Study to Become a Naturopathic Doctor
The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program at the University of Western States (UWS) prepares students to take a whole-person and individualized approach to health and healing. It integrates the principles of functional medicine throughout the naturopathic program. Graduates learn to consider the whole person including the patient’s diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, physical, mental, and emotional health, and other factors that influence health and well-being.
Including functional medicine principles in the UWS naturopathic doctor program distinguishes it from other NMD programs. Naturopathic medicine and functional medicine are science-based, patient-centered approaches to achieving and maintaining health by addressing the root cause, not just suppressing symptoms. Functional medicine’s focus on the biochemical and genetic individuality, and the diet and nutrition of each patient, integrates well with the full range of assessments and treatment modalities of naturopathic medicine.
This 14-quarter naturopathic doctoral program can be completed in three-and-a-half years and is taught on our beautiful campus in Portland, Oregon. The naturopathic program provides a community of learning through in-person experiences with knowledge, skills, and society reinforced through in-person lectures, labs, team-based learning, and clinical rotations. The NMD degree curriculum offers some online courses delivered both synchronously and asynchronously. Students are expected to be on campus for the entire program.
Learn more about what naturopathic medicine means at UWS and why to pursue a career as an NMD.
NMD Program Mission Statement
To prepare ethical, skilled and caring naturopathic physicians as life-long learners, trained to serve their communities by providing evidence-informed, whole person, individualized health care, in partnership with other health care professionals, for the betterment of patients and society.
Our Campus
University of Western States has a rich history in the Pacific Northwest and has ensured the longevity, sustainability and growth of health care education in the region. Our current campus is an impressive facility, located at 8000 NE Tillamook Street in Portland, Oregon, offering modern amenities to support our highly esteemed educational programs, such as our Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Take a video tour of the campus!