National University offers a comprehensive classical curriculum
in traditional naturopathic medicine while preparing you to become
a first-contact, primary-care doctor. You'll be uniquely prepared
for the real world of health care today through learning in our
integrative medicine environment. You'll graduate with the skill
and confidence you need to not only practice, but to succeed and
excel as a naturopathic physician.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care focused
on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. It is
dedicated to nature's healing powers and is distinguished by
principles that underlie and determine its practice. These six
principles are: First Do No Harm, Treat the Whole Person, Identify
and Treat the Causes, The Healing Power of Nature, Doctor as
Teacher and Promoting Wellness.
Naturopathic Philosophy
At National University, there is a focus on teaching
traditional naturopathic philosophy and clinical theory rather than
simply naturopathic methods and modalities. Naturopathic philosophy
focuses on treating the individual, not simply the disease or
diagnosis, and treating holistically which means looking at all the
factors that comprise health with the ultimate goal of restoring
balance and supporting the natural healing process.
Naturopathic Treatments
Naturopathic physicians are highly trained
practitioners who utilize traditional and modern therapies
to manage a broad range of health conditions. Treatment
modalities can include nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy,
and minor surgery. National University ND students
are extensively trained as thorough diagnosticians to
identify the appropriate treatment for their patients.
Naturopathic Careers
The field of naturopathic medicine continues to
grow with more than 5,000 practicing physicians in North America, a
number that has tripled in the last 10 years. At National
University, our ND graduates have trained
alongside students from the chiropractic and oriental medicine
programs and are therefore well prepared for careers in today's
increasingly integrated health care environments.
Naturopathic Medicine Licensure
To practice as a naturopathic physician in the U.S. or Canada,
students must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam
(NPLEX) conducted by the North American Board of
Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). They must also apply for
licensure in the state or province in which they plan to practice.
Students are responsible for familiarity with the state's or
province's scope of practice and licensing and renewal requirements
through their state, provincial or territorial licensing
board.
The professional organization representing naturopathic
physicians in the U.S. is the American Association of
Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). In Canada, the national
association is the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
(CAND).

Program Overview
Our Curriculum
You can earn your Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree in as
little as 10 trimesters. Students attend school year round and may
complete the program in three years and four months. National
University's distinctive and innovative curriculum
provides you with a comprehensive base in human biology and anatomy
and extensive hands-on training in diagnosis and treatment--we
train you to think like a physician.
You will also have a strong emphasis in physical medicine,
homeopathy, nutrition, research and business. The naturopathic
program is a three phase program.
Phase I, Basic Sciences
- One full year of anatomy and physiology in our anatomy lab
- Perform complete human dissection rather than learning by
prosection or virtual instruction
Phase II, Clinical Sciences
- Learn how to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of
ailments
- Explore advanced homeopathy and botanical medicine courses
- Gain valuable business knowledge on how to ethically promote
and market your practice
Phase III, Clinical Practice
- Experience your internship through one of a variety of clinical
opportunities
Learn more about the program's curriculum by viewing:
You may also explore our Flex Track
schedules which allow students wishing to go at a slower
pace to take a reduced course load each trimester.
Broad-Scope, Patient-Centered Care
We prepare our students to evaluate and address the full range
of factors affecting human health. You'll learn to diagnose and
treat each of your patients based on a thorough evaluation of their
unique health history and profile. You won't base your care on just
one symptom or one type of treatment, instead you'll learn to think
in terms of "whole health healing." You'll draw from a wide range
of healing modalities and work together with experts from other
medical fields whenever it will benefit your patient.
Accreditation
National University's Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program
was granted accreditation by the Council on Naturopathic Medical
Education (CNME) on October 13, 2012. Accreditation status allows
NUHS graduates to sit for the NPLEX examinations which are the
gateway to practice in licensed states.
National University is also a member of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic
Medical Colleges, which was established to propel and foster
the naturopathic medical profession by actively supporting the
academic efforts of accredited and recognized schools of
naturopathic medicine.
Strengths
Consider National University for its distinct advantages and be
well-prepared for the career that awaits you.
Integrative Learning
Students learn in the classroom with students in other health
programs, as well as treat patients collaboratively within an
integrative clinic. National University's focus on collaborative
learning encourages students to become colleagues rather than
competitors. This better prepares them for future careers in
today's integrated health care. Additionally, NUHS students can
expand their career credentials through enrolling in dual degree programs.
Naturopathic Philosophy
The Naturopathic program at National University emphasizes the
teaching and application of the principles of Naturopathic
philosophy and clinical theory, not simply Naturopathic
therapies.
We train students to focus on whole health healing and to treat
the individual rather than the disease. This includes looking for
underlying imbalances and supporting the natural healing process
through holistic treatments.
