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A smile for the end of the day...

Mar 31, 2008
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I wrote to one of the directors at the University of Bridgeport this afternoon, because I wanted to inquire about my educational path with them. Their Naturopathic Doctor program is very difficult to get into. Among the requirements to even apply are a bachelor's in some sort of science, a long medical background, strong grades (a gpa of no less than 3.0, which I have in the bag), and so on. Some of these are actually optional...but considered a "requirement" because in addition to this, they only accept applications once a year in the fall, and of the hundreds of applications they receive, only somewhere around 40 lucky ducks get in a year. I was curious to find out if I was on a really good track, or to see if I should change things around a little.

Here is the email I sent them:

Rebecca wrote:

Greetings Michael,

How are you doing? Here in PA, it is chilly and rainy...but welcome as they are notable for the return of Spring. =)
Indeed, I am still planning on attending your University's Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. I have been set on becoming a Naturopathic doctor since I was in my younger high school years!
However, I am currently still in school to obtain my Bachelor's degree before I will even qualify to apply.

Though, while I am emailing you, I am curious as to my chances of getting in your school, and if the path that I am currently taking is a good one to go through to get to Bridgeport.
I'm currently enrolled in the R.N. program at my local community college (half way through it now). Upon there, I will be moving on to Kutztown University to complete my Bachelor's in Medical technology (this is what I'm thinking), possibly a double major in Science? I'm not entirely sure there, which is another reason I would contact you to find out if this is a good path. See...I'm not just thinking about what's good just to "get in" to Bridgeport here, but also what will benefit me ultimately upon graduation. I am aiming to work as an N.D. (whether it be my own practice or among a larger organization such as a hospital or the Cancer Treatment Center of America, etcetera), but I would also like to be an educator in the subject (maybe not as a professor...but at least offering courses in illness prevention, natural health, nutrition, fitness, and/or other areas where I would be qualified that would benefit the general public).
The reason I have chosen the R.N. course first is because I would like to work as an R.N. while I am attending school (the income and experience will benefit much more than a CNA, clerical, or secretary job!). The course credits will go towards my Bachelor's degree, and I will be gaining more experience in clinical work this way. When I was in high school, I attended a vocational school for Medical laboratory assisting. I excelled in it and finished in only 9 months; therefore I was able to take other courses independently (Medical assisting and general Health occ. courses). Outside of school, I took a nursing assisting program at a local nursing home, became state certified and was working as a CNA when I was 17. I worked there until I was 19. Life got in the way a little, I was married and had two boys...so now that they are a little older I am getting back into the working world and continuing my education until I reach my ultimate goals.
The only reason I am telling you all of this is so that you can get a better handle on my background, where I'm at now, and if where I have been will help me at all to get to Bridgeport and after graduation. I am up for any suggestions you may offer.
Thank you for your time and for your consideration!

Wæs hal,
*name & email were here*

"A perceptive eye and heart will notice that within this living world every hill, stone, tree, plant, and animal has a lesson that it can convey to the onlooker. We conscious humans are the ones who can experience, love, and learn from the world around us, but right now we are trapped in an isolated, cold, dark place. If we were to look and see, open ourselves and feel, we could learn innumerable beautiful lessons of both heart and mind." - Matthew Wood

Before the business day was over, I had already gotten a response from him. =)

This was his reply:

Hello Rebecca,
How are you today? Wow! The track you are following is exactly what we would advise a prospective candidate to follow. Working as an R.N (likely with Per Diem shifts) while in Naturopathic Medical school is a truly a win-win. In all likelihood your days will be free for school where you can incorporate evening or weekend shifts in conjunction so you have income while in school. Continuing on with the R.N. program you are currently enrolled in then moving on to the Medical Terminology curriculum offered at Kutztown should set you up to not only take all the prerequisites you will need for future matriculation but also serve as a great foundation for Naturopathic Medical studies. You truly have a great plan set here for future matriculation. If you ever run into a matter where you need advisement from my office regarding registering for courses that will work towards prerequisite fulfillment please feel free to email course descriptions over for review. If you should have any follow up questions or concerns please feel free to email back or call us toll free at 888-822-4476.
Sincerely,
Michael Grandison
Director of Admissions
UBCNM

I kind of had an idea that I was on the right path...but I wanted to be sure before I really went through towards Kutztown for the Bachelor's and all. A little bit of warm news, on a wet and very chilly day today. =)