ND Program Sequence
Academic Years
First Year
(First two calendar years in the five-year track)
The first calendar year begins with the basic medical science curriculum in the study of biochemistry and normal structures and functions of the body, including anatomy and physiology. This material is organized by systems. Courses in research and the naturopathic modalities, history, and philosophy are introduced; and early clinical experiences begin with an introduction to clinical practice. These experiences include opportunities to work with standardized patients in clinical settings and shadow physicians in private practice during field observation, see the Five-Year Track Program of Study for an outline of courses.
Second Year
(Third calendar year in the five-year track)
The second calendar year continues the basic medical science curriculum and focuses on the body’s pathological transitions through disease, along with clinical recognition of these processes using physical, clinical, and lab diagnosis. Courses in naturopathic modalities such as nutrition, mind-body medicine, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and homeopathy are explored during the second year.
Third and Fourth Academic Years
(Fourth and fifth calendar years in the five-year track)
In the final two calendar years, clinical methods of naturopathic medicine are presented and expanded in both the classroom and the clinical setting. Students have the opportunity to work with various patient populations in Sonoran University's Medical Center, Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine, and affiliated sites. In the final academic year of the program, students concentrate on clinical training and take fewer didactic credits.
Clinical Exam Calendar
Fall Quarter
October 6 – December 28, 2025
HOLIDAY: Nov 11 (Veterans Day), Nov 27-28 (Thanksgiving), Dec 24-25 (Holiday), Dec 31-Jan 1 (New Year's)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 8 | Immersion Day (CLTR 4304) |
| November 22 | Clinic Entry Exam (CLTR 4304) |
| November 22 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| December 6 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| December 6 | Clinical Practice Exam (CLPR 5030) |
| December 6 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| December 13 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| December 23 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Winter Quarter
January 5 - March 29, 2026
HOLIDAY: Jan 19 (MLK)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508A) |
| January 24 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| January 31 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| February 7 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| February 14 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| February 21 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| February 28 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| March 7 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| March 24 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Spring Quarter
April 6 - June 28, 2026
HOLIDAY: May 25 (Memorial Day), Jun 19 (Juneteenth), Jul 3 (Independence Day)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 9 | Immersion Day (CLTR 4304) |
| May 30 | Clinic Entry Exam (CLTR 4304) |
| May 30 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| June 6 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| June 6 | Clinical Practice Exam (CLPR 5030) |
| June 6 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| June 13 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| June 23 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Summer Quarter
July 6 - September 27, 2026
HOLIDAY: Sep 7 (Labor Day)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 11 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| July 18 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| July 25 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| August 1 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| August 15 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| August 22 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| August 29 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| September 12 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| September 22 | Make-Up Exam Day |