Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Southwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic MedicineSouthwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

APPLY TO SCNM

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) is committed to attracting high-caliber students who exhibit motivation, intelligence, perseverance, and the potential to become excellent practitioners. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, occupational history, professional potential, level of maturity, concern for others, and previous experience and knowledge of Naturopathic medicine. Accepted students should possess communication skills, an ability to establish positive relationships, maturity and integrity, and must demonstrate a commitment to Naturopathic medicine.

This page contains instructions for applying for admission to SCNM’s Naturopathic Physician (ND) program, including admission requirements and application forms. If you should have any questions, please call us at 480.858.9100 or toll-free at 888.882.SCNM (7266).

Request Admissions Information

If you have not yet received application information from SCNM, please fill out our online request form and we will be happy to mail you information on SCNM’s program, including admission information.

Admission Application Deadlines

SCNM accepts application on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled. Application deadlines are as follows. Candidates who have selected SCNM as their first choice are encouraged to apply on or before the early decision date. If you have missed a deadline, please contact the Admissions Office to see if space is still available.

Are you prepared to enter naturopathic medical school?

Read this article, co-authored by SCNM’s Dean of Faculty and Curriculum Development, Becky B. Clark, Ed.D., in the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions’ (NAAHP) “The Advisor” to learn more about ND pre-competencies and competencies.

Winter Start (early January)

Early Decision: March 1 (the year prior)
Priority Deadline: July 1 (the year prior)

Fall Start (late September)

Early Decision: November 1 (the year prior)
Priority Deadline: February 1 (the year prior) Still accepting applications through August 15, 2012

 

Application Information

SCNM participates in the ND Centralized Application Service (NDCAS). Applications for admission are only accepted through NDCAS (forms availible on NDCAS).

Application Requirements

Prospective students who wish to enter the ND degree program must complete the application materials and meet all application requirements outlined here:

  1. Application through NDCAS
  2. Non-Refundable application fee $115.00
  3. Three letters of recommendation mailed directly to NDCAS
    • one academic reference
    • one reference from a regulated health care professional
    • one additional reference from either of the above categories or a past employer/volunteer supervisor
  4. Personal Essays (Questions found within Application)
  5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Professional Resume
  6. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, showing completion of SCNM Academic Requirements
  7. If accepted into to the ND program you will be required to obtain and read Medical Terminology: A Short Course, 5th Edition By Davi-Ellen Chabner, BA, MAT prior to New Student Orientation. An examination on medical terminology will be administered to all new students at Orientation.
Academic Requirements

All prospective students who wish to enter the ND 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. To search for your institution in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of Accredited postsecondary institutions visit www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

  1. Complete the following academic prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university prior to matriculation into the ND program. (Applicants with science courses older than seven (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:

o 12 semester credits in Biology with labs (course must be at science major level)

o 8 semester credits in Chemistry with labs (course must be at science major level)

o 4 semester credits in Organic Chemistry with lab

o One college level course in Physics (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.)

o 6 semester credits in Psychology (Developmental Psychology is recommended.)

o 6 semester credits in English (3 credits must be in English Composition.)

o 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. Interested in taking additional prerequisite coursework to strengthen your application? Click here.

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.

Online Application Through NDCAS

Applicants will submit applications online via NDCAS

How do I use NDCAS?

NDCAS is an online application that allows you to submit a single application online (including one set of transcripts, essays and reference letters) to the naturopathic college of your choice. You can monitor your application's progress and status, and ask for assistance through the NDCAS helpline during business hours. The NDCAS application may be completed all at once or over multiple sittings. The application fee is payable online and is $115 for the first application and $40 for each additional college application.

To apply to SCNM, go to NDCAS. Once you have created your NDCAS account, we encourage you to complete the program designation section first and identify SCNM. This allows SCNM to have access to your information so that we can assist you through the application process and send you updates on scholarship opportunities, interview dates and other important information.    

 

Additional Types of Application

Other types of applications may hold additional application requirements.

International Application Process

Information for International applicants click here.

Transfer Application Process

Information for transfer applications, click here.

Re-Application Process

Applicants who have submitted a full application for admission to SCNM within the past 12 months are eligible to submit a re-application. This includes applicants who were denied admission to SCNM or who wish to renew their application. The following items must be received by the Admissions Office to be considered for re-application:

Complete the re-application form.

  • Non refundable re-application fee
  • Official transcripts for any course work completed since original application

One additional letter of recommendation

  • Essay

Applicants for re-application must complete the interview process and all other prerequisites for admission.

Applications to SCNM will stay active (on file) for no more than one year. After this time, an applicant must reapply for admission by submitting a full application packet (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and fees), meet new admission requirements (if applicable), and participate in the interview cycle.

Good luck! Please contact your admissions representative if you have any questions or technical difficulties at 480.858.9100 or toll-free 888.882.7266.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or marital status in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, employment or any other program or activity.

 

 

 

Author and trainer Rick Kirschner, ND, discusses the SCNM education at new student orientation. View more...

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