SCNM Offers Dual-Degree Program for Master's of Public Health and Naturopathic Medical Degree in Collaboration with University of Arizona

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) is proud to partner with University of Arizona's Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health to enable SCNM students to complete their Master's of Public Health while enrolled at SCNM.

Tempe, AZ (PRWEB) September 16, 2015

In collaboration with the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) is pleased to offer a dual-degree program for a naturopathic medical degree (ND) and a master's degree in public health (MPH). Naturopathic medical students will begin classes in the fall 2016.

Students must apply and be accepted into both programs in order to qualify. For the master's degree in public health, students can choose to concentrate in either public health practice (PHP) or in health services administration (HSA).

"For a student interested in leadership positions in public health at government agencies, international health organizations and non-governmental associations, this is a tremendous opportunity to develop a career path," said SCNM President Paul Mittman. "For SCNM, this collaboration represents another milestone in our strategic plans to grow the college's academic side as well as our ability to reach and engage more students, faculty and staff."

By following the recommended course sequence, students can complete both programs in five years. SCNM students accepted into the public health program will begin taking courses in their first or second year. Courses will be held online and at the downtown Phoenix campus of the University of Arizona. Classes for the naturopathic medical degree will be held on the SCNM campus in Tempe.

"Students of naturopathic medicine seek formal public health training. The fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine are similar to those of public health in such areas as health promotion, prevention, and patient education," said Dr. Cecilia Rosales, assistant dean of Phoenix programs at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health. "ND's are trained to be more proactive in their approach to wellness than reactive approaches to disease management and treatment."

"We think it is important to offer public health training to all healthcare providers responsible for individual care. This is especially important with the new healthcare law that seeks to keep the population well rather than treating and managing illness."

Dr. Rosales said the collaboration enhances career opportunities for SCNM students as well as opens up wider inclusion of naturopathic medicine in the broader public health community. "At the same time, we are at the very front end of what we expect to be a tremendous partnership with the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine."

For more information about the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, visit http://www.scnm.edu. For more information about the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, visit http://www.publichealth.arizona.edu.

About SCNM: The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine trains future physicians to focus on prevention, wellness and lifestyle changes, which addresses the root cause of the majority of the problems plaguing Americans. Located in Tempe, and founded in 1993, SCNM is an accredited higher-learning institution offering a four or five year medical program. Adjacent to the college, the SCNM Medical Center is the largest naturopathic medical center in the Southwest and offers family and primary care using integrative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation, and pharmacology. It has more than 40 doctors and more than 200 student clinicians. For more information, visit http://www.scnm.edu.

About the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health: Established in 2000, the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is the first nationally accredited college of public health in the Southwest. Today the college remains the only accredited college of public health in the State of Arizona with campuses in Tucson and Phoenix. The college enrolls more than 1,100 students per year across degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. Through research, education, and community engagement the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health continues to find solutions to public health problems in Arizona, the southwest and globally.

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CONTACTS:

Jill Roig, Director of Marketing and Communications, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, (480) 222-9224, j.roig(at)scnm(dot)edu

Gerri Kelly, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, (520) 626-9669, gkelly(at)email(dot)arizona(dot)edu

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/09/prweb12966482.htm