ND Academic Calendar
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
September 30 – December 22, 2024
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2 | Immersion Day (CLTR 4304) |
| November 16 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| November 16 | Clinic Entry Exam (CLTR 4304) |
| November 23 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| November 23 | Clinical Practice Exam (CLPR 5030) |
| November 23 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| December 7 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| December 17 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Winter Quarter
January 6 - March 21, 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10 | Clinic Orientation (Students entering clinic) 2pm - 5pm |
| January 11 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| January 25 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| February 1 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| February 8 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| February 15 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| February 22 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| March 1 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| March 8 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| March 25 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Spring Quarter
April 7 - June 25, 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 10 | Immersion Day (CLTR 4304) |
| May 10 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| May 17 | Urogenital/Prostate Exam (CLPR 6040) |
| May 17 | Clinic Entry Exam (CLTR 4304) |
| May 31 | Clinical Practice Exam (CLPR 5030) |
| May 31 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| June 7 | OSCE C (CLTR 4508 C) |
| June 24 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Summer Quarter
July 7 - September 19, 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 8 | Clinic Orientation (Students entering clinic) 2pm - 5pm |
| July 12 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| July 19 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| July 26 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| August 2 | OSCE A (CLTR 4508 A) |
| August 16 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| August 23 | Gynecologic and Breast Exam (CLPR 6050) |
| August 30 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| September 6 | OSCE B (CLTR 4508 B) |
| September 23 | Make-Up Exam Day |
Please note that multiple dates are listed for some exams. If you are a student taking one of these exams, it is your responsibility to ensure you do not have any scheduling conflicts on the days listed. Some exams require multiple days, and some exams may only require one day of your time. This information will be communicated at the start of each course, but it is imperative to leave days open as these exams cannot be excused or re-scheduled.
Exams for OSCE A and B occur in the quarter following completion of the course (i.e., a student registered in CLTR 4508 for Fall should refer to the Winter Exam schedule).
OSCE C occurs concurrently with the second attempt of the course, should a student not pass OSCE A or B.
Dates are subject to change.