ND Application for Admission

Applicants are required to meet and adhere to the University's admissions policies and requirements as well as the admission policies and requirements for their specific program. See the University Admissions Policies. This section contains admission policies and requirements specific to the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program.

All applicants to the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program must apply online either directly through Sonoran University's Application Portal or the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Centralized Application Service (NDCAS).

To apply, visit our Application Portal.

Prospective students who wish to enter the ND program must complete the application materials and meet the following application requirements:

1. Application submitted through Sonoran University's Application Portal, or through NDCAS
2. Non-refundable application fee payable to either Sonoran University or NDCAS, see Tuition and Fees
3. Three letters of recommendation
   • One academic reference
   • One regulated healthcare professional reference
   • One additional reference from either of the above categories or from an employer/volunteer supervisor
4. Essay
5. Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
6. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including military training transcripts for U.S. Veterans, traditional college coursework, and vocational training, showing completion of academic requirements
7. In-person interview, qualified applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the Admissions Office.

International Applicants

International applicants must also satisfy these additional application requirements:

1. An international transcript evaluation is received for all post-secondary coursework completed in a foreign country.  Transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a NACES or AICE member transcript evaluation service. Fees for this service are the responsibility of the applicant. The applicant must request a course-by-course and degree evaluation. The transcript evaluation service must mail the official report and all transcripts directly to Sonoran University's Admissions Office and must be received before an evaluation of the applicant’s file can begin. Additional coursework materials, such as catalogs, course descriptions, and syllabi, if requested, must be translated into English by a professional service.
2. Sonoran University reserves the right to require international applicants whose first language is not English to provide an official English Language Test report (IELTS or TOEFL preferred). Sonoran University requires a minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test or IELTS Band 6.5.
3. International applicants admitted and deposited to enter the ND degree program must also apply for and obtain an F1 visa to begin and continue their studies in the United States, see International Applicant information.  

ND Admissions Requirements

Prospective students who wish to enter the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program must complete and submit the following requirements prior to matriculation.

1. A 4-year Baccalaureate degree or equivalent (contact admissions for requirements) is required. Total postsecondary coursework must be completed at an accredited or candidate college or university. Within the U.S., accreditation must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  If the degree was earned outside the U.S., please see International Applicants for more information.
2. Complete all prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university prior to matriculation into the ND program. Applicants with science courses older than seven (7) years must demonstrate competency in the discipline(s) in question and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
3. Following the submission of the application and receipt of all required materials and credentials (see Application for Admission tab on this page), the Admissions Office will contact qualified applicants selected to interview with the Admissions Committee.

The Admissions Committee will review applications, interview qualified candidates for admission, and render an admission decision post-interview.

For more information, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@sonoran.edu or call 480.858.9100. 

Subject Requirements/Prerequisite Coursework

The Subject Requirements/Prerequisite Coursework list indicates minimum requirements, but it should not be inferred that admission is probable or guaranteed for any applicant who meets them.

Prerequisites

Area	Sem. Credit	Qtr. Credit	Notes
Biology	12	18	Courses with lab, for science majors
Organic Chemistry	3	4.5	Courses with lab for science majors
Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry II	3	4.5	For science majors
Psychology	3	4.5	Developmental Psychology is recommended, behavioral or cognitive learning courses will also be considered in lieu of psychology

CLEP Examinations Accepted (REVIEW if still needed check with MW or JM)

Applicants for admission may substitute the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam(s) for select academic prerequisites listed below. Information regarding exams can be obtained from CLEP at (866)630-9305 or www.clep.org. To report examination scores to Sonoran University, use score report code #7563. An official score from the College Board/CLEP must be mailed directly to Sonoran University.

CLEP

CLEP Examination	Credit Equivalent	Minimum Score
(PSY) Human Growth and Development	3 sem. or 9 qtr. credits	45
(PSY) Introduction to Educational Psychology	3 sem. or 4.5 qtr. credits	47
(PSY) Introduction to Psychology	3 sem. or 4.5 qtr. credits	47

Post-admit Enrollment Requirements (EDIT internal links to T&F)

Students admitted to the ND program must satisfy the following enrollment requirements prior to matriculation:

