The School of Naturopathic Medicine offers a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Herbal Sciences and a Certificate in Holistic Landscape Design. The departments in the School of Naturopathic Medicine include botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, clinical sciences, clinical education, and community and post-graduate medicine.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct profession of primary health care, emphasizing prevention, treatment and the promotion of optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and modalities that encourage the self-healing process, the vis medicatrix naturae.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines naturopathic physicians as doctors who "diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies."
Most naturopathic physicians provide natural medicine primary care through office-based, private practice. Many receive additional training in disciplines or modalities such as acupuncture and East Asian medicine.
Naturopathic diagnosis and therapeutics are supported by scientific research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines, including naturopathic medicine, conventional medicine, European complementary medicine, clinical nutrition, phytotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, psychology and spirituality. Information technology and new concepts in clinical outcomes assessment are particularly well-suited to evaluating the effectiveness of naturopathic treatment protocols and are being used in research, both at naturopathic medical schools and in the offices of practicing physicians. Clinical research into natural therapies has become an increasingly important focus for naturopathic physicians.
The underpinnings of naturopathic medical practice are embodied in six principles:
Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles, rather than by methods or modalities. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods are diverse. The current scope of practice for a naturopathic physician varies by jurisdiction. However, the accredited naturopathic programs all train primary care naturopathic physicians who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic medical conditions and diagnoses. Treatment may include, but is not limited to: nutritional science, natural hygiene, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, spirituality, minor office procedures, and methods of laboratory and clinical diagnosis. The scope of practice is defined by state or provincial statute. The curriculum at Bastyr University trains students to the broadest scope, except for acupuncture. Graduates meet the requirements for licensure in Washington and California. Students have the responsibility to become informed on licensure and scope of practice in the legal jurisdiction in which they choose to practice.
Naturopathic physicians are licensed or registered as health care providers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Legal provisions allow the practice of naturopathic medicine in several other states. Efforts to gain licensure elsewhere are currently underway. Forty-two states and territories in the United States have professional associations for naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is regulated in the following Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. The Naturopathic Doctors Act of 2008 grants title protection for naturopathic doctors in Nova Scotia. There are 11 provincial and territorial professional associations.
All states and provinces with naturopathic medicine licensure laws require completion of a residential program of at least four years and 4,100 hours of study from a college or university recognized by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Bastyr University's doctoral program in naturopathic medicine is accredited by CNME, and a copy of the CNME Handbook of Accreditation is available in the Bastyr Library and online at www.cnme.org.
To qualify for a license, applicants must satisfactorily pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), which include basic sciences, diagnostic and therapeutic subjects, and clinical sciences. Applicants must also satisfy all licensing requirements for the state or province in which they wish to practice. Students are responsible for contacting the department of health or other governing agency for information regarding requirements for the state in which they are seeking licensure.
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, based in Washington, D.C., represents the interests of the profession of naturopathic medicine in the U.S. The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors is the professional association in Canada. Contact the appropriate national association for further information.
Naturopathic Medicine Program Admissions
For general information on the admissions process, please refer to the Admissions section in this catalog. The information below refers only to the naturopathic medicine program.
Naturopathic Medicine Prerequisites
In selecting applicants for admission, the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program seeks those qualities of motivation, intellect and character essential to becoming a physician. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, maturity and demonstrated humanitarian qualities. Work and/or volunteer experience in health care is strongly recommended. Concrete exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine, by job-shadowing if possible, or by interviews with one or more naturopathic physicians, is a general requirement.
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.
Please note: If in doubt about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course.
The admissions office may require a course description or course syllabus to verify content. Descriptions may be emailed, faxed or sent by regular mail.
Overall Preparation
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is required. 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 with a grade of P (passing) may not be acceptable in every case. An admissions advisor should be consulted to determine acceptability.
