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Admissions Policy

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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.

Academic Requirements

A University bachelor's degree is required from a recognized post-secondary institution or the equivalent (as listed by the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials - www.cicic.ca - or as listed by the US Department of Education at ope.ed.gov/accreditation .) For credentials earned outside of the USA and Canada a "comprehensive evaluation" must be completed from ICES www.bcit.ca/ices or from WES www.wes.org and sent directly to the Admissions Committee prior to the admissions deadline. Applicants must have completed the following specific courses as part of, or additionally to a bachelor's degree:

  • Biology -1 full-year (6 credit hours) - May be fulfilled by one year of general biology or one semester of cell biology plus one semester of an appropriate biology, such as botany, genetics, zoology, anatomy, microbiology, etc.
  • Psychology - 0.5 full-year (3 credit hours)
  • English / Humanities -1 full-year (6 credit hours) - Must include an essay component. (Note: applicants may be required to write a short essay at the time of interview.)
  • General Chemistry -1 full-year (6 credit hours)
  • Organic Chemistry - 0.5 full-year (3 credit hours)
  • Biochemistry - 0.5 full-year (3 credit hours)

In addition, prospective students would benefit by completing additional courses in some or all of the following areas:

  • Anatomy
  • Physics
  • Microbiology
  • Human Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • Cell Biology
A passing mark of 60% is the absolute minimum grade required for all prerequisites. It is recommended that an overall cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale (i.e. 75%) be attained for the applicant to be competitive for the limited seats available.

BINM is developing and endorses a Prior Learning Assessment Policy for our prerequisite courses only. For more information, contact the Registrar's office.

Credit may not be given for courses completed more than 10 years prior to application for admission.

Transfer Credits from another Naturopathic Medicine Program

Transfer credits for academic courses (not clinic hours) may be awarded to students who have successfully completed equivalent courses at a CNME accredited or "candidate for accreditation" College. Transfer students must meet the same entrance requirements as all other BINM students and must apply for transfer credits on a course by course basis. The student must meet with the Dean of Academics and / or instructor(s) of the course(s) being considered to determine if the course(s) taken meet the criteria for transfer credit(s). A comprehensive examination covering course content may be required. No more than two years of transfer credits will be awarded.

Advanced Standing from other Institutions

Advanced standing is available to students other than transfer students and is determined on a course by course basis. All students requesting advanced standing in a specific BINM course must complete an application form and meet with the instructor of the course being challenged. The applicant may be required to pass a comprehensive examination covering course content. No more than two years advanced standing is granted and there is no waiver of clinical courses or clinic time.