Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences selects candidates for admission who exhibit the necessary motivation, intelligence, perseverance and character essential for physicians. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, occupational history, professional potential, maturity, concern for others, and previous experience with and knowledge of natural medicine.

Admission Requirements
Prospective students who wish to enter the degree program must complete and submit the following general admission requirements:

1. Completed a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) prior to matriculation.  Total post-secondary course work must meet a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be completed at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university on the list entitled, "Accredited Institutions of Post-Secondary Education," authorized and published by the American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle, N.W. Washington D.C. 20036.
2. Completed the following academic prerequisite course work with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university prior to matriculation into the N.D. program.(Applicants with science courses older than 7 years must demonstrate competency in the discipline(s) in question to the Admissions Office and will be evaluated on a case by case basis).
   
   Academic Prerequisite Course Work:
   • 12 semester credits in Biology with lab (course must be at science major level)
   • 8 semester credits in Chemistry with lab (course must be at science major level)
   • 4 semester credits in Organic Chemistry (w/lab)
   • One college level course in Physics is required. Course must be algebra based, lab is optional. It is highly recommended that course content include mechanics, vectors, electricity, thermal physics, and fluid statics and dynamics.
   • 6 semester credits in Psychology (Developmental Psychology is recommended.)
   • 6 semester credits in English (3 credits must be in English Composition.)
   • 6 semester credits in Humanities (Philosophy, religious studies, fine arts, history, foreign languages, women's studies, performing arts).

   The above list indicates minimum requirements but it should not be inferred that admission is guaranteed for any applicant who meets them.

3. Knowledge of computers and access to a reliable computer and software for use in completing college course work.  For more information, contact the Admissions Office
4. Three Letters of Recommendation: One from an undergraduate or graduate academic reference, one from a work-experience (occupational) reference and one from a health care provider or personal reference. Letters and forms must be mailed directly from the reference to Southwest College.
5. Submission of Application and Application Review.  Following receipt of all required materials and credentials (see Application for Admission), the Admissions Office will contact those applicants selected to interview with the Admissions Committee.  The Admissions Committee will review applications, interview candidates for admission and make admission decisions.

Need to enroll in a prerequisite course? You can also click here for a list of all the classes offered at the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Application for Admission
Applications for admission may be requested from the Southwest College Admissions Office at 480.858.9100 or by clicking here. Applications may be accepted as early as one year prior to the anticipated date of enrollment.  We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible for admission.  The deadline for submitting an application is February 1 for the fall class and December 1 for the spring class. Admission is offered on a space available basis. Prospective students who wish to enter the ND degree program must complete the application materials and meet all application requirements outlined here:

1. Application form
2. Non-refundable application fee $65.00.
3. Three letters of recommendation mailed directly to the College
   • one academic (may use continuing education),
   • one occupational,
   • one health care/personal.
4. Personal Essay
5. Professional Resume
6. Proof of admission prerequisite course work through official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
7. In person interview (Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the Admissions Office)

International applicants must satisfy these additional application requirements:

1. International transcript evalution/translation by professional International Transcript Service (required for all foreign course-work)A Financial Guarantee form, providing adequate resources to cover anticipated cost of study
2. A score of at least 550 on the written Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) (or 213 on computer test)

For additional information for international applicants click here.

Additional Recommended Work for Applicants Considering the ND Program

In addition to the academic prerequisite course work, highly recommended course work includes Biochemistry, Medical Terminology.  Developmental Psychology, Nutrition, Genetics, Biomedical Ethics, Computers, College Algebra, Statistics, Philosophy of Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Embryology, Plant Identification, Latin and Spanish.