Prerequisite Coursework
| College-level Algebra |
1 course |
Chemistry (science-major level)
Must include a minimum of either two sequential courses in organic chemistry or one course in organic chemistry and one course in biochemistry. (The standard prerequisite for science-major level organic chemistry is one year of general chemistry.) Appropriate lab work required. |
At least 4 courses |
General Biology (science-major level)
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. |
2 semesters or 3 quarters |
Physics
Course must be algebra-based; calculus-based is also accepted. Lab is not required. |
1 college-level course |
Psychology*
*Intro to General Psych or Developmental/Lifespan Psych |
1 course |
Strongly Recommended Courses
Though not required for admission, the faculty recommends that students complete biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology 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, medical terminology, public speaking and English composition.
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. Please consult an admissions advisor for additional information.
Credit by Examination
Applicants may submit AP, IB and CLEP scores for prerequisite consideration for math, psychology and physics (there is no CLEP exam for physics). Students who have had prior AP coursework in chemistry and biology may submit AP 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. Since so few high school or college transcripts show score results, it may be most expedient to automatically request test scores be sent from the testing center. 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.
Required Abilities/Skills for Naturopathic Medicine Program Admission
The following technical guidelines are common to most medical school programs. They ensure that prospective students have the physical and cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to successfully complete the program and perform the required duties of a competent and compassionate naturopathic physician. Although these standards serve to delineate the necessary physical and mental abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum. Candidates and current students who have questions regarding the technical standards or who believe they may need to request reasonable accommodations(s) in order to meet the standards are encouraged to contact the Student Access and Accommodation Office.
A candidate for the naturopathic medicine degree must be able to demonstrate appropriate observational and communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social maturity. Technological compensation can be made for some disabilities in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
Observation: The candidate must be able to acquire information from demonstrations and participate in experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to accurately acquire information from patients and assess findings. They must be able to perform a complete physical examination in order to integrate findings based on this information and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan. Observation necessitates the use vision, hearing, and touch or the functional equivalent. These can be enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
Communication: A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to relate effectively and sensitively with patients and family members of all genders, ages, races, life-styles, sexual orientations, political, cultural and religious backgrounds Communication can include speech, reading, writing and electronic communication. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in English with all members of the health care team.
Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients of all genders by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate must be able to handle medical instruments and equipment with precision and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They must be able to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner and provide general and emergency care. They must adhere to universal precaution measures and meet safety standards applicable to outpatient settings and other clinical activities. These activities require some physical mobility, coordination of both gross and fine motor neuromuscular function and balance and equilibrium.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: Candidates must have sufficient cognitive (mental) abilities and effective learning techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the medical student curriculum. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem solving, a critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
Behavioral and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of her/his intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients; and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients of all genders, ages, races, life-styles, sexual orientations, political, cultural and religious backgrounds. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Candidates must be able to accept responsibility for learning, contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the admissions and educational processes.
Ethics and Professionalism: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to conduct themselves with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism as expected by patients, peers, faculty and those in the various health care professions. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to act with integrity and honesty in all interactions, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to consistently demonstrate the capacity for accountability and responsibility expected of a physician. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to recognize and avoid acts of plagiarism, cheating and unethical behavior. They must understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine and the ability to function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession.
Admissions Criteria
The Admissions Committee of the naturopathic medicine program determines the processes and procedures that guide the selection of candidates for the naturopathic program. The committee reviews undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) academic records and performance in the required prerequisite courses. The personal statement, references, resumes and in-person interviews are also evaluated for evidence of the abilities and skills required of naturopathic physicians. The interview also explores the candidate’s awareness of the practice of naturopathic medicine. Bastyr University’s naturopathic medicine program is academically challenging. While no minimum GPA is specified, the mean GPA for entering students in the last five years has exceeded 3.3 for both overall GPA and prerequisite course GPA.
Interviews
Qualified applicants who submit complete applications and meet the prerequisites may be invited to interview. Applicants are expected to interview at the campus to which they apply, either in Kenmore or San Diego.
