Bastyr University San Diego opened its doors in 2012 as the second campus of Bastyr University in Washington, known as the leader in the education of the natural health arts and sciences. The campus is located in Sorrento Valley near a thriving healthcare, biotech and life sciences community. Students at our San Diego campus find themselves part of a natural health-minded city only minutes from Torrey Pines State Beach and nestled next to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (with optional dual graduate degree in Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology)
How Selection Works
Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, maturity and demonstrated humanitarian qualities. In evaluating applicants, the Schools of Naturopathic Medicine seeks qualities of motivation, intellect and character essential to becoming a physician.
Concrete exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine through job-shadowing or interviews with NDs is strongly recommended. Work or volunteer experience in other types of health care is a plus. The prerequisite coursework is the minimum required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but must complete prerequisites before beginning the program.
Please note: If you are unsure about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course. The admissions office may require a course description to verify content. Descriptions may be read over the phone, e-mailed, faxed or sent by regular mail.
Prerequisite Courses
In selecting applicants for admission, the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program seeks those qualities of motivation, intellect, and character essential to becoming a physician. Applicants are considered on the basis of academic performance, maturity, and demonstrated humanitarian qualities. Work or volunteer experience in health care and exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine are both strongly recommended.
The following coursework is the minimum required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation.
Please note: If you have questions about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course.
Courses | Quantity |
---|---|
General Chemistry I and II | 2 semesters or 3 quarters |
General Biology* I and II | 2 semesters or 3 quarters |
Organic Chemistry I | 1 course |
Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry (preferred) | 1 course |
Physics -Algebra or Calculus based (no lab required) | 1 course |
Intro to General Psychology or Developmental/Lifespan Psychology | 1 course |
College-level Algebra | 1 course |
Please note: Required chemistry and biology courses must be intended for science majors. All courses are subject to review by the admissions committee.
*Biology must cover cell biology and genetics
Required Abilities & Skills
Bastyr University is committed to providing equal opportunities for differently-abled persons. The following policy has been adapted from the American Association of Medical Colleges guidelines to ensure that prospective students have the physical and mental capacities to perform the required duties of a naturopathic physician.
Candidates for the naturopathic medicine degree must be able to demonstrate appropriate observational and communication skills, motor function, intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities, and behavioral and social maturity. Technology can compensate for some disabilities in certain areas, but candidates should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary means that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation.
- Observation: Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to microbiologic cultures and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation requires the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation. These are enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.
- Communication: Candidates must be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients to elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity, and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
- Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. Candidates should be able to do basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.), re-position a patient, carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and read ECGs and x-rays. Candidates should be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment required of physicians are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, a critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing work loads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities assessed during the admissions and educational processes.
See the Bastyr University Catalog for more information.
Summer Prerequisites
The following course(s) are generally available to fill prerequisites during the summer quarter for the ND program. Summer registration information is sent to all applicants by the admissions office each spring. For further information, please contact Admissions at (425) 602-3332.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Organic Chemistry I & II
Recommended Reading
Bastyr University librarians have compiled volumes of useful reading material for NDs and other health care practitioners. The guide lists core books and journals that naturopathic doctors and other health practioners interested in natural medicine will find clinically useful.
Compare all of the AANMC-member schools ND program Academic Prerequisites here
• Four years for full-time students
• Five years for dual-degree tracks
Tuition and Fees: (first year) $41,985
Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (dual degree)
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (San Diego and Seattle campuses)
November 1 | Early decision deadline |
February 1 | Priority application deadline |
March 1 | Financial aid application deadline |
September 24 | Program begins: entrance in fall quarter only (with summer start option for those eligible) |