General Criteria for Admission

The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine evaluates all applicants in accordance with the constitutional guidelines that protect the rights of individuals. The primary objective of the applicant screening process is to assure that applicants accepted into the program have made an informed commitment to naturopathic medicine as a career and that there is a good match between the applicant's goals and expectations and what the Boucher's unique program has to offer. Applicants must be temperamentally and morally suited to the profession, and must have a reasonable probability of successfully completing the program and becoming licensed to practice in a regulated jurisdiction.

The successful applicant is expected to:

• have demonstrated reasonable academic ability in previous educational endeavours;
• have reasonable knowledge of and realistic attitudes towards health and healing and towards naturopathic medicine in particular, understand the importance of self-care, demonstrate a reasonable understanding of holistic health care, and be able to discuss the role of the healer in the natural self-healing process;
• have some knowledge and personal experience of naturopathic medicine;
• recognize the ongoing responsibilities inherent in a life of service to the community as a naturopathic physician;
• understand that naturopathic medicine is a rapidly advancing field in which there is a continuing need to update skills and knowledge by keeping current with journals and through continuing education;
• have realistic expectations regarding the income potential of naturopathic physicians, be aware of the potential for mental and emotional stress involved in this occupation, and have an understanding of the relationship of naturopathic medicine to other health care professions;
• have devoted sufficient time and energy to researching the naturopathic medicine profession and, considering personal goals and expectations, to be confident in this career choice;
• have an appreciation of the importance of diversity in society and show evidence of the maturity, emotional stability, and physical ability necessary to engage in the activities required for naturopathic training and practice;
• be able to demonstrate an ability for critical thinking and have good communication skills;
• be able to discuss professionalism as it applies to the provision of health care;
• be able to provide references as to character and ability;
• be able to demonstrate adequate financial resources to become a full time student.

Applicants who meet the academic requirements specified below and who have also satisfied the above criteria, as evidenced through their application, essay and interview, are eligible for admission to the Institute at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

US and other International Applicants please follow this link

Transfer Credits from another Naturopathic Medicine Program
Transfer credits for academic courses may be awarded to students who have successfully completed equivalent courses at a CNME www.cnme.org accredited or candidated for accreditation naturopathic medical college. Transfer students must apply for admission and meet the same entrance requirements as all other BINM students for the year in which they matriculate and must apply for transfer credits on a course by course basis. No more than two years of transfer credits will be awarded and no clinic hours or competencies may be transferred. Preparatory courses taken at CCNM can be accepted for prerequisite credit. Contact our Admissions Officer, Sue Sparlin ssparlin@binm.org for further information.

Advanced Standing from other professions:
Advanced standing is available to people with other health degrees and licensure (such as DCs, RMTs, RNs. MDs, etc.) provided there is a seat available in the class into which they would be registering. Advanced standing applicants must submit an application for admission and meet all the BINM admissions prerequisites. A small fee for each course for which credit is granted transfer equivalence will be levied and full tuition for those courses will be removed. No more than two years advanced standing can be granted and there is no waiver of clinical courses or clinic time. Advanced standing students are required to take all board licensing examinations given by NABNE www.nabne.org

Only those courses taken from “recognized post-secondary institutions” in Canada and the USA , graduate university courses, and ICES or WES evaluation of foreign university and graduate level courses may be considered for transfer credit.

For additional information please download our current Academic Calendar or contact our Admissions Officer, Sue Sparlin ssparlin@binm.org