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 graduates 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 ten years. At National University naturopathic
students are uniquely trained with students from the
chiropractic and oriental medicine programs and are therefore well
prepared for careers in today's increasingly integrated health care
environments.
You can earn your Doctor of Naturopathic degree in as little as ten trimesters. Students attend school year round and may complete the program in three years and four months. Trimesters are divided into three phases: Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Clinical Practice.
Integrative Medicine
We believe in bringing together professionals from a broad range of medical specialties for the benefit of patients and the health care industry as a whole.
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.
Outstanding Facilities
Students are taught in modern classrooms utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as SMART boards. Well-equipped laboratories, such as our gross anatomy laboratory housing over 40 human cadavers, allow you to learn by hands-on dissection rather than prosection or virtual instruction. Active learning continues in our Training and Assessment Center where you will work with "standardized patients" to develop your clinical and communication skills.
Accreditation
National University's Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program was granted full 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.
Consider National University for its distinct advantages and be well-prepared for the career that awaits you.
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 and
becoming a well-versed diagnostician.
Clinical theory courses, early in the curriculum, aid students in applying the basic science knowledge they are acquiring to the understanding of the root causes of disease, and symptoms. A great example is our Basic Science Applications: Determinants of Health.
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.
Collaborative Learning Opportunities
National University's institutional focus is on collaborative
learning. Learn alongside first-professional students in
our Chiropractic and Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine programs allows
students to view each other as colleagues rather than
competitors.
Geographic Location and Diversity
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.
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
Phase II, Clinical Sciences
Phase III, Clinical Practice
Six Competencies
At National University, we base our entire curriculum for
all professional degrees on helping students achieve what we have
identified as the Six Competencies. The Six Competencies
provide a comprehensive education in health care that will benefit
our graduates in their future professional careers.
Distinctive Curriculum
View trimester-by-trimester courses, course descriptions,
and the course schedule. Learn more »
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 and MRI Center.
Your clinical experience can be completed at our on-campus Whole Health Center in Lombard, at two non-profit clinics in Chicago or in our suburban Naperville clinic. Observations are also available to ND interns at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America location in Zion, IL.
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.
Post Graduate Programs
After graduation, students may pursue a number of post-professional
programs such as our masters and residency programs or the wide
variety of continuing education classes offered.