National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), a pioneering institution in Portland, Oregon, specializes in naturopathic and integrative health education. Jobs at National College of Natural Medicine span faculty appointments, research positions, clinical roles, and administrative opportunities within a unique higher education environment focused on natural healing modalities. Whether you're a licensed naturopathic doctor seeking to teach future practitioners or a researcher passionate about herbal medicine, NCNM offers fulfilling careers that align with holistic health principles.
Founded in 1956, NCNM has evolved into a leader in accredited programs like the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research. Located in the vibrant city of Portland, known for its wellness culture and access to nature, the campus provides an inspiring setting for academic professionals. Positions here emphasize evidence-based natural therapies, patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Careers at NCNM contribute to advancing natural medicine through teaching, groundbreaking research, and community clinics. For those interested in higher ed faculty jobs, NCNM stands out for its commitment to training compassionate, skilled naturopaths.
The history of National College of Natural Medicine traces back to its establishment as one of the first naturopathic medical schools in North America. Over nearly seven decades, it has grown from a small program to a comprehensive university offering doctoral and master's degrees in natural medicine fields. This legacy shapes jobs at National College of Natural Medicine, where employees help preserve and innovate traditional healing practices amid modern scientific scrutiny.
NCNM's mission centers on educating practitioners who integrate natural therapies with conventional medicine. This drives demand for faculty who can teach courses in botanical medicine, homeopathy (a system using highly diluted substances to stimulate healing), nutrition, and acupuncture. Historical milestones, like achieving full accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 2011, underscore the institution's credibility, attracting top talent for research jobs.
Understanding this background is key for applicants; roles often involve contributing to NCNM's vision of accessible, sustainable healthcare. Portland's progressive health scene enhances the appeal, with employees engaging in local wellness initiatives.
Jobs at National College of Natural Medicine demand rigorous academic credentials tailored to natural medicine. For core faculty roles, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from an accredited four-year program is essential, often paired with Oregon licensure, as the state regulates naturopathic practice. Research faculty may need a PhD in fields like pharmacology, nutrition science, or integrative biology.
Adjunct professors typically hold an ND or Master's in Oriental Medicine (MOM), with clinical experience. Administrative positions, such as clinic directors, require NDs with 3-5 years in patient care. Postdoctoral researchers should have a PhD plus publications in peer-reviewed journals on topics like herbal efficacy or mind-body medicine.
These qualifications ensure instructors model the highest standards, preparing students for licensure exams like the NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations).
Research at NCNM targets integrative health, including clinical trials on supplements, pain management via natural therapies, and oncology support. Preferred experience includes grant funding from bodies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), with 5+ publications demonstrating impact.
Candidates with experience in randomized controlled trials (RCTs, gold-standard studies comparing interventions) or meta-analyses (statistical reviews of multiple studies) stand out. For example, prior work on adaptogens (herbs like ashwagandha aiding stress response) aligns with NCNM's herbal clinic research.
Faculty often collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, such as nutrition-genomics studies. Explore higher ed postdoc jobs for entry into this ecosystem.
Key skills for jobs at National College of Natural Medicine include clinical expertise in modalities like hydrotherapy (water-based treatments) and counseling for lifestyle changes. Strong communication is vital for teaching diverse learners, while data analysis skills support research using tools like SPSS for statistical modeling.
Competencies encompass cultural humility (respecting diverse healing traditions), grant writing, and mentorship. Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) aids clinic roles. Soft skills like empathy align with naturopathy's holistic ethos.
Naturopathy: A whole-person approach to healthcare using natural methods like diet, herbs, and lifestyle to stimulate self-healing.
Integrative Medicine: Combining conventional and complementary therapies for optimal outcomes.
Botanical Medicine: Use of plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes, backed by pharmacology.
Homeopathy: Treatment based on 'like cures like' using diluted remedies to trigger healing responses.
The application process for jobs at National College of Natural Medicine begins on their careers page, requiring a tailored CV, cover letter, and references. Submit via email or portal, highlighting naturopathic licensure and research portfolio.
Tip: Network at naturopathic conferences. Leverage free resume templates for academic formats. Portland applicants benefit from local knowledge.
NCNM champions diversity through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, offering scholarships for Native American and LGBTQ+ students in naturopathy. Faculty hiring prioritizes underrepresented groups in natural medicine, with training on cultural competency. Examples include partnerships with indigenous healers for traditional plant knowledge and affinity groups for faculty of color. These efforts create an inclusive environment, reflecting Portland's diverse population.
Work-life balance at NCNM is supported by flexible teaching loads (typically 12-16 credits/semester), sabbaticals after seven years, and employee wellness clinics offering free acupuncture. Campus life buzzes with seminars on mindfulness, farm-to-table lunches from the teaching garden, and proximity to Portland's trails and food scene. Faculty enjoy collaborative governance, student mentorship, and events like the annual natural medicine symposium. Remote admin options exist, but clinic roles thrive on-site. This holistic setting reduces burnout, aligning with naturopathic principles.
Job types include tenure-track professors, research associates, clinic preceptors, and deans. Growth paths lead to department chairs or research directors. Link to university job types for specifics. Salaries competitive: ND faculty ~$90,000-$130,000 base, plus benefits.
In summary, jobs at National College of Natural Medicine offer meaningful impact in natural health. Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post your profile on recruitment via AcademicJobs.com.
