(1) The board may approve a naturopathic medical college degree if it is obtained from a naturopathic medical program which meets the following minimum naturopathic medicine educational standards:

(a) The naturopathic medical college is or was incorporated in the United States under the laws of the state of its residence as a nonprofit, nonproprietary institution exempt from taxation by the IRS, due to its devotion to educational purposes. Foreign country naturopathic medical colleges must possess equivalent qualifications to those required of U.S. naturopathic medical colleges.

(b) The naturopathic medical college has or had formal authority from the appropriate state or provincial governmental agency to grant an N.D. or N.M.D. degree, and has as its major mission the education of naturopathic doctors and their preparation for licensing.

(c) The naturopathic medical college's objective shall be clearly stated and should address the preparation of naturopathic physicians to provide patient care and for licensing by state or provincial authorities. The curriculum shall encompass a minimum of four academic years of a full-time resident program of academic and clinical study of naturopathic medicine.

(d) Educational standards shall include instruction in a core program which requires each student to demonstrate competence in each of the following substantive content areas:

(i) The basic sciences program must include in-depth study and courses on human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology and pharmacognosy. A basic sciences program may also include, without limitation, courses in public health and naturopathic philosophy. Total hours in basic sciences must be a minimum of 1000 clock hours, with 12 clock hours equal to one quarter credit, or equivalent semester credit.

(ii) The clinical sciences program must include preparation of the student to diagnose the causes of human ailments and effective treatment of them using naturopathic medications and methods. A clinical sciences program may also include, without limitation, courses in acupuncture and office management. Total hours in clinical sciences must be a minimum of 1200 clock hours with 12 clock hours equal to one quarter credit, or equivalent semester credit. The clinical sciences program must include:

(A) diagnostic courses, which shall include physical, clinical, laboratory and radiological,

(B) therapeutic courses, which shall include materia medica (botanical medicine, homeopathy, emergency drugs), nutrition, physical medicine (including but not limited to naturopathic manipulative therapy and hydrotherapy), and psychological counseling,

(C) specialty courses, which shall include organ systems (cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, EENT, gastroenterology, orthopedics, neurology), human development (gynecology, natural childbirth, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics), jurisprudence, medical emergencies, and minor surgery.

(iii) The clinical practicum program shall give the student experience in a clinical setting, under licensed supervision, in all aspects of naturopathic practice. The student shall, at a minimum, have primary care responsibility in the institution's teaching clinic and preceptorships in one or more practicing physician's offices. Total hours in clinical practicum must be a minimum of 1000 clock hours, with 12 clock hours equal to one quarter credit, or equivalent semester credit.

(e) The naturopathic medical college must have an identifiable faculty. The faculty must have advanced or professional degrees in either the subject being taught or in related areas. The faculty should be involved in continuing education and provisions should exist in teaching loads to encourage academic excellence through research, publication, attendance at conventions and educational symposia.

(f) The board reserves the right to evaluate individual applications as to their compliance with equivalent naturopathic medical educational standards, on a case-by-case basis, in the sole discretion of the board.