1. Pay Admission Deposit (see Tuition and Fees).
2. Sign all required enrollment documents.
3. Provide a government-issued photo ID and a professional headshot.
4. Criminal background check - Sonoran University requires applicants who are offered admission to undergo a criminal background check. Sonoran University has contracted with Certiphi Screening, Inc., to facilitate the criminal background check. There is a fee for the service, payable directly to Certiphi. The applicant’s offer of admission will not be considered final, nor will the applicant be permitted to enroll, until the completion of a background check with results deemed acceptable by Sonoran University. Convictions of a criminal offense, other than a minor traffic offense, are required to be disclosed, including the nature of the offense and what disposition occurred as a result of that offense. This disclosure must be made whether or not a sentence was served and/or civil rights have been restored, or whether the conviction(s) were expunged from the record. A prior felony conviction does not necessarily preclude an applicant from being admitted to Sonoran University, but professional licensing boards in the state of Arizona and elsewhere may refuse to issue a certificate to engage in clinical training or a clinical license if an individual has a felony or other conviction on their record.
5. Successful completion of Sonoran University’s safety and training courses.
6. Transfer Credit Evaluation (if applicable)- students admitted to the program who have completed graduate or professional level program coursework or have graduated from an accredited professional school or program (i.e., ND, MD, DO, DC, DDS, etc.) may apply for transfer credit. To comply with VA requirements, all U.S. Veterans with graduate-level coursework must be evaluated for potential transfer credit. See Veterans Benefits for more information. Transfer credit will be determined during the admissions process and will not be considered after matriculation. For more information, see Transfer Applicants.
7. Technology Requirements - laptop and reliable high-speed internet for use in completing college coursework. For a complete listing of Sonoran University's technical requirements, please visit our Technology Check site.

Immunization and Vaccine Requirements

Sonoran University is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our students and patients. Because Sonoran and naturopathic medicine play an increased role in the delivery of integrative healthcare through multiple partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and treatment centers, our ND students are required to provide proof of immunity or testing for various diseases.  Prior to enrolling at Sonoran University, all incoming ND students must provide sufficient documentation regarding immunity to Measles (Rubeola), Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and others. For a complete list of requirements and instructions, please visit our Student Consumer Information page.

Technical Standards

Sonoran University of Health Sciences Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program students must possess aptitude, abilities, and skills in all five areas listed below and be able to meet them with or without accommodation.   These standards must be met throughout medical school in order for students to make satisfactory progress and graduate. Any intention of the student to practice only a narrow part of the curriculum upon graduation does not alter the requirement that all students perform satisfactorily in the full curriculum and meet all graduation requirements. If at any time the candidate can no longer meet these technical standards or requires additional accommodation, the Dean of Students must be notified immediately. For consideration of disability-related accommodations, students should contact Accessibility Services.  

Observation

Students must be able to acquire, interpret, and apply information obtained through laboratory, clinical, and educational activities. This includes participating in demonstrations, experiments, and microscopic analysis; recognizing and evaluating relevant findings in biological specimens, diagnostic studies, and laboratory results; and using appropriate clinical and laboratory equipment.

Students must be able to obtain, assess, and integrate information from patients, educational materials, diagnostic tests, imaging studies, laboratory data, and clinical environments in order to identify relevant findings, recognize significant changes, and support clinical decision-making. They must also be able to effectively utilize technologies, instruments, and other tools necessary to gather and interpret information and to perform required educational and clinical tasks, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Communication

Students must be able to establish effective, respectful, and compassionate relationships with patients, families, colleagues, and others from diverse backgrounds.

Students must be able to gather, interpret, and convey information accurately, efficiently, and professionally in academic, clinical, and healthcare settings. This includes obtaining relevant information; recognizing and responding appropriately to patient needs, concerns, and understanding; and communicating effectively with patients, caregivers, faculty, staff, and healthcare team members. Specific requirements include but are not limited to the following abilities: communicating efficiently and clearly with the medical team during a case report, eliciting a thorough history from patients, and communicating complex findings in appropriate terms to patients and various members of the healthcare team.

Students must be able to comprehend, synthesize, document, and present information in a timely and accurate manner. This includes completing required documentation, maintaining patient records, preparing summaries and reports, and using written, electronic, and other communication methods necessary for educational and clinical responsibilities.

Students must be able to use technology and other tools required for communication, documentation, and information management, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Sensory and Motor Function

Students must be able to perform required clinical, laboratory, and procedural skills safely, effectively, accurately, and in a timely manner. This includes conducting patient assessments, obtaining and interpreting clinical information, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and providing patient care across a range of routine and emergent situations. Examples of such emergency treatment reasonably required of physicians include responding quickly when called, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administering intravenous medication, applying pressure to stop bleeding, opening obstructed airways, suturing wounds, and performing physical exams of the anatomy/physiology/pathophysiology of male and female reproductive systems as well as other physical maneuvers. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may require moving an adult patient, repeatedly applying considerable chest pressure, delivering an adequate volume of artificial respiration, and calling for help.

