Admissions Requirements & Prerequisites

Degree Requirements

The Boucher Institute is a graduate-level naturopathic medical college. A university bachelor's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, or the equivalent, in any field is required for entry into the program.

For credentials earned outside of Canada and the US, a "comprehensive evaluation" must be completed from an acceptable service and submitted for review.

 Please note: a four-year (120 credit) degree is required. Three year (90 credit) degrees will not be accepted unless they can be documented to be equivalent in post secondary hours or credits to a conventional four year bachelor degree program.

Still Completing your Undergraduate Degree?

Prospective students may apply for admission in the final year of undergraduate study if you are able to provide an official transcript showing the degree conferred date as well as proof of successful completion of all prerequisites no later than one month prior to matriculation.

 Please note: credentials obtained at a foreign institution require further evaluation on a course by course basis.

Prerequisites

The following specific courses are required prerequisites and applicants must show a minimum final grade of 60 per cent or 'C'. Prerequisite courses must be taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, or the equivalent, either on-site or online. The Boucher Institute does not require the separate lab courses as a prerequisite. Lab courses may not be used to fulfill the number of required prerequisite credit hours or be included in calculating prerequisite grades.

Prerequisite Courses

•  Biology: one full-year (6 credit hours)
  It is strongly recommended that the requirement be fulfilled by 6.0 credit hours of introductory or general biology. This requirement may also be satisfied by 3.0 credits hours of general/introductory biology plus 3.0 credit hours of another appropriate biology, such as, botany, cell biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, zoology etc. Please note: anatomy and physiology courses may not satisfy the biology requirement.
•  General Chemistry: half-year (3 credit hours)
  It is strongly recommended to complete 6.0 credit hours of general chemistry to prepare for the rigours of the program.
•  Organic Chemistry: half-year (3 credit hours)
  Acceptable courses should have at least 3.0 credits hours of general chemistry as a prerequisite.
•  Biochemistry: half-year (3 credit hours) (more...)
  Acceptable courses should have at least 3.0 credits hours of general chemistry as a prerequisite.  It is strongly recommended that acceptable courses also have at least 3.0 credit hours of organic chemistry as a prerequisite.
•  Psychology/Counselling: one full-year (6 credit hours)
  3.0 credit hours of this requirement must be fulfilled by introductory, general or developmental psychology. The additional 3.0 credits of this requirement may be satisfied by other psychology courses or courses in the social sciences /humanities that provide empathic insight into a range of patient issues. More specifically, knowledge that contributes to a better understanding of the following is helpful preparation for counselling: relationship (family, social, workplace); emotional processes; human change processes; personal decision-making; human cognition, affective or behavioural processes; personal or social crises; wellness; spirituality; empathy; communication; empowerment; facilitation; self-determination; the breadth of personal values and beliefs.
• English/Humanities: one full-year (6 credit hours)
  This requirement may be fulfilled by courses such as, academic writing, anthropology, English, history, literature, philosophy, sociology, women's studies etc. Coursework must include a significant essay-writing component (typically 40 per cent or greater of the total coursework). Applicants may be required to write a short essay at the time of interview. Please note: second language courses (Spanish, French etc.) and courses taught in a language other than English may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

According to both PCTIA bylaws and Boucher Institute policy, minimum program admission requirements may not be waived.

 Please note: credit may or may not be given for courses completed more than 10 years prior to application for admission, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Students should be prepared to show that they have kept themselves up-to-date in the sciences.

The Boucher Institute may, at its discretion, accept prerequisite preparatory courses from other CNME-approved institutions. This option is generally reserved for students who apply as transfer students. It is preferable for first-year applicants to complete their prerequisite courses through a recognized university or college.

Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the minimum English requirements for admission into the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Program by presenting official and original evidence of proficiency.  For details click here.

Recommended Courses

In addition to the mandatory prerequisites, prospective students would benefit by completing additional courses in some or all of the following areas showing a final grade of at least 73 per cent or 'B':

•  For a guide to prerequisites accepted at the Boucher Institute, or for information on what type of courses satisfy the Boucher Institute requirements, as well as a limited list of acceptable courses from specific institutions please see Admissions FAQ.

Cumulative Grade-Point Average

The Boucher Institute calculates a cumulative grade-point average for all courses that constitute an undergraduate degree. To compete for our limited seats, we recommend a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale (an average 'B' letter grade).

Minimum Prerequisite Grade-Point Average

A passing mark of 60 per cent or 'C' (2.0 on a four-point scale) is the absolute minimum grade required for all prerequisite courses. A passing mark of 73 per cent or 'B' (3.0 on a four-point scale) or greater is required for any recommended courses to be considered. The average science prerequisite grade-point average for matriculated students in 2011 was approximately 3.2.

If you have a question regarding degree requirements and prerequisites feel free to contact the admissions department directly.