Transfer and Advanced Standing Students Admissions
Transfer Students
Bastyr University accepts transfer students from naturopathic, medical, osteopathic and chiropractic schools, and other accredited professional programs, on a space-available basis. For transfer consideration, credits must be earned from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency or from an institution accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Transfer students are considered for admission in accordance with the following general guidelines:
- Applicants must meet the same entrance requirements as candidates for the first-year class.
- Applicants who wish to transfer credits from prior coursework must demonstrate satisfactory completion of courses that are equivalent in content and quality to courses given at the University. Satisfactory completion equals a grade of achieved competency, a C or above, or a 2.0 or above.
- Applicants must provide an official transcript from the college or program from which the transfer is being requested; the transcript should demonstrate that they are leaving in good academic standing. They should be prepared to submit additional documentation to support a thorough evaluation.
- Transfer applicants must submit a $150 transfer evaluation fee.
- Transfer applicants from another CNME-approved Naturopathic medical program may transfer up to 40 percent of the total number of credits required for graduation from the Bastyr University naturopathic medical program in addition to completing of most or all of their clinical work at Bastyr University.
- Transfer applicants who can demonstrate passing of the NPLEX-1 exam may be able to transfer all of the first and second year basic science classes at once without providing syllabi.
Advanced Standing Status Based on Prior Medical Education
Applicants who graduated from accredited chiropractic, medical or osteopathic colleges may be eligible for advanced standing in the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program. Up to one third of the curriculum may be transferred; students must complete at least two-thirds of the program and do all of their clinical work at Bastyr University.
In those instances where the maximum number of advanced standing transfer credits is granted, it will take a minimum of three years (11 quarters) to complete the program. Placement depends upon the amount of coursework completed in the original program, similarity of the course content and credits, age of the courses, and performance in these courses. A student must provide documentation showing that the competencies of the Bastyr University course have been met. Course waivers and/or credit transfers are considered only for those courses in which applicants demonstrate a grade of achieved competence, a C or above, or a 2.0 or above. An exam to determine competency may also be required. Advanced standing applicants must complete all of the course and credit requirements in effect at the time of their enrollment in the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program. Final waiver and/or transfer credit decisions rest with the dean of the school in which the curriculum is taught.
Advanced standing is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the type of degree program completed, the courses taken and the number of years in practice.
Applicants who are eligible for advanced standing must submit a $150 advanced standing evaluation fee after admission to the program.
Applicants who can demonstrate successful completion of the USMLE Step 1 exam, or the equivalent osteopathic exam, within the past seven years may have all the first and second year basic science credits transferred at once, without providing individual course syllabi. However the non-basic science credits are not transferable. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis for those who passed board exams more than seven years ago.
Applicants with coursework taken at an accredited university within the last seven years can apply for transfer credit on a course-by-course basis. Applicants can apply for waiver credit based on their experience. Since students need to pass NPLEX 1, we strongly recommend that they consider the full four-years track. They should start on the four-year track and then petition, course by course, once they are here.
Naturopathic Medicine Dual Degrees
There are a number of degree options that allow students in the naturopathic medicine program to earn a second degree. Students in good standing wishing to pursue a dual degree should realize that adding a second program will extend the time they spend in their original program by a year or more. Most of the dual-degree programs enable graduating with the ND and a master’s degree in a total of five years, if the student stays on track. Students must also maintain good standing in all programs while pursuing multiple degrees. The midwifery degree option is a minimum of six years.
Currently the following programs may be considered: Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, Counseling and Health Psychology, Midwifery, and Public Health. For additional information regarding the dual degrees, please contact the admissions department. A formal application to the individual programs through the admissions department must be completed.
Students with advanced medical training, e.g., DC, DO or MD, must successfully complete the first year of study in their original program before acceptance into a second program.
Naturopathic Medicine Program Curriculum
Program Outcomes
A naturopathic medicine graduate of Bastyr University’s School of Naturopathic Medicine will:
- demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge in both basic biomedical and clinical sciences.
