The Program Students at the National College of Natural Medicine are deeply interested in research and building the evidence base for natural medicine. NCNM’s School of Research & Graduate Studies was founded with the mission of training the top clinicians and researchers in naturopathic and Chinese medicine research. The Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research program brings students together with expert investigators in the fields of nutrition, mind-body medicine, botanical and environmental medicine, as well as health disparities and global health.
Clinician Researcher Track The MSiMR four-year track is designed for students who wish to become naturopathic or Chinese medicine clinician researchers. The courses are complementary to the clinical degree programs at NCNM and are offered at times that are convenient for medical students. The program allows students to transfer credit between the research and clinical programs to optimize the learning experience and reduce cost. Graduates of this program often pursue research as part of their clinical practice.
Becoming trained in research requires both classroom and experiential learning. Students in the MSiMR program take courses in research design, conducting research, technical writing, and other research skills. All students embark on their own project in applied, basic or clinical research. During this phase of the training, students are paired with a mentor who helps oversee the student’s project. Students can pursue their specialized interests in elective courses such as integrative oncology, psychology and behavior change, women’s health, nutrition, botanical medicine, mind-body medicine, environmental health and global health. As the only research program to offer courses that cover the breadth of integrative medicine, while providing intensive training in research methodology, the MSiMR is truly one of a kind. Integrative medicine research requires innovation and creativity. The modalities of integrative medicine often don’t fit the traditional research model. Furthermore, the research that is most valuable studies the therapies the way that they’re practiced clinically. The MSiMR program is ideal for students who want to meet the challenge of designing rigorous studies that capture the nuances of individualized medical care. Whether your goal is to become expert in a field, or develop a broad understanding of research methodology, you will find courses and design projects that fit your interests.
Sample Course Schedules Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research Four-Year Program
Two-Year Program Year 1
Credits
Term
Year 1
Credits
Term
Anatomy & Physiology
2
Fall
Integrative Research Fundamentals
1
Fall
Integrative Research Fundamentals
1
Fall
Research Methodology
3
Winter
2
Spring
Intro to Integrative Medicine
2
Fall
Intro to Research & Ethics
Research Methodology
3
Fall
Research Practicum
1
Spring
Biostatistics I
2
Winter
Integrative Immunology
3
Winter
Year 2
Credits
Term
Intro to Research & Ethics
2
Winter
Journal Club I*
1
Fall
Journal Club I*
1
Winter
Research Practicum
1/1/1/1
Su/F/W/Sp
Biostatistics II with Lab
3
Spring
Year 3
Credits
Term
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I
1
Spring
Integrative Microbiology
2
Spring
Bioethics
2
Summer
Intro to Lab Methods
2
Spring
Intro to Lab Methods
1
Summer
Research Practicum
1/1/1
F/W/Sp
Biostatistics I
2
Fall
Public Health Policy
2
Fall
Technical Writing
2
Winter
Year 2
Credits
Term
Biostatistics II with Lab
3
Spring
Bioethics
2
Summer
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I
1
Spring
Principles of Epidemiology
3
Summer
Research Practicum
1/1/1/1
Su/F/W/Sp
Nutrition
2
Fall
Public Health Policy
2
Fall
Year 4
Credits
Term
Technical Writing
2
Winter
Principles of Epidemiology
3
Summer
Capstone
1
Spring
Journal Club II*
1
Fall
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar II
1
Spring
Capstone
1
Spring
1
Spring
Journal Club II*
1
Spring
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar II
Research Practicum
1/1/1
Su/F/W
Research Practicum
1/1/1
Su/F/W
Electives
8
Various
Electives
8
Various
Research Associate Track Students in the two-year research associate track begin with an immersion in the various therapies of integrative medicine. At the same time, they are also provided with a foundation in the basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, immunology, and microbiology. This program allows students to advance quickly through their coursework and focus on their mentored research project. Graduates of this program may work in research intensive institutions, public health settings, or go on to pursue advanced medical or graduate degrees.
As the only research program to offer courses that cover the breadth of integrative medicine, while providing intensive training in research methodology, the MSiMR is truly one of a kind.
Transfer Courses
Credits
Total Required Credits
Organ Systems Anatomy & Physiology
2
Required Course Credits
44
Microbiology & Public Health
2
Elective Course Credits
8
Immunology
3
Total Credits
52
Evidence-Informed Practice
2
Nutrition II
2
Total Required Credits
*May be taken in any term 4 www.ncnm.edu
Required Course Credits
38
Elective Course Credits
8
Transfer Course Credits
11
Total Credits
57
NCNM Research Viewbook 5