Academic Prerequisites

Concrete exposure to the practice of naturopathic medicine through job-shadowing or interviews with NDs is strongly recommended.  Work or volunteer experience in other types of health care is a plus. The prerequisite coursework is the minimum required preparation for the study of naturopathic medicine. Applicants may apply with coursework still in progress, but must complete prerequisites before beginning the program.

Please note: If you are unsure about a specific prerequisite, contact an admissions advisor before taking the course. The admissions office may require a course description to verify content. Descriptions may be read over the phone, e-mailed, faxed or sent by regular mail.

• College-level Algebra: 1 course
• Chemistry* (science-major level): Minimum of 4 courses. Must include a minimum of either two sequential courses in organic chemistry or one course in organic chemistry and one course in biochemistry. (This latter option is highly recommended). (The standard prerequisite for science-major level organic chemistry is one year of general chemistry.) Appropriate, hands-on lab work required. (Hands-on labs are those taken in person or using home lab kits.)
• General Biology* (science-major level): 2 semesters or 3 quarters. Must cover concepts in cellular biology and genetics. Appropriate hands-on lab work required. Individual courses in the biological sciences may count if the above competencies are met, i.e., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and botany.
• Physics: 1 college-level course. It must be algebra-based; calculus-based is also acceptable. A lab is not required.
• Psychology: 1 course. Introduction to/ General Psychology or Developmental/ Lifespan Psychology.

*Required chemistry and biology courses not taken within seven years of matriculation into the program are subject to review by the admissions committee. Additional coursework may be (but is not always) required. Please contact an admissions advisor at admiss@bastyr.edu with any questions about older courses.

Admissions Requirements & Prerequisites

Four-year Track

Boucher is a post-baccalaureate naturopathic medical institute. A degree and no less than 90 credits overall from a recognized or authorized Canadian or a regionally accredited American post-secondary institution is required for entry into the program.

For credentials and credits earned outside of Canada and the United States a “comprehensive evaluation” must be submitted from either International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) or World Education Services (WES) and must demonstrate equivalency to a North American degree and minimum credit requirements prior to matriculation.

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 prior to matriculation.

Advanced Standing track

Medical graduates who are applying to the program must have graduated from a medical school recognized by the Medical Council of Canada.

Cumulative GPA

Four-year Track

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine – Boucher Campus calculates a cumulative grade point average for all courses that constitute a degree. For a candidate to be considered a competitive applicant, the Admissions Committee expects a degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.

Prerequisites

Four-year Track

Applicants must show a minimum final grade of 60% or ‘C’ in each required prerequisite course. The expected overall minimum cumulative science GPA is 2.5 to compete for the limited program seats.

The Admissions Committee expects prerequisite courses to be completed no more than seven (7) years prior to an application for admission. Candidates must be prepared to show that they have kept themselves up-to-date in the sciences.

Prerequisite courses:

Biology (6 credit hours)

General chemistry (3 credit hours)

Organic chemistry (3 credit hours)

Biochemistry (3 credit hours)

Psychology (3 credit hours)

English/Humanities (3 credit hours)

Advanced Standing track

In order to be considered for advanced standing, applicants must successfully complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination – Level 1 (USMLE-I), Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE), Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1), or equivalent examination as determined by the Boucher Institute.

Successful completion of the USMLE I, MCCEE or MCCQE1 (or equivalent examination) also satisfies the academic prerequisite requirements for admission, with the exception of English and Humanities prerequisites.

Prerequisite courses:

English/Humanities (3 credit hours)

Four-year track

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

For more information, please read our Admissions FAQ.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission into the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program:

• Have completed their degree (all degree credits) at an institution where the official language of instruction is English, completed secondary school (all grades from grade 8), and received their high school diploma at a secondary school where the official language of instruction is English will meet the minimum language requirement, provided there are no concerns regarding language ability during the admissions interview.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum score of 95 overall with a minimum of 23 in each testing section. Scores over three years old at the time of application will not be accepted.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each testing section. Scores over three years old at the time of application will not be accepted.

The primary objective of the applicant screening process is to ensure that accepted applicants have made an informed commitment to Naturopathic Medicine. Applicants must be both temperamentally and morally suitable to the profession, and have a reasonable probability of becoming licensed to practice in a regulated jurisdiction. The criteria described below are used in the evaluation of applicants in order to achieve this objective.