Basic Science Curriculum
At National University, the rigorous basic science coursework
provides a foundation for applying the biomedical sciences to
understanding the evolution of patient conditions and engineering a
plan that will help them return to health. These solid basic
sciences also support the student in becoming a well-versed
diagnostician.
Clinical theory courses, early in the curriculum, and continued
through the program, aid students in applying the basic science
knowledge they are acquiring to the understanding of the root
causes of disease, and symptoms. A couple great example is our
Basic Science Applications: Determinants of Health and Applied
Clinical Theory.
Homeopathy Instructors
Our homeopathy instructors offer some of the best instruction in
homeopathy that you will find in North America. They combine their
dedication to teaching homeopathy according to its basic principles
along with a vast clinical experience, and a total commitment to
mentoring students. In addition, you can choose a specialty
rotation in homeopathic medicine during your clinical
internship.
Campus Location and Facilities
National University is conveniently located 15 miles from the city of Chicago with
easy access by car or Metra train. Students come from across the
country and internationally, creating a diverse student body.
In our Hydrotherapy suite, students treat
patients using the therapeutic benefits of water. Our fully stocked
herbal
dispensary carries a wide variety of homeopathic remedies,
botanical medicines, tinctures and herbs. ND students also
experience botanical herb cultivation in the NUHS Botanical
Garden.
Students are taught in modern classrooms utilizing
state-of-the-art technology such as SMART boards. Our gross anatomy
laboratory housing over 40 human cadavers, allows you to learn
by hands-on dissection rather than prosection or virtual
instruction. In addition to hands-on dissection, NUHS offers The Anatomage
Table, today's most technologically advanced digital
visualization system for anatomy education. Active learning
continues in our Training and Assessment
Center where you will work with "standardized patients" to
develop your clinical and communication skills. Learn more about our
facilities »
Internships
Each ND student serves a full year clinical internship
and National University offers many exciting internship
options.
At the National University Whole Health Center, you'll learn
first-hand how to practice under clinical supervision. You'll have
access to professionals from other specialties, as well as our Diagnostic
imaging Center.
You'll complete your clinical experience at our on-campus
Whole Health Center in Lombard and provide care for the homeless and
medically underserved at the
Salvation Armn clinic. Additionally, National
University is committed to developing new internship opportunities
in various states and locations that will provide students with
exposure to a diverse patient population.
During your internship phase you will also participate in weekly
Grand Rounds,
where students and experts share knowledge, research, and
experience on various patient conditions.
Postgraduate Programs
After graduation, students may pursue a number of postprofessional programs
such as our master's and residency programs or select from a
variety of continuing education
classes offered.
Additionally, there are many exciting residency
programs offered nationwide for ND graduates. NUHS grads are
accepted into many of the most prestigious residencies, such as
those at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Other Program Opportunities
Dual Degrees
Students also have the option to earn a second degree (DC, MSOM or MSAc) through dual
enrollment, increasing their knowledge and skill as a
practitioner and broadening practice opportunities. Due to the
shared courses between the programs, there will be a reduction of
the total number of hours needed to complete the second degree.
Students are not eligible until the third trimester of their
initial or primary program of study.
Advanced Scholars Program
Through NUHS' bachelor
of science program, you can earn a BS degree and a ND degree in
less time and at less cost by enrolling in the Advanced Scholars Program.
Your first year in the ND program will count toward both degrees,
giving you the chance to finish both a BS and ND degree in 6.5
years.
UWS/NUHS Collaborative Program
National University and University of Western States offer a
special collaborative program whereby
DC students and graduates from UWS will automatically receive
advanced standing in our ND program allowing students to earn their
ND degree in a shorter time frame and with substantial cost
savings.
Homeopathic Medicine Rotation
The Naturopathic Medicine Program includes the study of
homeopathy, and provides
opportunities to hone skills learned in the classroom. Students
are required to complete one constitutional case in the NUHS Whole
Health Center, and also have the opportunity to supplement their
studies through optional observations and scheduling additional
constitutional cases.
A homeopathy
rotation through the Center for Integral Health (CIH) provides
students with the experience of working with patients under direct
supervision and expand their knowledge of homeopathic modalities.
Students are eligible to earn primary hours for direct patient
care, such as conducting intakes and follow-ups with patients, and
secondary hours for observing the management of acute and chronic
homeopathic cases.
Student Research
Our evidence-based curriculum includes opportunities to work on
research projects independently, or alongside faculty research
mentors.
Jonathan
Otten - ND Student
Jonathan co-authored an article on how vitamin D affects the
health of the central nervous system. He worked with faculty member
Dr. Daniel
Richardson, and saw his article published in The Original
Internist.
Darius
Lembert - ND Student
Darius co-authored an article on abnormal postural changes in
children with cerebral palsy that was published in the
international journal, The Medical Science Monitor.
See more student research success
stories »