Pre-Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic doctors are educated and trained in accredited naturopathic medical colleges. They diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illnesses to restore and establish optimal health by supporting the person's inherent self-healing process. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors work to identify underlying causes of illness and develop personalized treatment plans to address them.
Admission to Naturopathic Medical School
Requirements can vary by school, but generally, most naturopathic medical schools require one year of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics with labs, designed for science majors. Many schools also require math, biochemistry, psychology and other social sciences. You should speak with a PPAC advisor and consult the admissions literature for the specific requirements at each school in which you are interested.
Most naturopathic physician programs do not require a specific major, just that you complete an undergraduate degree. Therefore, you may major in almost anything. You should consider a major that you enjoy, in which you will perform well and may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to naturopathic medical school.
- Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
- General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
- Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
- Physics I and II with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L
- Psychology: PSYC 1001
Not common.
Most students accepted to naturopathic medical school have a GPA of approximately 3.3 or higher. It is particularly important that you perform well in your science courses (biology, chemistry, physics and math).
Most schools require three letters of recommendation. Be prepared to secure a recommendation from at least one naturopathic physician and one professor.
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Things to Consider Before Going Pre-NaturopathicMedicine
While a career in the field of naturopathic medicine can be a rewarding choice, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pursue the pre-naturopathic medicine route.
- The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
- Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for naturopathic medical school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
- Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
- If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.
For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college level work depends on ability, preparation, motivation, organization, and how well you learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-naturopathic medicine student demands tenacity and stamina.
Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Commons.
Having a parallel plan or alternative option to naturopathic medicine school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to find your alternative career path.
How to Get Started
Preparing for admission to professional schools requires careful long-term planning and accurate information. The PPAC specializes in providing students with necessary information and helping them develop good planning skills. Our staff can provide you with help through each step of the way, including course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and ways to get experience in professional settings.
To get started or learn more, register for a Pre-Health Introduction Workshop.