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. They are expected to understand the importance of self-care, to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of holistic health care, and to be able to discuss the role of the healer in a person’s 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 changing field. Practitioners have a responsibility to maintain and update their 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;
• Understand that naturopathic medicine is an entrepreneurial undertaking that requires business skills and marketing acumen;
• Have devoted sufficient time and energy to researching the naturopathic medicine profession and – considering their personal goals and expectations – are confident in their career choice;
• Have an appreciation of the importance of a diverse society, and show evidence by way of appropriate life experience, maturity, emotional stability, and physical capability necessary to engage in the activities required for naturopathic training and practice;
• Demonstrate critical thinking;
• Have excellent 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 for four years.

To be considered for admission to the naturopathic program, applicants must have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline at an accredited institution. For September admission, courses must be completed by August 31 of the year of application. For January admission, courses must be completed by December 31.

Credit will not be given for the completion of prerequisites unless a grade of C-minus (60 per cent) or better is earned.

Some prerequisite sciences courses can be completed at CCNM.

Note: In addition to the required courses outlined above, we recommend that applicants complete courses in some or all of the following areas to prepare for the naturopathic program curriculum:

* Offered via CCNM’s Prepare to Excel program designed to help you get a head start in your naturopathic education.

The decision to admit an applicant is based primarily on the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average. Additional criteria may include:

Historically, the average cumulative GPA of accepted students has been 3.3 on a four-point scale, encompassing a range of 2.7 to 4.0.

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine works to ensure that the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code are reflected in our dealings with all of our constituents. The Ontario Human Rights Code states:

Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status, or handicap.

This applies to all matters of the College.

Applicants are required to complete and submit a personal statement/essay with their application. Questions include:

– Why do you want to become a naturopathic doctor?
– What is the role of naturopathic medicine/naturopathic doctors in the health-care system?
– How do you see the naturopathic profession evolving?
– Discuss any life experiences that have helped to prepare you for the rigorous academic demands and individual challenges associated with this program of study.

Three letters of reference must be submitted online. The following references are required:

– One academic reference is required
– One reference from a regulated healthcare professional is required
– One additional reference from either of the above categories or a past employer/volunteer supervisor is required
– Referees should know you for a minimum of one year, although it is strongly recommended that you choose someone who has known you for 2 years or more

When selecting your referee, you should choose someone who can comment on your capacity in the following areas:

– Ability to handle stressful situations
– Business management skills
– Commitment to upholding high ethical standards
– Demonstration of tolerance, compassion and empathy
– Initiative
– Maturity
– Problem solving skills
– Self-discipline

Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae/resume including the following information:

– Education
– Work experience
– Volunteer experience
– Awards
– Skills and abilities

As stated in the above section, completion of a Bachelor’s degree is expected. A limited number of exceptions are made for experienced students. Experienced students wishing to apply to CCNM must have completed a minimum of three years of university study (90 credit hours, 15 full courses) towards a bachelor’s degree. Competitive applications should have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 on a four-point scale (equivalent to B+). A lower grade point average (minimum 2.7) may be acceptable, depending on the applicant’s academic history, interview, essay, references and career-related experience. Applicants applying as experienced students must have the minimum prerequisites as outlined in the above section on admission requirements. In addition, anyone applying as an experienced student must be able to demonstrate a minimum of four years of work and life experience outside of university. Please note that possessing the published minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Please contact Admissions and Student Services for more information.

As CCNM curriculum is delivered in English, all applicants are expected to demonstrate sufficient facility in the English language to fully participate in the learning process. If an applicant’s post-secondary studies were completed outside of North America in a language other than English, proof of English proficiency must be submitted to CCNM. Our minimum requirements are indicated below.

IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.5 or higher (on a 9 point scale)
TOEFL IBT: minimum 86 out of 120
(CCNM TOEFL DI Code: 0245)

• Application for admission
• $75.00 application fee
• Resume or curriculum vita
• Designated essay questions
• Official copy of all transcripts
• Two recommendation forms (academic or professional)
• Complete prerequisite table in the application for admission
  • Catalog course descriptions for all prerequisite courses
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university or its foreign equivalent – candidates may apply while in progress
• Grade of C or better in prerequisite coursework – candidates may apply while in progress
• B or higher cumulative GPA is strongly recommended
• Familiarity with or exposure to naturopathic medicine
• On campus interview for admission – by invitation only

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

Students are expected to have completed a total of 24 credit hours in life and physical science coursework before entering the chiropractic or naturopathic programs.

