Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (SCNM) has announced that it will transition to Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Sept. 2022. The new direction is indicative of a larger shift towards highlighting the school’s multiple unique degree offerings related to the healing power of nature.

“We are elated to share the culmination of years of hard work to become Sonoran University,” said Dr. Paul Mittman, president and CEO of SCNM. “Our students, faculty, staff and trustees sought a name that reflects the institution’s values and aspirations. The Sonoran Desert’s biodiversity, beauty and resilience, honors SCNM’s past and captures our expansive goals for the future. Becoming a university is the next logical step in establishing Sonoran University of Health Sciences’ position as the preeminent health sciences institution grounded in the healing power of nature.”

The transition began in 2020 with the successful launch of a fully online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition degree program. This program was quickly followed by The Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership degree and the opening of the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, which focuses on developing new products and improving existing botanical therapeutics through scientific exploration. Each of these new programs represent the changes being made to distinguish the school’s degree offerings. More programs and degree offerings will be added in the coming years. SCNM will undergo rebranding over the coming months to unify all colleges and services under Sonoran University. Additional information about this transition will be available in the coming months leading up to the official launch in the fall of 2022.

For more information, visit www.scnm.edu/university.