University of Western States Achieves Candidacy Status for Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program

PORTLAND, Ore., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program at University of Western States (UWS) has received candidacy status by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), a key milestone in the program's path toward accreditation.

"This recognition from CNME affirms the strength of our program as we work to advance whole-person health care education," said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. "Our Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program was intentionally designed to meet the growing demand for clinically rigorous, evidence-informed naturopathic education, and we are proud to see that commitment recognized."

Launched in fall 2023, the NMD program was developed in response to rising demand for clinicians trained to identify and address the root causes of illness through personalized, prevention-focused care. With chronic illness and mental health concerns on the rise, there is an urgent national need for practitioners who are equipped to integrate nutrition, functional medicine, lifestyle interventions, and natural therapeutics—core elements of the UWS curriculum.

"We are thrilled to reach this milestone, which reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students," said Marcia Prenguber, ND, dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine at UWS. "Our program is built on a foundation of clinical excellence, and this candidacy status demonstrates our commitment to preparing practice-ready naturopathic doctors who are equipped to meet the evolving health needs of their communities."

Delivered in person on the UWS campus in Portland, Oregon, the NMD program offers a comprehensive, science-driven education grounded in whole-person health care. The program complements UWS's long-standing strengths in chiropractic medicine, clinical nutrition, sports medicine, and clinical mental health counseling—reflecting the university's commitment to interdisciplinary and collaborative learning.

The program's clinical component includes hands-on training at Connected Whole Health, the university's on-campus clinic, where students provide affordable, integrated care to the local community. This model exemplifies how higher education institutions can drive both student success and community wellness.

UWS welcomed its first NMD cohort in fall 2023, and the program continues to grow. Applications are now open for future cohorts. To learn more about the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at University of Western States, visit UWS.edu.  

About University of Western States 
For more than 120 years, University of Western States (UWS) has been at the forefront of whole person health, educating professionals in the areas of chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, sports medicine, sport and performance psychology, clinical mental health counseling, and occupational therapy. The university prepares graduates to help shape the future of health care by providing an education grounded in scientific rigor and empathetic understanding. Located in Portland, Oregon, UWS is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. University of Western States is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit UWS.edu.

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SOURCE University of Western States