- demonstrate the ability to apply clinical skills in the care of patients to the standards of a primary care naturopathic physician as defined by the profession.
- demonstrate the ability to apply the philosophy and principles of naturopathic medicine in the care of patients.
- demonstrate a commitment to the highest levels of ethics and professionalism by behaving with honesty and integrity in all interactions with patients, their families, other health care professionals, and others they interact with in the course of their professional career.
- demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-informed practice efficiently and effectively in patient-care settings.
Integrated Curriculum Design
The naturopathic medicine program at Bastyr University is taught in a systems-based approach designed to provide integration across scientific disciplines and between biomedical and clinical sciences. This approach fosters the development of critical clinical reasoning through an active learning environment. Naturopathic medical students are expected to be able to preview learning materials and gain a basic understanding before coming to class to apply the information (the “flipped classroom”). The integrated curriculum also takes advantage of hybrid learning in which online educational technology is paired with face-to-face learning, to provide the student with flexible learning time and varied methods of instruction to support different types of learners.
Students entering this program should be comfortable with computer technologies and programs. It is strongly advised that students have a personal computing device with Internet access and the common word processing and associated programs in order to fully participate in hybrid learning.
Basic Sciences
Basic and biomedical science modules within the naturopathic medicine program provide integration across science disciplines and with clinical coursework. First-year basic science modules provide a foundation of core principles in anatomy, histology, embryology, biochemistry and physiology that are integrated in the context of body systems. Second-year modules use the systems approach to integrate the principles of pathology, immunology and infectious diseases. Throughout the curriculum, science concepts are applied to clinical situations through integrated case discussions.
The basic science faculty encourages and expects students to advance beyond the simple learning of scientific facts and to integrate systematically the information from basic science disciplines into a unified model of human organization and function. This educational scheme requires students to assume an active role in the learning process and encourages them to adopt this inquisitive behavior for a lifetime. Problem solving, clinical cases and examples are an integral part of the basic science curriculum. This educational process is an expression of Bastyr University’s basic philosophy of a holistic approach to human behavior, health and therapeutics. The basic science faculty encourages students to become totally absorbed in an integrated approach to learning and understanding. Instructors are readily available to facilitate this process on an individual basis.
The department also offers science courses that satisfy prerequisite requirements, including courses in General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.
Behavioral Medicine
By definition, naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive, whole-person, integrative form of medicine which recognizes the behavioral, socio/cultural/political, cognitive, and emotional factors in health. The emerging field of behavioral medicine views health and illness through an interdisciplinary lens that integrates biomedical, psychosocial and behavioral sciences. The behavioral medicine curriculum within the naturopathic medicine program provides training in the development of the patient-physician therapeutic alliance, understanding of the biological basis of lifestyle change and behavior, the psychosocial factors of chronic disease, the socio-cultural determinants of health, and psychophysiology and mind-body medicine, all within the context of a primary care naturopathic physician. Courses in Behavioral Medicine are offered in conjunction with the Department of Counseling and Health Psychology.
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine is a core modality for naturopathic physicians to use in optimizing the health and well-being of their patients. Medicinal plants have been used as food and medicine by all peoples on all continents. The importance of plants to humans has been recorded in cave paintings 60,000 years old. A contemporary renaissance in herbal medicine weds traditional use and wisdom with modern analytical methodologies for optimal medical applications for today. Empirical knowledge of plant therapeutics is based on Western and holistic thought, rather than reductionist paradigms, and is linked with contemporary scientific knowledge.
The core curriculum in botanical medicine for naturopathic medical students covers fundamental plant identification and nomenclature, pharmacognosy, therapeutic actions, extraction principles, dosage considerations, contraindications, toxicology, herb-drug interactions, clinical applications, and treatment regimens. Clinical therapeutics draw from traditional uses, naturopathic formulae and use, and from international scientific and clinical research, as well as advances in phytotherapy. Herbal medicine making is incorporated into the third-year systems modules, which focus on treatment. Completion of the required curriculum, along with the required clinical experience, prepares the student for effective and safe clinical utilization of preventive and therapeutic botanicals.
