ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program at SCNM follows a prescribed curriculum. All academic credit is computed in quarter hours. Each credit equals 12 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of clinical clerkship, or 12 hours of laboratory work. Quarters at SCNM are designated as fall, winter, spring, and summer. All students are guided by the curriculum as outlined in the annual SCNM catalog and approved by the Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, President’s Council, and Executive Council. SCNM reserves the right to make curriculum changes that are applicable to all students, if necessary. Students may not take classes in advance of their program, nor exceed the predetermined number of clinical clerkships as outlined in the Clinical Handbook, without the approval of the Academic Progress Committee. If a student stays on track with the program, taking all courses as they are offered in sequence in the curriculum, students can expect to graduate within 14 consecutive quarters, or four calendar years.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The program of study is reflected in academic years. For the purposes of financial aid, an academic year is a sequence of a minimum of three quarters. A calendar year, different than the academic year, is four quarters. The ND program is designed to be completed in four calendar years. The program meets or exceeds the minimum required credit/clock hours of instruction set by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).

FIRST CALENDAR YEAR

The first calendar year (quarters 1-3) begins with the basic medical science curriculum in the study of normal structures and functions of the body, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. This material is organized by systems and taught in an integrative block. Courses in naturopathic modalities, history, and philosophy are introduced. Introduction to clinical practice includes clinical experiences with standardized patients and opportunities to participate in field observation. Field observation opportunities allow students to shadow physicians in private practice.

SECOND CALENDAR YEAR

The second calendar year (quarters 4-7) continues the basic medical science curriculum and focuses on the body’s pathological transitions through disease, along with clinical recognition of these processes using physical, clinical, and lab diagnosis. Courses in research and the naturopathic modalities such as nutrition, mind-body medicine, homeopathy, and Oriental medicine are expanded during the second year.

THIRD AND FOURTH CALENDAR YEARS

In the final two calendar years (quarters 8-14), clinical methods of naturopathic medicine are presented and expanded both in the classroom and the clinical setting. Students have the opportunity to work with various patient populations at the Medical Center and the College’s eight community clinics. In the final academic year of the program, the student concentrates on clinical training and takes fewer didactic credits.