMRA) website for current information regarding licensure requirements in each state and province.
Students applying to the naturopathic degree program are responsible for contacting the naturopathic examining boards for the states or provinces in which they are interested in practicing to become aware of the licensure requirements in those states or provinces. More information can be found on the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program are prepared to enter professional practice as naturopathic doctors with a broad, adaptable skill set. Depending on licensure and scope of practice in their state or province, graduates may provide primary care services, deliver integrative health care, or focus on specific clinical interests within multidisciplinary settings.
Graduates are prepared to apply their training across a range of clinical settings, with professional focus and scope of practice shaped by individual goals and jurisdictional regulations.
Tuition & Fees
Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn more.
Financing Your Future
University of Western States remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
UWS Whole Health
At University of Western States, whole health means caring for the whole person, not just the condition. This approach recognizes how physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental factors influence a person’s ability to participate fully in daily life.
In the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, whole health guides how you learn to assess, diagnose, and care for patients across the lifespan. You’ll explore how lifestyle, nutrition, stress, environment, and physiology interact, while developing the skills to integrate naturopathic medicine with conventional approaches and collaborate with other health care professionals.
Catalog
Please refer to our Academic Catalog for more information on the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a naturopathic doctor?
Naturopathic doctors diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illnesses by supporting the body’s inherent self-healing process. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, they work to identify underlying causes of illness and develop individualized treatment plans using natural therapies, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling.
How long is the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at UWS?
The UWS NMD program is 3.5 years long, completed over 14 quarters as a full-time, on-campus program in Portland, Oregon. Students complete 238.5 quarter credits across didactic coursework, lab training, and supervised clinical rotations.
What is the difference between an NMD and an ND degree?
Both NMD (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine) and ND (Doctor of Naturopathy) are terminal degrees in naturopathic medicine and share the same NPLEX licensing pathway. The title differs by institution. UWS confers the NMD degree.
Is the UWS NMD program CNME-accredited?
UWS was granted candidacy status by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) on April 24, 2025. Candidacy is not equivalent to accreditation and does not guarantee eventual accreditation; however, it confirms the program is recognized by CNME and is actively progressing toward full accreditation.
Students who complete the first six quarters are eligible to sit for Part I of the NPLEX, and graduates may sit for Part II and apply for licensure.
Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medicine?
Prescribing rights vary by jurisdiction. In most U.S. states where naturopathic medicine is licensed, NMDs can prescribe medications. Graduates must obtain state licensure before prescribing pharmaceutical medications or performing invasive procedures.
Where are naturopathic doctors licensed?
Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 26 jurisdictions in the United States, including 23 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The scope of practice varies significantly by state.
What naturopathic modalities are taught at UWS?
The UWS NMD curriculum covers the full range of naturopathic modalities: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and physical medicine, alongside conventional biomedical sciences. Students also gain eligibility for the Functional Medicine Certified Professional™ (FMCP) credential through the IFM.
How to become a naturopathic doctor?
To become a naturopathic doctor, you must complete a four-year professional doctoral program at a CNME-accredited or CNME-candidate naturopathic medical school, pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), and obtain licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
Admission to naturopathic medical school typically requires a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite coursework in the sciences.
Does the UWS naturopathic program require a bachelor’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree is generally required for admission. However, UWS offers a B.S. in Human Biology completion program for students who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree, allowing them to earn the B.S. while enrolled in the NMD program.
What makes the UWS NMD program different from other naturopathic schools?
The UWS Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program integrates functional medicine principles throughout the curriculum, rather than offering it as an elective track. This means NMD graduates are also eligible for the Functional Medicine Certified Professional™ (FMCP) credential, a distinction that most other naturopathic programs do not offer.
On-Campus Clinical Training
Gain hands-on clinical training right here at UWS by serving patients under the supervision of licensed providers at our on-campus Connected Whole Health Clinic in Portland, Oregon.
Bachelor’s Degree Not Required
Haven’t completed your bachelor’s degree yet? No problem.
Our B.S. in Human Biology completion program allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science degree while enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, helping you shave off up to a full year of your undergraduate study.
Our B.S. in Human Biology completion program allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science degree while enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, helping you shave off up to a full year of your undergraduate study.
A significant part of healing happens when a patient feels truly seen—when their whole health picture is understood and treated with respect, curiosity, and care.
Heidi Clark NMD
Faculty, Naturopathic Medicine Program
