Naturopathic doctors are primary healthcare practitioners trained in all the same sciences as a doctor of medicine (MD) but they emphasize and practice holistic diagnosis and non-toxic treatment, and proactive prevention to promote wellness. In addition to the medical curriculum, a naturopathic physician studies clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling.
According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, NDs treat all medical conditions; conditions that are commonly treated include but are not limited to allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, heart disease, and cancer. NDs can perform minor surgery and are trained to utilize prescription drugs, though the emphasis in naturopathic medicine is on natural healing.
Portland State offers a strong pre-naturopathic medicine program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to naturopathic schools.
Pre-naturopathic medicine is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-naturopathic students include Science, Biology, Health Studies: Health Science, and Social Science. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-naturopathic coursework.
Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-naturopathic advisor to learn about the pre-naturopathic track.
Pre-Naturopathic Medicine is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.
PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the process of applying to naturopathic schools such as the National University of Naturopathic Medicine (NUNM) or Bastyr University.
There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of naturopaths and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to naturopathic programs in the future.
Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to prepare to apply to naturopathic schools, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-health students, including Mind/Body Health: Disease Prevention (PHE 466), Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Physics in Biomedicine (PHY 337), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Philosophy of Medicine (PHL 318), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), Sociology for the Health Sciences (SOC 250), and many others.
Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.
PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.
Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.
Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.
Students who complete this program go on to complete school to become a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).