Students must be able to use clinical, laboratory, and educational equipment and technologies necessary for patient care and medical training; collect, measure, record, and interpret relevant clinical and scientific data; and apply findings to diagnostic and treatment decisions.

Students must possess the motor, coordination, endurance, and functional abilities necessary to participate in clinical and laboratory activities, perform required procedures, safely position and assist patients, and respond appropriately in emergency situations, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

Students must be able to apply the intellectual, analytical, and problem-solving skills necessary for medical education and patient care. This includes collecting, interpreting, integrating, and applying information; exercising sound clinical judgment; developing diagnostic and treatment plans; and making appropriate decisions in routine and emergent situations.

Students must be able to manage multiple responsibilities, adapt to new information, and incorporate evidence, feedback, and evolving knowledge into clinical reasoning and decision-making.

Students must be able to identify significant findings from history, physical examination, and laboratory data; provide a reasoned explanation for likely diagnoses; construct a reasoned and cost-effective diagnostic plan; and prescribe medications and therapy, recalling and retaining information in an efficient manner. Students must seek consultation or additional information when appropriate.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Students must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, compassion, and respect in all academic and clinical settings.

Students must be able to exercise sound judgment; fulfill academic and clinical responsibilities in a timely and reliable manner; and establish effective professional relationships with patients, families, peers, faculty, staff, and other healthcare professionals.

Students must be able to maintain professional performance in demanding, stressful, complex, and emotionally challenging situations; safeguard confidentiality; and provide patient-centered care across diverse populations and circumstances. At times, this requires the ability to be aware of and appropriately react to one’s own immediate emotional responses.

Students must be able to adapt to changing environments, manage uncertainty and competing demands, respond constructively to feedback, and modify their behavior as appropriate to support learning, professional development, and effective patient care.

Disability Accommodations and Equal Access

Sonoran University of Health Sciences Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) is committed to providing equal access to its educational programs and ensuring that qualified students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of medical education. In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, Sonoran does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admissions or educational programs.

Sonoran encourages applicants and students with disabilities to voluntarily disclose and request accommodations when students believe reasonable accommodations may be necessary for full participation in the program. Individuals seeking accommodations, auxiliary aids, or accessibility-related services should contact Accessibility Services to initiate the accommodation process. The college will not assume that an individual has a disability; therefore, requests for accommodations must be initiated by the applicant or student.

Requests for accommodation may be made at any time. However, individuals are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible. The accommodation process typically includes submission of appropriate documentation and participation in an individualized, interactive review to determine reasonable accommodations that provide equal access without fundamentally altering the academic, clinical, or professional requirements of the program. Because implementation of accommodations may require time for review and coordination, advance notice is strongly encouraged. Because accommodations must be deemed reasonable and necessary relative to the disability, not all accommodation requests will be approved. Furthermore, accommodations are not provided retroactively after course or programmatic activities have occurred.

All candidates and students, with or without reasonable accommodations, must be able to meet the technical standards and essential program requirements. If a student is unable to satisfy these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation, or if doing so would pose a direct threat to the safety of patients or others, fundamentally alter the program, or otherwise prevent successful completion of the curriculum and progression to graduation, residency training, or licensure, the student may be subject to appropriate academic action in accordance with Sonoran policies, including but not limited to academic probation or possibly program dismissal.

For information or to begin the accommodation process, individuals should contact Accessibility Services.

Program Partnerships

Sonoran University is proud to partner with the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) at the University of Arizona and the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA). Through these partnership agreements, students may be dually enrolled at Sonoran University and either institution for additional degree completion.

Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health ND/MPH

Sonoran University students must apply directly to the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) through SOPHAS (http://www.sophas.org/), the public health programs’ centralized application. Please note that there are additional requirements beyond what was required to apply to Sonoran University including:

• GRE or MCAT
• College algebra, statistics, or a more advanced math course, such as calculus
• 3 additional letters of recommendation

For all admissions requirements, visit: https://publichealth.arizona.edu/graduate-students/admissions/programs

When applying through SOPHAS, please indicate your interest in dual degree status in the One Concise Statement under the “Additional Questions” section. For example, “ND/MPH: I am interested in family medicine and chronic disease, with an emphasis on cancer and cardiovascular disease.”

You can learn more about the MPH Program and admissions requirements by visiting this website for more information: https://publichealth.arizona.edu/academics/mph

Sonoran University students enrolled in approved coursework at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) must sign an acknowledgment form in the Registrar’s Office. After coursework is completed at MEZCOPH, an official transcript must be received from MEZCOPH in order for those courses to be transferred. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the Registrar’s Office if the student withdraws from courses at MEZCOPH in order to make necessary changes in the student’s schedule.