Ø BINM accepts and starts a maximum of 36 students each year allowing for a collaborative and intimate learning environment, which facilitates network building, and offers an ideal setting for sharing knowledge a nd ideas. Limited class sizes has resulted in a total school population of approximately 150 students, which has led to a strong sense of community and a first-name basis relationship between most students, faculty, supervisors and staff.
Ø The academic philosophy, as evidenced by the Institute's curriculum design, strives to incorporate principles of research based learning theory, conventional academic wisdom, and creativity within a mentorship-like context. BINM's commitment to small class sizes allows maximum flexibility in the incorporation of various educational methodologies including problem-based hands-on situational learning and promoting critical thinking. 3500 hours of academic instruction are divided among the five basic categories of courses which constitute the Naturopathic Medical Program academic curriculum: plus 1500 hours of clinical practice.
Ø We have an outstanding student to instructor ratio, with a student population of approximately 150 and typically 50 faculty members. The majority of our faculty are in private practice while holding additional part-time positions at Boucher, thus enabling them to bring their daily clinical and research experiences and knowledge to the classroom. The instructor ratio in clinical education ranges from 4 to 8 students per supervising naturopathic doctor. There are currently over twenty clinical faculty, all of whom maintain private practices in addition to teaching at the Institute. This means all clinical instructors are current in the field, and bring their own particular areas of interest and expertise to the clinic. In addition to internship roles, students undertake practical training as assistants in the dispensary, laboratory and front desk to prepare them to manage their own clinics.
Ø The attrition rate is low, with a five year average between 2004 and 2009 of approximately 2.6%.
Ø BINM is Western Canada’s first, and only CNME-accredited naturopathic medical school. BINM is the only CNME-accredited institution with a part time program geared towards students who prefer a reduced course load to allow for part time work and/or caring for their families. The program offers the same content as the full time program, but is six years in length and the schedule is 2/3 of the course load of the four year program.
Ø BINM students consistently perform above the average of the other CNME-accredited and candidate schools taken altogether on NPLEX (licensing exams).
Ø Our basic sciences are offered simultaneously as an integrative course, and not taught separately, which is unique to BINM. The Biomedicine course within the Biomedical Sciences program encompasses the following courses in its content and is taught 6 hours a week over the first two years: physiology, biochemistry, pathology, histology, embryology, pharmacology, and laboratory diagnosis. As a synthesis of several fields of study, this series of courses promotes an integrative holistic, and clinically relevant view of the basic medical sciences. Biomedicine is designed to present the physiological and biochemical functioning of the human body as the basis to understanding relevant pathology and applying appropriate lab diagnostic tests and pharmacological interventions, as opposed to the artificial presentation of this knowledge as disparate subjects. As such, it facilitates the learning process while upholding the holistic viewpoint of Naturopathic medicine. The blended basic science course is presented following a systems approach which is reinforced by the surrounding curriculum.
Ø Boucher graduates are not required to complete a separate degree program in Oriental Medicine for their acupuncture training. Boucher offers Traditional Oriental Medicine as part of the curriculum, and Boucher students accumulate sufficient classroom and clinical practice hours to be eligible to practice acupuncture upon graduation. In addition, there are no electives at BINM, which therefore assures all graduates are equally strong in all current standard naturopathic modalities.
Ø At Boucher we recognize that no patient will benefit from the care of a good naturopathic physician unless that physician is able to successfully practice medicine. We also recognize that students entering Boucher may have little or no idea on the practical aspects of setting up or entering into a naturopathic practice. We have developed a Practice Management course that is offered periodically throughout the four years of study. Practice Management lays the foundation of a transitional bridge between the role of a student and the open-ended challenge of building and running a successful naturopathic practice. It allows the student to become familiar with marketing and finances, and the guidance to develop to a personal business plan upon graduation. Research is also delivered in this manner, structured to provide incremental increases in skill to match their current needs, and culminating in a completed research project by the fourth year.
Ø Exams at Boucher preferentially utilize short and long answer questions over a multiple choice format. We feel it is important for students to not only choose a correct answer, but to also explain that answer: after all, “doctor as teacher” is an important naturopathic principle. In addition, when in practice, patients will not present as a multiple choice list of diagnoses, so learning to creatively work through a clinical problem by applying critical thinking to what they have learned is what leads to positive clinical outcomes and a successful practice. Students also appreciate having the chance to justify their position, and doing so forces them to integrate and apply the material better.
Ø Location, location, location! British Columbia is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, and the Lower Mainland is no exception, with towering mountains, parks, beaches and more. BINM is located on the Sky Train line (Vancouver’s rapid transit system) which makes transit between school and home extremely convenient. If you are a foodie, Vancouver is world-renowned for its variety and quality. The Lower Mainland is the birth place of the concept the 100 Mile Diet, which essentially means cooking and eating for global change. There is also no shortage of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, with nearby skiing, hiking, mountain biking trails, rivers for white water rafting and lakes and inlets for kayaking, sailing and more. The mighty Fraser River is minutes from the school, and there is a boardwalk extending several kilometres through New Westminster, which is great for running, walking and getting back to nature.
Ø British Columbia recently revised the legislation governing the practice of naturopathic medicine to include minor surgery, prescription rights, and additional diagnostic procedures, which gives BC practitioner the most comprehensive scope of practice in Canada. BC boasts a population that is generally very supportive of the naturopathic profession.