A variety of botanical medicine elective and special topic courses are offered to students in the naturopathic medicine program and other programs, along with independent study options.
The Bastyr University Gardens are managed by the botanical medicine department, with support from the University and donations. The gardens are maintained primarily by the garden supervisor, assistant supervisors and work-study students. The botanical medicine department continues to build an herbarium, although the vast University of Washington herbarium is used as one of Bastyr’s teaching venues. The department supports a botanical medicine lab to expand class experience and provide a space for students to continue exploring their work and passion for herbs.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic medicine is a gentle non-toxic therapy that is one of the naturopathic medicine modalities. Homeopathic medicines stimulate a person’s inherent healing mechanisms. The entire range of mental, emotional and physical symptoms is considered with each patient and the remedy is then chosen that addresses the complex pattern of the patient, while emphasizing the uniqueness of the individual.
The homeopathic curriculum at Bastyr University includes the basic principles and philosophy of homeopathy, materia medica of commonly used homeopathic medicines, use of the homeopathic repertory, taking a homeopathic case and homeopathic case analysis. Practical therapeutics for common medical conditions are incorporated into the systems modules in the third year, focused on treatment.
Physical Medicine
Physical medicine is an integral part of naturopathic medicine. It includes various modalities, such as hydrotherapy, osseous and soft-tissue manipulation, sports medicine and therapeutic exercise. The course of study and clinical training in physical medicine enable students to develop a solid foundation for entry into the practice of naturopathic medicine. The curriculum offers sufficient hours in manipulation to satisfy the state of Washington’s licensing requirement as a naturopathic physician.
The physical medicine curriculum begins by teaching students the art of touch and palpation, introduction to basic Swedish massage techniques and soft-tissue manipulation, and then progresses to osseous manipulation.
Summer Massage Intensive
Bastyr University and Bellevue Massage School offer students a summer massage training program that allows them to apply coursework taken at Bastyr University toward the state requirements for massage licensure. This course cannot be audited.
Students interested in further information may meet with their academic advisor in the registrar’s office or with their department’s program supervisor to discuss program availability and the course prerequisites.
Electives Requirements
Students in the naturopathic medicine program are required to complete 8 elective credits (included in the 299.5 credit totals) during their course of study. Up to 3 of these credits may be satisfied by independent study. It is recommended that elective credits be spread out over the length of the student’s program. Courses designated as elective and special topics may fulfill this 8-credit requirement, as well as additional clinic shifts during the student’s clinical training. A maximum of 3 elective credits from any one discipline may be used to satisfy the naturopathic medicine program elective requirement. The rule of a 3-credit maximum does not apply to elective credits being taken to satisfy waived credits. Elective credits covering waived course credits may be from any discipline. A student may take elective credits from any program/department.
Clinical Sciences
Clinical sciences provide training in the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to become a competent naturopathic physician. Systems-based modules use case-based teaching to help students use critical clinical thinking to understand human disease, promote health, and prevent and treat illness. Evidence-informed practice and the naturopathic principles, therapeutic order and fundamentals of health are all part of the identification and management of disease and the obstacles to cure. This includes the traditional “ologies” (pulmonology, gastroenterology, neurology, etc.) as well as diet and nutrient therapy, botanical medicine formulation, clinical pharmacology, diagnostic testing and imaging, and problem-focused physical exam skills.
Clinical Entrance Prerequisites
Questions about didactic prerequisites for clinical ND training should be addressed to the registrar’s office on campus. Students must also have completed TB screening, received a hepatitis B vaccination or signed a waiver, have a current First Aid and CPR card, and submit to a national criminal background check. The criminal background check will be conducted prior to enrolling in clinical shifts. For more information, see “Felony Conviction Disclosure and Background Checks” in the Academic Policy and Procedure Manual.
