What Programs Does NUNM Offer? - National University of Natural Medicine

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What Programs Does NUNM Offer? A Complete Guide to Degrees and Certificates

If you’re considering a future in natural medicine, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is simple: What programs are available, and which one is right for me?

At the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), students can choose from a wide range of academic programs designed to prepare them for careers in healthcare, research, nutrition, and integrative health.

This guide provides a clear overview of NUNM’s offerings across doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs so you can better understand your options and find the path that aligns with your goals.

NUNM Programs at a Glance

NUNM offers programs across multiple levels of study:

Certificate programs
Bachelor’s completion degree programs
Master’s
Doctoral degrees
Accelerated and online pathways

These programs are built around a whole-person approach to health, combining scientific rigor with practical, hands-on training.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs offer focused, hands-on training for students looking to build specific skills or enter the field more quickly.

Massage Therapy Certificate

NUNM’s massage therapy certification is an in-person program that prepares students to become Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs). Students develop hands-on skills while learning how to support health through therapeutic techniques.

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science certificate blends exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and whole-person health, preparing you to build a career in fitness, performance, and human movement in just 18 months.

Naturopathic Childbirth Certificate

The naturopathic childbirth certificate prepares Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine students to support prenatal and postnatal care using both modern diagnostics and traditional approaches.

Shiatsu Certificate

The Shiatsu Certificate, a supplemental certification for ND and Chinese Medicine students, provides hands-on training in this Japanese bodywork modality, designed to complement clinical practice in natural medicine.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor’s completion programs at NUNM provide a strong foundation in health sciences and prepare students for entry-level careers or advanced study.

Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences (BSIHS)

This program introduces students to biomedical sciences through an integrative lens, making it an excellent stepping stone toward graduate-level healthcare programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)

Focusing on the philosophy that “Food is Medicine,” NUNM’s undergraduate nutrition program emphasizes the importance of whole, unprocessed foods and how diet can have a profound impact on health.

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (BSES)

Students learn to apply exercise physiology, biomechanics, and clinical assessment with integrative, natural healthcare framework

Bachelor of Science in Massage Therapy (BSIT)

Students gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to become licensed, highly skilled massage therapists, prepared to help clients relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Accelerated Bachelor to Master of Science in Nutrition

This pathway allows students to transition seamlessly from a bachelor’s degree into a master’s program, reducing total time to completion while maintaining academic rigor.

Master’s Programs

Master’s programs at NUNM provide advanced education in specialized areas of healthcare, research, and nutrition.

Master of Acupuncture (MAc)

Through hands-on training in acupuncture, moxibustion, Asian bodywork, qigong, and nutrition, students gain the skills to support individualized patient care with both scientific insight and a deeply human approach to healing.

Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

This comprehensive acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training, preparing students for professional practice and licensure.

Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR)

Students train to design and lead groundbreaking studies that advance integrative, whole-person healthcare.

Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN)

This program teaches students how to apply nutrition science in clinical and community settings. With flexible online and in-person options, it supports a variety of career paths in nutrition and health education.

Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH)

This online program blends the principles of public health with traditional world medicine, offering a comprehensive, whole-systems approach to global health issues.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program prepares students to become naturopathic primary care clinicians trained in a whole-person approach to healthcare. Students learn how to succeed in practice, curb the current epidemic of chronic disease, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

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

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization prepares students to become skilled practitioners grounded in classical Chinese medicine. Students develop hands-on skills and clinical reasoning to support patient care and restore balance.

Residency Programs and Advanced Clinical Training

For students pursuing clinical careers in naturopathic medicine, education at NUNM does not end at graduation. NUNM offers a well-established residency program designed to support the transition from student to practicing physician. As one of the first naturopathic institutions to develop this type of postdoctoral training, NUNM continues to play a leadership role in advancing clinical education.

Residency programs provide graduates with the opportunity to deepen their clinical experience through supervised, real-world practice. Depending on placement and licensure requirements, residents may gain experience in areas such as:

Primary care
Women’s health
Physical medicine
Intravenous (IV) therapy
Minor surgery
Community and adjunctive care

In addition to clinical training, some residencies include teaching opportunities, allowing participants to further develop their skills through mentorship and academic engagement.

Programs by Interest Area

Interest Area	Recommended Programs
Clinical Practice	Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM), Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine SpecializationMaster of Acupuncture (MAc)
Nutrition & Lifestyle	Master of Science in Nutrition (MScN), Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN), Accelerated BScN–MScN
Research	Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR)
Global & Public Health	Master of Science in Global Health (MScGH)
Movement & Performance	Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (BSES)Exercise Science Certificate
Hands-On Therapies	Bachelor of Science inMassage Therapy (BSMT)Massage Therapy Certificate Shiatsu Certificate
Women’s Health & Midwifery	Naturopathic Childbirth Certificate

What Makes NUNM’s Programs Unique?

While each program has its own focus, they share several key characteristics:

Whole-person approach to health

Students are trained to consider the full context of health, including biological, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Hands-on clinical experience

Through NUNM Health Centers, students gain real-world experience working with patients under supervision. This allows them to apply what they learn in a clinical setting.

Small class sizes and faculty mentorship

Students benefit from close collaboration with experienced faculty, creating a more personalized and immersive learning experience.

Flexible learning options

Several programs, including Nutrition and Integrative Health Sciences, offer online or hybrid formats, providing flexibility for students balancing work, life, and education.

Frequently Asked Questions about NUNM Programs

What is the most popular program at NUNM?

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program is one of the most recognized programs, preparing students for careers as primary care clinicians.

Does NUNM offer online programs?

Yes. Several programs, including the Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Science in Global Health, as well as our Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences offer online or hybrid formats. Even our more advanced degrees, like our Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Chinese medicine programs offer online options for the first year of the programs.

Can I gain clinical experience as a student?

Yes. Many programs include hands-on clinical training through NUNM Health Centers, where students apply their learning in real-world settings.

Are there accelerated program options?

Yes. NUNM offers numerous accelerated pathways, including the Bachelor to Master of Science in Nutrition, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, and Master of Acupuncture programs, all of which allow students to complete their education more efficiently.

What careers can these programs lead to?

Graduates pursue careers in clinical practice, nutrition, research, public health, integrative health, and more, depending on their program of study.

Begin Your Path in Natural Health Sciences

Choosing the right program is the first step toward building a meaningful career in natural medicine. Whether you are interested in clinical practice, nutrition, research, or integrative health sciences, NUNM offers a range of programs designed to support your goals.