Coursework:
The naturopathic medical curriculum usually takes four to five years to complete. The first two years are comprised of coursework in basic sciences, which include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, physical and clinical laboratory diagnosis, and more. The first two years are very similar to that of conventional medical school. The following two years are highly focused on clinically-related coursework and clinical experience. These courses include pediatrics, cardiology, endocrinology, dermatology, gastroenterology, urology, pharmacology, and many more! Modalities that we learn include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, physical medicine, and minor office procedures. Along with all the extra courses I completed for the midwifery program around pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and neonatology, I took extra clinical courses in advanced pediatrics, advanced gynecology, IV therapy, and biofeedback.
Clinical Experience:
The clinical experience we obtain is through internship at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health teaching clinic, where we are supervised by a variety of naturopathic doctors in hands-on training. At BCNH, we obtain approximately 1000 hours of clinical experience. Preceptorships with a variety of different practitioners for 130 hours is also required.