Clinic Requirements
Students in the four-year program begin clinical training in their first year. Clinical training begins with observation, in which the student follows supervisors through their rotations. The next year clinical training builds to active observation, with clinical skills demonstrated by the student and evaluated by the supervisor. The training supports students to gradually and continually develop and expand their clinical skills and competence throughout their roles as early, intermediate and experienced student clinicians. Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 1,210 hours of clinical training.
Graduation Requirements
The curriculum of the naturopathic medicine program requires completion of 299.5 credits for graduation. This includes 239.5 core course credits, 8 elective credits and 52 clinical credits. Students must achieve competency (grade of AC) in all 299.5 credits required in the curriculum. Students must complete all required clinical competencies in order to graduate. Students must complete at least two-thirds of their credits in residence at Bastyr University.
Naturopathic Medicine Extended Program Tracks
Students who are accepted into the program and decide not to complete the program in four years must choose one of the following approved options:
- Extended Track-Option - Preclinical Option
- Extended Track - Clinical Option
At the time of enrollment, naturopathic medicine students are registered for the four-year track. Students in their preclinical training who wish to change to an extended track must complete the ND change of status form (available in the registrar’s office) and then meet with their registrar advisor, room 259. Changes may affect financial aid packages as well as the sequencing of courses. This five-year track extends the first two years of preclinical training into three years. As long as a student remains on an approved program track, there should be no course scheduling conflicts. Students must remain on track in order to graduate on time. Students may not register off track or ahead of track without approval from the associate academic dean.
The curriculum tables that follow list the tentative schedule of courses each quarter.
Year I
Fall
| BC5142 | Fundamentals of Research Design | 2 |
| BC5150 | Integrated Structure and Function Lecture/Lab | 8.5 |
| BC5151 | Integrated Musculoskeletal Lecture/Lab | 6.5 |
| BC5122L | Gross Human Anatomy 1 Lab | 1 |
| BC5160 | Physiology Seminar 1 | 0.5 |
| BP5400 | Therapeutic Alliance 1 | 1 |
| NM5140 | Constitutional Assessment | 2 |
| NM5141 | Naturopathic Theory and Practice 1 | 2 |
| SN5100 | Clinical Skills Lab 1 | 1 |
| SN5103 | Integrated Case Studies 1 | 1 |
| NM5820 | Clinic Observation 1 | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 26.5 |
BC5142 is offered summer, winter in Kenmore, Washington; fall and winter in San Diego, California
NM5140 is offered summer both in Kenmore and San Diego
NM5820 is offered also in winter or spring
Winter
| BC5123L | Gross Human Anatomy 2 Lab | 1 |
| BC5152 | Integrated Cardiovascular and Immune Systems | 5.5 |
| BC5153 | Integrated Respiratory System | 4.5 |
| BC5154 | Integrated Digestive System | 4.5 |
| BC5161 | Physiology Seminar 2 | 1 |
| BP5401 | Therapeutic Alliance 2 | 1 |
| NM5142 | Naturopathic Theory and Practice 2 | 2 |
| PM5314 | Physical Medicine 1 | 1 |
| PM5314L | Physical Medicine Lab 1 | 1 |
| SN5101 | Clinical Skills Lab 2 | 1 |
| SN5104 | Integrated Case Studies 2 | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 23.5 |
Spring
| BC5124L | Gross Human Anatomy 3 Lab | 1 |
| BC5155 | Integrated Endocrine System and Metabolism | 4.5 |
| BC5156 | Integrated Renal and Reproductive Systems | 4 |
| BC5157 | Integrated Nervous System | 7 |
| BC5162 | Physiology Seminar 3 | 1 |
| BP5402 | Fundamentals of Behavioral Medicine | 2.5 |
| NM5143 | Naturopathic Theory and Practice 3 | 2 |
| PM5316 | Physical Medicine 2 | 1 |
| PM5316L | Physical Medicine Lab 2 | 0.5 |
| SN5102 | Clinical Skills Lab 3 | 1 |
| SN5105 | Integrated Case Studies 3 | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 25.5 |
Year II
Fall
| BC6107 | Integrated Pathology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases 1 | 8 |
| BO6305 | Botanical Medicine Lab | 1 |
| BO6400 | Botanical Materia Medica 1 | 2 |
| BP6300 | Behavioral Medicine Theories & Interventions 1 | 2.5 |
| HO6305 | Homeopathy 1 | 1.5 |
| NM6110 | Naturopathic Theory and Practice 4 | 0.5 |
| NM6310 | Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 1 | 4 |
| NM6315 | Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 1 | 1 |
| NM6320 | Clinical Diagnosis Lab 1 | 1 |
| PM6305 | Physical Medicine 3 | 2 |
| SN6100 | Integrated Case Studies 4 | 0.5 |
| NM6810 | Clinic Observation 2* | 2 |
| TR6312 | Nutrition Principles 1: Assessment, Education and Macronutrients | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 29.0 |
NM6810 is also offered in summer.
