Admissions

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Application Process

You’re taking your first step toward your future—and National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, has a long history of helping our students achieve and often go far beyond what they dreamed was possible.

As you apply for admission to NUNM, you are joining the vanguard of healers who have come before you to change how health care is practiced—and how health is viewed—in the United States. They knew, as you do, that our exemplary academic degrees, commitment to student success, and leadership in natural medicine make NUNM the very best there is, not only educating students, but helping them establish careers after graduation. We’re challenging the status quo of health care. We invite you to join us.

People walking while holding white coats

NUNM values and encourages students with a broad range of academic and life experiences to apply. Much like our programs, we evaluate candidates for admission holistically, taking into consideration the following important characteristics that are the earmarks of success: dedication to service, compassion, critical-thinking skills, ability to effectively communicate, self-discipline, self-awareness, and sense of purpose. We also look for candidates with:

  • An affinity for and/or prior experience with the program or field to which the applicant is applying
  • A solid academic record, and valuable work and volunteer experiences
  • A demonstrated understanding of healthcare issues and awareness of natural medicine practice
  • Recommendation(s) that attest to your recent academic and work performance

The requirements for admission vary based on the degree program to which you are applying. While NUNM does not have a specific minimum GPA requirement, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted with a GPA below a 3.0.


Preparing to Apply for Admission

  1. Identify your program of interest
  2. Check the application requirements and prerequisites
  3. Contact admissions for a free prerequisite course evaluation
  4. Review essay question(s) and prepare your essay according to the instructions
  5. Identify professors and/or work supervisors who would be able to complete your recommendations*
  6. Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  7. Submit application prior to the application deadline
  8. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  9. International students, please see additional international applicant information.

Begin your application

Please review your program below to determine specific application requirements. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Graduate applicants may apply to undertake two programs concurrently, with the exception of the ND/DAcCHM combination.


Undergraduate Degree Programs — In-Person

Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

Accelerated Bachelor to Master’s of Science In Nutrition


Graduate Degree Programs

All graduate and professional degree candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a US Department of Education recognized accredited college or university, or the equivalent (as determined by NUNM) from an institution outside of the United States. Credit will only be given for prerequisite coursework earning a grade of C or better.

Doctor of Naturopathic Program (ND)

Doctor of Naturopathic Program (ND) – In-person or ND First-Year Online

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Designated essay questions
  • Official copy of all transcripts
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • Familiarity with or exposure to naturopathic medicine
  • On campus interview for admission (Virtual interviews at this time)–by invitation only.  Tips for your interview.

Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM)

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Designated essay questions
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Official copy of all college or university transcripts
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • Familiarity with or exposure to (classical) Chinese Medicine
  • On campus interview for admission (Virtual interviews at this time)–by invitation only. Tips for your interview.

Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAcCHM)

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Designated essay questions
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Official copy of all college or university transcripts
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • Familiarity with or exposure to (classical) Chinese Medicine
  • On campus interview for admission (Virtual interviews at this time)- by invitation only. Tips for your interview.

Master of Acupuncture (MAc)

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Designated essay questions
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Official copy of all college or university transcripts
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • Familiarity with or exposure to (classical) Chinese Medicine
  • On campus interview for admission (Virtual interviews at this time)-by invitation only. Tips for your interview.

Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN) In-person or ONLINE

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Official copy of all transcripts
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Designated essay questions
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • An understanding of why this degree program is for you
  • An on campus interview is NOT required for the MScN program

Master of Science in Integrated Medicine Research (MSIMR)

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Designated essay questions
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Official copy of all transcripts
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • An understanding of why this degree program is for you
  • An on campus interview is NOT required for the MSIMR program

Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH) – In-person or ONLINE

  • Program prerequisites
  • Application for admission
  • $75.00 application fee
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Designated essay questions
  • Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
  • Official copy of all transcripts
  • Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree – candidates may apply while in progress
  • Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
  • B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
  • An understanding of why this degree program is for you
  • An on-campus interview is NOT required for the MScGH program

Pursuing a degree on a medical school campus requires precautionary measures regardless of the degree you are seeking.

In accordance with state and federal laws, NUNM holds its students to the highest standards of professionalism, maturity and character throughout their academic experience. In an effort to provide a safe environment for our academic and patient communities, the following requirements must be met before you begin your program.

Students are responsible for the costs associated with these requirements. 

The existence of a criminal conviction does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to enroll at NUNM. Each case is carefully evaluated based on its merit and record. Generally speaking, the nature, type, and severity of the crime will be assessed and evaluated in relation to the requirements and policies of NUNM. Admitted students are selected regardless of age, sex, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status or family relationship.


Recommendation Forms

Please check for the number of recommendations required for your program. These forms should be completed by persons who know you well and can evaluate your skills and abilities. We look especially for those skills that transfer to the classroom setting (e.g., critical thinking, reasoning, writing, problem solving, professionalism, classroom participation, etc.). If you have been out of school for a while, employers are acceptable references. Recommendations from family members, significant others, or close, personal friends are not viewed favorably by the Admissions Committee.


Where to send supplementary application materials

You may send supplementary application materials, such as official transcripts and any other additional documents, by one of the following methods:

  • Email: admissions@nunm.edu
  • Mail: 49 South Porter Street, Portland, OR 97201
  • Fax: 503.499.0027