Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research

Integrative medicine research utilizes the principles of biomedical research, but applies them to studies of nutrition, herbal medicine, mind-body medicine, acupuncture and other therapies.

The Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR)degree is designed for those interested in a strong foundation in research and study design in natural medicine. As the need for evidence-based medicine grows stronger, the demand for research skills among clinicians has increased. This program aims to train master’s level researchers, clinician researchers and evidence-based clinicians by offering courses that cater to multiple career paths.

The MSiMR is a unique program that will contribute to the growing research base in integrative medicine. It combines course subjects from the standard master of public health (MPH) and master of clinical research programs (MCR) with an integrative medicine research literature and scientific base. The new MSiMR’s active learning approach builds applied, basic and clinical research skills.

The MSiMR blends the scientific rigor of the MPH and MCR with the natural medicine content in its course offerings to create a more universal degree program that opens numerous career paths for its graduates.

MSiMR graduates can go on to careers in public health and in integrative medicine research groups at conventional medical schools. At its essence, this well-rounded program allows natural medicine professionals to communicate and collaborate with expert researchers, conventional doctors and public health professions, as well as providing them with the resource skills to seek and gain more knowledge after the degree is completed.

Master of Science Degree inIntegrative Medicine

Research

Required Courses

Intro to Research & Ethics

This course covers the requirements and ethical issues that are faced in conducting clinical research. Includes informed consent, institutional review board applications, HIPAA, conflict of interest, and issues of fraud and research misconduct.

Introduction to Integrative Medicine

The field of integrative medicine involves many complex disciplines. This course introduces students to the basic philosophies and practices of ayurveda, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, shamanic healing and other integrative medicine practices.

Introduction to Laboratory Methods

Familiarizes students with basic science, clinical, psychophysiology and food/nutrition laboratories, common diagnostic tests and how they are conducted.

Anatomy & Physiology

An overview of gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on how biological outcomes are collected to measure organ function.

Research Practicum I Students work on a CAM epidemiological or clinical study.

Research Practicum II

Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I

Seminar-based course featuring national research leaders who discuss their research.

Integrative Medicine Research Seminar II

Journal Club I Discussion of recently published clinical trials.

Journal Club II

Research Design Introduction to research design, clinical population, randomization, etc.

Conducting Research Introduction to participant recruitment, data collection, data management and data analysis.

Biostatistics I Covers basic concepts in probability, estimation and hypothesis testing as well as statistical methods frequently used in clinical research. Provides familiarity with basic statistical concepts, issues in clinical research, and teaches simple data analysis.

Biostatistics II with Computer Lab

Advanced biostatistics, delving deeper into the methods of statistical analysis introduced in Biostatistics I. Utilizes computer programs to manipulate data.

Integrative Immunology

Focuses on the basic functions of the immune system with emphasis on using immunological outcomes to track health outcomes.

Integrative Microbiology

Provides an overview of the major infectious bacteria and viruses as well as normal microflora. The course also includes the etiology, epidemiology, prevention and control of communicable diseases from a public health point of view.

Principles of Epidemiology

Methodology of public health research.

Sample Elective Courses

Grant Writing Teaches skills in communication, problem-solving and critical thinking in order to write successful grant proposals.

Research & Skills Courses (various topics)

Students learn to evaluate published research, including analysis of study designs. Courses are offered in topics such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, mind-body research and nutrition.

Medical Academic Practical skills and teaching strategies for students pursuing careers as academic faculty members.

Global Health An examination of global health issues through the lens of journal and news articles, followed by a discussion of challenges in practicing medicine and targeting research to different areas. Experts in global health from various medical backgrounds bring their perspectives to health policy and medicine from around the globe.

Health Disparities & Diversity

All health professionals need to recognize and understand how to deal with health diversity and disparities. Partners from worldwide nonprofits will lecture on their experience and discuss how research can target these populations most effectively. Students will visit local low-income clinics and practices.

Advanced Research Methods

Integrative medicine research is full of methodological challenges. This advanced course will delve deeper into how to create feasible hypotheses and research aims. It will also expose students to techniques and instrumentation through visits to local labs. Small research projects will be completed to utilize the new skills gained through this class.

Environmental Medicine

Experts in the field will discuss toxicology, air and water quality, food standards and other issues.

Required Courses (continued)

Bioethics Teaches recognition of legal, regulatory and ethical issues in research, with special attention to vulnerable subjects. Covers basic concepts of regulation, study design and ethics. Reviews common problems encountered in protocols and informed consent. Reviews the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the conduct of human research.

Public Health Policy How does policy play a role in public health? How does the government tackle this problem? Guest lecturers give perspective on current issues facing public health. Compares public health issues and concerns on international levels. Current journal and news articles will be examined on a broad range of topics.

Technical Writing Concentrates on writing professional lay abstracts, introductions, background, aims and hypotheses using students’ own project, grant application or paper.

Capstone Preparation of the capstone paper and thesis defense.

Estimated Program CostCurrent tuition for the MSiMR program is $526 per credit. Students concurrently enrolled in an additional degree program at NCNM may transfer in applicable course credits. Tuition is subject to change. Please contact the NCNM Admissions office for current information.

Two-Year ProgramEstimated total program cost: $27,352

Four-Year Program (For students concurrently enrolled in an additional degree program at NCNM.)Estimated total program cost: $21,566

Total Required Credits

Required Course Credits 44

Elective Course Credits 8

Total Credits 52

Admissions RequirementsGPA: 3.2 or higher

Science GPA: 3.0 or higher

Course Pre-Requisites:• General Chemistry 2 courses

• General Biology with lab 1 course

• Math 2 courses Pre-calculus, calculus 1 or math-based statistics course

• Social Science 1 course Human psychology

• Humanities 1 course English composition

Strongly Recommended Courses: Statistics (1 course), Cell Biology, Ethics

Essay: What interests you about integrative medicine research? (800 words or less)

Resume: Please include internships, extracurricular activities and publications

Personal Statement: Describe your background in research, research-related interests or career goals in 800 words or less.

GRE Scores: Verbal minimum score: 150 (previously 500), quantitative minimum score: 160 (previously 650), writing: 4.0. Subject test not required.

TOEFL: Required for international students. Minimum computer test score: 213, minimum paper test score: 550.

Frequently Asked Questions1. How will this program prepare me for medical or graduate school?

The core courses in the MSiMR program provide a foundation in both clinical medicine and research. The curriculum is experience-based, students gain experience working with study participants, in the lab and analyzing data. Students will have the opportunity to conduct and publish their own research study. These publications will make graduates competitive for medical and graduate programs.

2. Will I have to write a thesis?Yes, a thesis will be required for graduation from the MSiMR program.

3. Will I be able to get financial aid?Yes, financial aid is available for the program. Please contact the NCNM admissions office for details.

4. Will I be able to do a job and complete this program?Yes, many of the classes will be offered in the evening and on weekends. Alternatively, classes may be offered only in the morning so that the rest of the day is free to work or conduct a research study.

049 SW Porter StreetPortland, OR 97201 www.ncnm.edu • admissions@ncnm.edu503.552.1660 • 877.669.8737