Winter
| BC6108 | Integrated Pathology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases 2 | 7 |
| BO6401 | Botanical MateriaMedica 2 | 2 |
| BP6200 | Psychopathology | 2 |
| HO6306 | Homeopathy 2 | 2 |
| NM6111 | Naturopathic Theory and Practice 5 | 0.5 |
| NM6311 | Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 2 | 4 |
| NM6316 | Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 2 | 1 |
| NM6321 | Clinical Diagnosis Lab 2 | 1 |
| PM6306 | Physical Medicine 4 | 3 |
| SN6101 | Integrated Case Studies 5 | 0.5 |
| TR6313 | Nutrition Principles 2: Micronutrients | 2.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 25.5 |
Spring
| BC6109 | Integrated Pathology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases 3 | 6 |
| BC6112 | Medical Pharmacology | 3 |
| BO6402 | Botanical Materia Medica 3 | 2 |
| BP6301 | Behavioral Medicine Theories & Interventions 2 | 2 |
| HO6307 | Homeopathy 3 | 2 |
| NM6112 | Naturopathic Theory and Practice 6 | 0.5 |
| NM6312 | Naturopathic Clinical Diagnosis 3 | 4 |
| NM6317 | Physical Exam Diagnosis Lab 3 | 1 |
| NM6322 | Clinical Diagnosis Lab 3 | 1 |
| NM6325 | Fundamentals of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging | 2 |
| NM6820 | Clinic Entrance Assessment | |
| PM6310 | Physical Medicine 5 | 2 |
| SN6102 | Integrated Case Studies 6 | 0.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 26.0 |
Year III
Summer
| BO7400 | Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 1 | 0.5 |
| NM7111 | Coding and Billing | 1 |
| NM7326 | Medical Procedures 1 Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| NM7332 | Clinical Pharmacology 1 | 0.5 |
| NM7347 | Pediatric Therapeutics 1 | 0.5 |
| NM7355 | Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal System | 3 |
| NM7403 | Diet and Nutrient Therapy 1 | 0.5 |
| PM7309 | Physical Medicine 6 | 2 |
| Clinic Rotation (1) | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 |
Fall
| BO7306 | Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 2 | 1 |
| BP7300 | Naturopathic Approaches to Addictions | 2 |
| HO7300 | Homeopathy 4 | 1.5 |
| NM7333 | Clinical Pharmacology 2 | 0.5 |
| NM7346 | Maternity and Pediatrics | 4.5 |
| NM7348 | Pediatric Therapeutics 2 | 1 |
| NM7356 | Endocrine System Therapeutics | 3.5 |
| NM7357 | Mental Health and Nervous System | 4 |
| NM7365 | Advanced Case Studies 1 | 0.5 |
| NM7404 | Diet and Nutrient Therapy 2 | 1 |
| PM7311 | Physical Medicine 7 | 2 |
| NM8801 | Preceptorship 1 | 1 |
| Clinic Rotation (1) | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24.5 |
Winter
| BO7307 | Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 3 | 1 |
| HO7301 | Homeopathy 5 | 1 |
| NM7142 | Critical Evaluation of the Medical Literature | 2 |
| NM7330 | Healing Systems | 1 |
| NM7334 | Clinical Pharmacology 3 | 0.5 |
| NM7338 | Environmental Medicine | 1.5 |
| NM7349 | Pediatric Therapeutics 3 | 1.5 |
| NM7358 | Cardiovascular Therapeutics | 3.5 |
| NM7359 | Respiratory Therapeutics | 2 |
| NM7360 | Digestive Therapeutics | 2.5 |
| NM7366 | Advanced Case Studies 2 | 0.5 |
| NM7405 | Diet and Nutrient Therapy 3 | 2.5 |
| Clinic Rotation (1 or 2) | 2-4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21.5-23.5 |
NM7142 is also offered spring quarter.
