Exploring Naturopathic Medicine Programs: A Focus on Sonoran University and Accreditation

Naturopathic medicine is gaining recognition as a valuable approach to healthcare, emphasizing natural and holistic methods. This article delves into the realm of naturopathic medicine programs, with a particular focus on Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences) and the importance of accreditation in ensuring quality education.

The Transition of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine to Sonoran University

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (SCNM) announced its transition to Sonoran University of Health Sciences in September 2022. This change reflects a broader emphasis on the institution's diverse degree offerings related to the healing power of nature. Dr. Paul Mittman, President and CEO of SCNM, stated that the new name reflects the institution’s values and aspirations, drawing inspiration from the Sonoran Desert's biodiversity, beauty, and resilience. He also noted that becoming a university is the next logical step in establishing Sonoran University of Health Sciences’ position as the preeminent health sciences institution grounded in the healing power of nature.”

The transition began in 2020 with the launch of a fully online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition degree program, followed by The Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership degree and the opening of the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research. These programs signify the changes being made to distinguish the school’s degree offerings. More programs and degree offerings will be added in the coming years. SCNM is undergoing rebranding to unify all colleges and services under Sonoran University.

Sonoran University's Programs and Accreditation

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is dedicated to a comprehensive team approach to health sciences education in the fields of medicine, nutrition, and mental health. The university's on-site Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine degree program blends unique learning opportunities, such as the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine, with an evolving curriculum. Sonoran University’s College of Nutrition offers two fully online Master of Science degrees, one in Clinical Nutrition and the other tailored to executives for Nutrition Business Leadership. Sonoran University’s newest School of Mental Health features the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program.

Sonoran is accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Read also: Navigating MySouthwest

The Significance of Accreditation in Naturopathic Medicine

Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and rigor of naturopathic medical education. It is a voluntary process where schools demonstrate their commitment to providing a standards-based education that combines traditional natural health knowledge with modern medical training.

CNME: The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education

The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as the national accrediting agency for programs leading to Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND or NMD) or Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) degrees. The CNME's standards are publicly available in the CNME Handbook of Accreditation. Schools seeking accreditation must meet a prescribed set of standards and undergo review for reaccreditation at least every seven years.

Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools

There are eight schools, recognized by the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine, that hold full accreditation in the teaching of Naturopathic medicine. Other schools are candidates for accreditation with the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).The following schools hold full accreditation as schools of Naturopathic Medicine:

American College of Naturopathic Obstetrics/NUNM Portland, Oregon USA
Bastyr University Kenmore, Washington USA
Bastyr University San Diego, California USA
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM)New Westminster, British Columbia, CAN
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) 1255 Sheppard Ave E., Toronto, CAN
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS)Lombard, Illinois USA
National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) Portland, Oregon USA
Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences) Scottsdale.

These schools are members of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC), established in 2001 to advance the naturopathic medical profession by actively supporting the academic efforts of accredited and recognized schools of naturopathic medicine.

Accreditation Status Changes and Reviews

The CNME regularly reviews the accreditation status of naturopathic medical programs. For example, in May 2025, the CNME Board of Directors issued a show cause sanction to Bastyr University’s ND program due to non-compliance with CNME Accreditation Standard III (“Planning and Financial Resources”), Sections B1 and B2 (“Institutional Financial Resources”).

Read also: Technical Education Leader

Several schools have undergone reaccreditation evaluations. The next full-scale evaluation for CCNM’s ND program is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, with a decision on continued accreditation to be made in spring 2027. The next full-scale evaluation visit for National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is scheduled for spring 2029, with a decision on continued accreditation to be made in fall 2029. National University of Health Sciences (NUHS)’s next full-scale evaluation visit is scheduled for fall 2028, with a decision on continued accreditation to be made in spring 2029. Bastyr University San Diego, California USA next full-scale evaluation is scheduled for winter 2026, with a decision on continued accreditation to be made in spring 2026. Sonoran University of Health Sciences’ next comprehensive evaluation visit for reaccreditation is scheduled for the winter of 2030 with a decision on continued accreditation to be made at the spring 2030 Council meeting. Additionally, a focused onsite visit is scheduled for fall 2026 to assess the program’s progress in addressing outstanding recommendations.

Candidacy Status

Candidacy, also known as “pre-accreditation,” precedes full accreditation. Initial CNME candidacy was granted to UWS’s Naturopathic Medicine Program on April 24, 2025.

The Canadian Landscape of Naturopathic Medicine

In Canada, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) merged into a single institution under the CCNM name in February 2021. The merged institution offers ND programs at both the CCNM campus in Toronto, Ontario, and at the former BINM campus in New Westminster, British Columbia, which is now a branch campus of CCNM.

Licensing and the NPLEX Examination

An applicant for licensure by the Board must graduate from and hold a doctor of naturopathic medicine or doctor of naturopathy degree from one of these schools in order to sit for the national naturopathic licensing examination, the NPLEX, that is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). ONLY CANDIDATES THAT ATTEND AND GRADUATE FROM THESE SCHOOLS ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AND TAKE THE EXAM.

tags: #southwest #college #of #naturopathic #medicine #programs