NEW PROGRAM: Medical Ayurveda at Sonoran University. Learn More

Accredited & Nationally Recognized

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree

Where Medicine and Innovation Meet.


Sonoran University has the only accredited, full-time, four-year doctor of naturopathic medicine degree program in the Southwest. Our innovative curriculum consists of rigorous academic study and extensive supervised clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including our on-site Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine. The Neil Riordan Center is the first and only integrative pain center on a naturopathic medical school campus. The Center is a leader in opioid-free options for living pain free including acupuncture, applied kinesiology, bio modulator, cold laser, neuro bio feedback, injection therapies and more.

In addition to exposure to the widest scope of naturopathic therapies, you will also learn the same basic sciences through a body systems format, similar to conventional medical programs. Plus, you’ll be qualified to sit for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX).

 

 

Learn More Today!

“I realized how the current conventional medical system is more of symptom management rather than addressing the actual cause of disease. I chose naturopathic medicine after being a nurse for 8 years.”


Aaron B.
Sonoran University of Health Sciences
College of Naturopathic Medicine student

Is Naturopathic Medicine for Me?

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ND vs. MD/DO

Naturopathic Doctors

Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers who diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, while addressing disease and dysfunction from the root cause. Naturopathic physicians utilize natural therapies such as physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and injection therapy. Many naturopathic physicians also can prescribe pharmaceuticals.

Medical & Osteopathic Doctors

Medical doctors (MD/DO) are a physician, specialist or surgeon who takes a biological approach to wellness. They usually treat urgent and acute symptoms, dealing with disease by relieving symptoms of illness. Prescription medications and more invasive treatments, such as surgery, are typical approaches for the cases these providers see.

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Primary Care Training

ND MD/DO
Medical Assessment and Diagnosis Yes Yes
Patient Management Yes Yes
Communication and Collaboration Yes Yes
Professionalism Yes Yes
Career Development and Practice Management Yes Yes
Systems-based Practice Yes Yes
Practice-based Learning, Research and Scholarship Yes Yes
Source: https://aanmc.org/comparing-nd-md-curricula/
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Requirements & Coursework

ND MD/DO
Years of Undergraduate Medical Education 4 4
Two Years of Classroom Instruction Yes Yes
Average Credits First Two Years 191 91
Minimum Hours of Clinical Training/Clerkship (before residency) 1200 1760
Department of Education Accreditation Yes Yes
Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Neuroanatomy, Embryology, Histology, Pharmacology) Yes Yes
Pharmaceutical Training Yes Yes
Clinical Judgment/Problem-Solving Skills Yes Yes
Cultural Competence and Health Care Disparities/Societal Problems Yes Yes
Medical Ethics Yes Yes
Communication and Inter-professional Collaboration Yes Yes
Scientific Method/Clinical Research Yes Yes
Years in Residency Training 1-3 (Optional) 3
Lifestyle Counseling Yes No
Botanical Medicine Yes No
Physical Medicine and Hydrotherapy Yes Yes (DO only)
Nutrition 100-220 Hours 0-70 Hours
Source: https://aanmc.org/comparing-nd-md-curricula/
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Professional Pathway Options

ND MD/DO
Interprofessional Outpatient Clinics Yes Yes
Concierge or Telemedicine Practice Yes Yes
Non-profit and Underserved Community Clinics Yes Yes
Administration / Legislation Yes Yes
Research Yes Yes
Academia/Education Yes Yes
Supplement and Natural Products Industry Yes Yes
Entrepreneurship/Private Business Yes Yes
Hospital System Some instances Yes
Pharmaceutical Industry No Yes
Source: https://aanmc.org/comparing-nd-md-curricula/

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College of Naturopathic Medicine


Admissions Representatives


Let’s talk about your next steps!