Spring
| BO7308 | Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 4 | 1 |
| NM7113 | Jurisprudence | 1 |
| NM7335 | Clinical Pharmacology 4 | 0.5 |
| NM7350 | Pediatric Therapeutics 4 | 1.5 |
| NM7361 | Renal System Therapeutics | 1.5 |
| NM7362 | Urology and Male Reproductive | 1 |
| NM7363 | Urology and Female Reproductive | 3.5 |
| NM7364 | EENT Therapeutics | 2 |
| NM7367 | Advanced Case Studies 3 | 0.5 |
| NM7406 | Diet and Nutrient Therapy 4 | 2 |
| Clinic Rotation (1 or 2) | 2-4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16.5-18.5 |
Year IV
Summer
| BO8302 | Botanical Medicine Formulation Lab 5 | 0.5 |
| NM8300 | lntegumentary System Therapeutics | 2 |
| NM8301 | Clinical Pharmacology 5 | 0.5 |
| NM8310 | Medical Procedures 2 Lecture/Lab | 2 |
| NM8313 | Advanced Case Studies 4 | 0.5 |
| NM8320 | Pediatric Therapeutics 5 | 0.5 |
| NM8411 | Diet and Nutrient Therapy 5 | 0.5 |
| Clinic Rotation (4) | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14.5 |
Fall
| NM8100 | Advanced Medical Ethics | 0.5 |
| NM8105 | Advanced Business Practices 1 | 2 |
| NM8316 | Advanced Topics in Public Health | 1 |
| NM8317 | Advanced Topics in Geriatric Medicine | 2 |
| NM8815 | Grand Rounds 1 | 1 |
| NM8802 | Preceptorship 2 | 1 |
| Clinic Rotation (4) | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15.5 |
Winter
| NM8106 | Advanced Business Practices 2 | 0.5 |
| NM8311 | Rheumatologic Disorders | 2 |
| NM8318 | Advanced Topics in Clinical Ecology | 1 |
| NM8319 | Advanced Topics in Oncology | 2.5 |
| NM8816 | Grand Rounds 2 | 1 |
| Clinic Rotation (4) | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15.0 |
Spring
| NM8817 | Grand Rounds 3 | 1 |
| NM8803 | Preceptorship 3 | 1 |
| Clinic Rotation (4) | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Summary of Clinic Requirements
NM7820-29, NM8830-37, PM7801-2, PM8801-2: Quarterly shift assignments are based on availability.
Elective Requirements
| Elective & Special Topics | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Curriculum and course changes in the 2018-2019 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2018-2019 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.
Total Requirements
| |
Credits |
Clock hours |
| Total Core Course Credits |
239.5 |
3008.5
|
| Total Elective Credits |
8 |
88
|
| Total Clinic Credits |
52 |
1210 |
| Total Requirements |
299.5 |
4306.50 |