Essential Courses

Course # Title
BI 101 General Biology I
BI 102 General Biology II
CH 142 and CH 143 Integrated Chemistry Principles I and Lab
CH 144 and CH 145 Integrated Chemistry Principles II and Lab
CH 232 and CH 233 Organic Chmistry I and Lab
CH 312 Biochemistry
CH 247 Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab
PC 200 or PC 202 General Physics I or Introductory Physics I and Lab
PC 201 or PC 203 General Physics II or Introductory Physics II Lab
PY 101 Introduction to Psychology
SO 101 Introduction to Sociology
EN ___ English Course (in addition to CWS)

Important Notes

  • These courses reflect most but not all program requirements for naturopathic medical schools in the U.S. Some schools also require biochemistry, organic chemistry II, and psychology and others highly recommend genetics, anatomy and physiology. Check the specific schools you are considering. Also recommend cell biology, microbiology, plant science, ecology, economics, business courses, communication courses, ethics, counseling, and speech courses.
  • Naturopathic medicine is an emerging health care field that is currently licensed in only 23 states in addition to the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Pennsylvania recently recognized the liscensure of Naturopathic Physicians in 2019. New York and New Jersey currently have legislation pending for recognition.
  • This course list does NOT represent a POE, nor does it cover College requirements. Design a POE in consultation with your advisor.
  • Make sure to have an advisor on the Health Professions Committee.
  • In addition to your course work you are urged to gain some experience in naturopathic medicine over breaks or during the summer.

Competitive Credentials

  • GPAs vary for the different schools; general guideline is minimum of 3.0
  • Prerequisite course grades need to be C or better
  • MCAT is NOT required

Helpful Websites

Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges: http://www.aanmc.org
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: http://www.naturopathic.org/
Bastyr University: http://www.bastyr.edu/
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine: http://www.ccnm.edu/
National College of Naturopathic Medicine: www.ncnm.edu
National University of the Health Sciences: www.nuhs.edu
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine: http://www.scnm.edu/
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine: http://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/2632.asp
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: http://nccam.nih.gov/
Georgetown University CAM Masters Program: http://camprogram.georgetown.edu
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine: http://www.binm.org
Pedidatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP) - www.pedanp.org
Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP) - http://www.oncanp.org/

General Information: http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/home

Suggested Core Progression for Pre-Naturopathic Medicine

Bolded courses are offered only in the indicated semester and/or require a specific sequence due to Juniata prerequisites. Non-bolded courses are either offered in both semesters or represent open-ended choices, making them more flexible in when they can be taken.

  FALL SPRING
Freshman Year BI 101 General Biology I BI 102 General Biology II
  CH 142/143 Integrated Chemistry Principles I and Lab CH 144/145 Integrated Chemistry Principles II and Lab
    PY 101 Intro Psychology
  FALL SPRING
Sophomore Year CH 232/232 Organic Chemsitry I with Lab CH 312 Biochemistry
  SOC 101 Intro to Sociology CH 247 Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab
    English course
  FALL SPRING
Junior Year Physics I and Lab Physics II and Lab
  HP 270 Health Careers Seminar  

If you study abroad the SAFEST strategy is to take ALL prerequisite courses for professional school in the U.S., which may require you to take courses in the U.S. over the summer, preferably at a 4 year institution. However, if this is extremely difficult for your situation, check with the professional schools you wish to attend to see if they will accept courses taken abroad and if so, get their response in writing.

Be mindful of your POE courses, which are NOT indicated here.