The 24 credits of life and physical science coursework should include both lecture and laboratory components in each of the following areas:

• Biology
• Physics
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Additional coursework is recommended, but not required for admission:

• Anatomy (human or comparative)
• Biochemistry

All courses must be taken at an accredited institution and must be transferable at the baccalaureate level. All courses must be completed with a “C” grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher. A grade of “C-” is not satisfactory unless it is equivalent to a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Please contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-826-6285 or admissions@nuhs.edu for more detailed information on required prerequisites.

Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree and a minimum GPA of 3.00. Those between a 2.75 and 2.99 may be admitted under an Alternative Admissions Track Plan (AATP).

In addition, ND students must read and understand the technical standards for the ND program.

Students who desire a naturopathic education but have undergraduate degrees with a non-science major, or those who fall short of the required science credit hours to meet National University admission requirements, may enroll in the Prerequisite Program. Under the prerequisite program, students can finish the above prerequisites in an accelerated format during two eight-week mini-terms prior to starting their doctoral program.
Students who have not completed their baccalaureate degree may enroll in the NUHS Bachelor of Biomedical Science Degree completion program. It is designed for students with a two-year/associate’s degree or 60 semester hours of general education credits, who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree to prepare for a career in science or health care.

Students who are in the process of completing the above prerequisites at another institution are still welcome and encouraged to apply. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-826-6285 or admissions@nuhs.edu to speak with an Admissions Counselor regarding admission.

Covid-19 Prerequisite Considerations

Sonoran University’s admissions will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of our regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions.

In addition to Pass/Fail, we will accept Spring prerequisites that are delivered via online or distance learning from a regionally accredited institution.

All prospective students who wish to enter the ND program must complete and submit these general admission requirements:

1. Completed a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) prior to matriculation. Total post-secondary course work must be completed at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university. To search for your institution in the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited postsecondary institutions visit http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
2. Completed the following academic prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a regionally accredited or candidate college or university prior to matriculation into the ND program. (Applicants with science courses older than seven (7) years must demonstrate competency in the discipline(s) in question and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis).
3. Knowledge of computers and access to a reliable computer and software for use in completing college course work.

1. Application through NDCAS non-refundable application fee $115. To learn more about NDCAS, visit their FAQs page.
   
   
2. Three letters of recommendation mailed directly to NDCAS
   • One academic reference
   • One reference from a regulated health care professional
   • One additional reference from either of the above categories or a past employer/volunteer supervisor
3. Personal essay
4. Curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume
5. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, showing completion of Sonoran University academic requirements
6. In person interview (qualified applicants selected for interview will be contacted by the Admissions Office)
7. If accepted into the ND program, you will be required to undergo a criminal background check (CBC) and give permission for the results to be provided to Sonoran University. All expenses associated with the CBC are the responsibility of the applicant. The offer of admission will not be considered final until completion of the background check, with results deemed acceptable by Sonoran University.
8. If accepted into the ND program, you will be required to obtain and read Medical Terminology: A Short Course, 5th Edition By Davi-Ellen Chabner, BA, MAT, prior to New Student Orientation. An examination on medical terminology will be administered to all new students at orientation.

• 12 semester credits in biology with labs (for science majors)
• 3 semester credits in general organic chemistry with lab (for science majors)
• 3 semester credits in biochemistry OR an additional 3 semester credits in organic chemistry (for science majors)
• 6 semester credits in psychology (Developmental psychology is recommended. Behavioral or cognitive learning courses will also be considered in lieu of psychology).
• 6 semester credits in English (3 credits must be in English composition.)
• 6 semester credits in humanities (philosophy, religious studies, fine arts, history, foreign languages, women’s studies, performing arts).

You’re encouraged to send us your unofficial transcripts for a prerequisite evaluation. The above list indicates minimum requirements but it should not be inferred that admission is guaranteed for any applicant who meets them.