Top Schools for Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct field of healthcare that blends modern scientific understanding with traditional healing practices. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained to consider the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. They are trained in a variety of natural therapies, including herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, and physical medicine. While naturopathic medicine is not as widespread as conventional medicine, it has garnered attention in recent decades due to its holistic approach and focus on preventative care.

In the United States and Canada, a select group of institutions offer rigorous training programs in naturopathic medicine, preparing students to become licensed primary care physicians in this alternative medicine field. Among the top schools for naturopathic medicine are the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), Bastyr University, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, and the University of Bridgeport, all of which are renowned for their accredited programs, high-quality education, and commitment to advancing the field.

National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), based in Portland, Oregon, holds the distinction of being the oldest accredited naturopathic medical college in North America. Founded in 1956, NCNM has established itself as a leader in the field of naturopathic medicine. The institution offers a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program that spans four years, combining classroom education with clinical training. The program at NCNM is designed to train students to become holistic primary care physicians who are equipped to address both acute and chronic health conditions through natural treatments. The curriculum emphasizes a patient-centered approach, where students learn to treat the root causes of illness rather than just the symptoms. Students are also trained to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, integrating naturopathic approaches into conventional medical care. Graduates from NCNM are eligible to sit for licensing exams in states and provinces that recognize NDs, further solidifying the college's status as a leading institution in the field.

NCNM also offers a variety of other programs, including a Master’s in Integrative Medicine Research and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine, reflecting the school’s comprehensive approach to natural medicine. The college's reputation is enhanced by its world-class faculty, which includes practitioners, researchers, and clinicians who are leaders in the naturopathic medicine community. Furthermore, NCNM’s robust clinical training component provides students with real-world experience by allowing them to work with patients at the college’s own teaching clinics, such as the NCNM Natural Health Center. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education in naturopathic medicine is reflected in its accreditation by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), a recognized accrediting body for naturopathic medical schools in the United States.

Bastyr University, located in Kenmore, Washington, is another top institution in the field of naturopathic medicine. Named after the renowned herbalist Dr. John Bastyr, the university has earned international recognition for its high standards of naturopathic education. The School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University offers a fully accredited ND program that is known for its rigorous curriculum, comprehensive clinical training, and innovative research. The program combines traditional naturopathic therapies with modern medical science, emphasizing the integration of natural healing practices into conventional healthcare. Bastyr's ND program covers a wide array of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and nutrition, as well as various natural therapies such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, and homeopathy.

Bastyr is often ranked as one of the best naturopathic medical schools in North America. Its program is distinguished by its commitment to research and evidence-based medicine. In fact, Bastyr is home to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, which provides students with the opportunity to conduct clinical research and gain hands-on experience in treating patients with a range of health conditions. The center’s emphasis on research is particularly important in advancing the field of naturopathic medicine, as it helps to provide scientific validation for natural treatments that have traditionally been based on anecdotal evidence. Additionally, Bastyr University is recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the 168 best medical schools in the United States, reflecting its reputation for excellence in medical education.

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), located in Toronto, is Canada’s leading institution for naturopathic medical education. Established in 1978, CCNM offers a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program that is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), allowing graduates to sit for the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). This program is a post-university professional program, meaning students are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree before admission. CCNM’s curriculum is designed to train students in the foundational sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physiology, as well as naturopathic treatments like botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, and physical medicine. The college’s focus is on providing an integrative education that combines the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies.

CCNM has a strong reputation not only for its academic rigor but also for its commitment to research and clinical training. The CCNM Teaching Clinic is a key part of the student experience, providing hands-on clinical training to students under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. The college also has several research initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding of naturopathic treatments and their effectiveness in treating various health conditions. Students at CCNM are encouraged to participate in research projects and to contribute to the growing body of scientific knowledge in the field of naturopathic medicine. CCNM’s strong emphasis on both academic education and clinical training has made it a top choice for those pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine.

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) is located in New Westminster, British Columbia, and is Western Canada’s only CNME-accredited naturopathic medical school. Boucher offers both a four-year and a six-year ND program, allowing students to choose the pace that best suits their academic and personal goals. The four-year program is designed for students who are ready for a fast-paced, intensive learning experience, while the six-year program is intended for those who prefer a more balanced life and would like to progress through the program at a slower pace. Both programs are rigorous and provide students with a comprehensive education in naturopathic medicine, covering both the scientific foundations of medicine and the art of natural healing.

Boucher Institute is known for its excellent faculty, who are experienced practitioners and educators in the field of naturopathic medicine. The institution is committed to providing high-quality clinical training, and its students gain hands-on experience at the Boucher Naturopathic Medical Clinic, where they work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. In addition to clinical training, Boucher places a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative learning environment, where students work together and learn from each other’s diverse perspectives. This approach helps to create a supportive and dynamic community of future naturopathic physicians.

Finally, the University of Bridgeport, located in Connecticut, is home to the College of Naturopathic Medicine, which offers a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree. The program at the University of Bridgeport is designed to prepare students to become skilled and compassionate naturopathic physicians who are able to treat patients using natural, evidence-based methods. The program is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and the Connecticut State Department of Higher Education. The University of Bridgeport’s program is known for its strong clinical focus, and students gain hands-on experience through internships and clinical rotations. The university also emphasizes the importance of integrating naturopathic medicine with conventional medical care, preparing students for careers in integrative healthcare settings.

In conclusion, these institutions—NCNM, Bastyr University, CCNM, Boucher Institute, and the University of Bridgeport—represent the best of what naturopathic medical education has to offer. Each of these schools provides a rigorous, comprehensive education that prepares students to become licensed naturopathic physicians capable of delivering holistic, patient-centered care. Whether through traditional naturopathic therapies, research-based approaches, or integrative care models, these institutions are shaping the future of naturopathic medicine and ensuring that students are well-equipped to address the growing demand for natural, preventative healthcare in today’s world.