The value of an SCNM education
SCNM has the most progressive and integrative naturopathic medical degree program available. We are considered the leader in naturopathic medical education and naturopathic medical research.

The beauty of the SCNM campus and surroundings
If you haven’t visited SCNM in person, take our virtual tour, and make plans to come to SCNM soon.

SCNM grads go on to great things
A comprehensive, supportive and aggressive Career Center with access to over 100+ physicians and companies give SCNM students an edge on high paying career opportunities. Our Career Center boasts the record for assisting in placing over 60% of all graduating physicians prior to graduation.

What are the strengths of the curriculum?
Southwest College's curriculum is science based and comprehensive. It offers a solid foundation in the basic sciences and features several required courses in every naturopathic modality. What does this mean? Students are educated in all modalities and methods of treatment, including botanical and homeopathic medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, manipulation and mind/body medicine. Therefore, a student is educated to be a manager of integrated naturopathic medical care.

Where do students gain direct clinic experience and exposure to patients?
The Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center, located five miles north of the main campus in Scottsdale, provides students with an integrative approach to medicine while encompassing natural philosophies and emphasizing the practical information necessary to establish a successful practice. In addition, students have available to them over 100 elective-site and extended site experiences in clinical training, which currently reach over 50,000 members in the community. Clinical experiences with NDs, MDs and DOs are available, as well as exposure to clinics specializing in geriatrics, general practice family medicine, cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, women's health care, allergy treatment and a mobile medical unit that travels to lower income communities.

Our new Medical Center also embodies true health and environmental consciousness with all natural carpet fibers, recycled materials and non-toxic paint and building materials. This ''green clinic'' sets a good example for clinical training students and patients.

Is location important?
Absolutely. Your years in medical school should provide you with more than just a solid education, they should provide you with opportunities for personal growth, human interaction and professional exposure. An eclectic student population, cultural diversity, and a healthy relationship with the local health care community are true measures of a medical program's potential.

Southwest College is situated in a residential neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona. As a suburb of Phoenix, Tempe enjoys close proximity to the mountains, desert and many recreational and cultural facilities. In addition to a beautiful sunny climate, Arizona enjoys the widest scope of practice for naturopathic physicians within the United States, providing for an excellent learning environment and laboratory for students. One of the largest benefits of Arizona's scope of practice includes increasing opportunities to work within a model integrated health care system.

Describe Southwest College's faculty including the average student/faculty ratios.
Southwest College has recruited and retained nationally renowned clinicians and leaders to its faculty. Students are challenged in the classroom by some of the best clinicians in the country. In addition, Southwest College offers excellent student/faculty ratios. The student/faculty ratio is 14/1, while our student/clinician ratio is 6/1. Southwest College has made an effort to limit class sizes and expand clinical training opportunities to maintain these outstanding ratios.

Is technology used to enhance the learning environment?
At Southwest College, the Career Specialist and Career Center provide the tools and resources necessary in preparing and assisting graduates in finding the career opportunity of their dreams. Yes, Southwest College is on the cutting edge of technology in the classroom. Rooms are equipped with multi-media LCD, video and internet access to enhance student and instructor course experience. Online course notes and information are also available to students as an additional resource. Computers and software are available for student use in the College Library and at the Medical Center.

What about research?
The SCNM Research Department conducts complementary, integrative biomedical research. Research collaborations with other academic and medical institutions are fostered through interdisciplinary projects. The research environment at SCNM promotes career development opportunities for future research in complementary/alternative medicine. The IRB at SCNM is registered with the Department of Health and Human Services.

What is Southwest College's philosophy?
Southwest College prepares students to become naturopathic physicians trained and educated in the principles of naturopathic medicine. We serve the public by providing quality education, research and natural medical care in the science and art of health promotion, disease management and prevention based upon these principles. We take pride in offering our students an elite and attentive learning environment. Southwest College promotes education through innovation, integration and collaboration.

Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation makes an overall statement about the quality and legitimacy of a college or a program. Southwest College is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, the accrediting agency for naturopathic colleges in the U.S. and Canada. Southwest College is also regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

Is naturopathic medicine a good career choice?
Yes, wanting to become a naturopathic physician is an excellent decision. A career as a naturopathic physician is exciting, challenging and personally and financially rewarding. Now is an excellent time to enter the profession. Naturopathic medicine is gaining increased recognition and respect within the health care community, and naturopathic physicians are experiencing a strong and growing patient base.

So, which naturopathic medical school is right for me?
That decision is ultimately up to you. Where you decide to pursue your naturopathic medical degree will be a decision that impacts the rest of your professional career. We feel confident that Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine offers the most innovative and integrative education available to those who wish to become naturopathic physicians. Contact us to find out how you can become a part of the Southwest College community today.

480.858.9100 or fill out our online request form.