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.  In addition, the following courses need to be completed prior to admission.  We offer online prerequisite courses in general biology, human life sciences, general chemistry and psychology. Visit ccnm.edu/psc for more information.

Credit will only be given for the completion of prerequisites when a grade of C-minus (60 per cent) or better is earned.

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.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2 .7 on a four-point scale . Historically, the average cumulative GPA of accepted students has been 3 .0 to 3 .3 on a four-point scale.

Mature Student Policy

As outlined in the above section on admissions requirements, completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is expected. A limited number of exceptions are made for mature students who do not possess a bachelor’s degree. Mature 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 baccalaureate degree . Competitive applications must have an average 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 mature students must possess  all of the minimum prerequisites as outlined in the  above section on admission requirements. In addition, anyone applying as a mature 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 Student Services for more information at info@ccnm.edu.

As the 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. CCNM’s minimum requirements are indicated below. 

TOEFL IBT: minimum 86 out of 120 (CCNM TOEFL  DI Code: 0245)

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

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

This is an essential part of the admissions process. The purpose of this interview is to assess an applicant’s ability to successfully complete the program and become an effective naturopathic doctor. Applicants will be chosen for interviews based on their academic performance. 

Interviews are conducted in-person or via Zoom for applicants unable to travel to the campus. 

The personal interview lasts approximately 45 minutes.  The interview team consists of one faculty member and one fourth-year student intern. There are three components to the interview: 

1. Several vignettes/scenarios with applicable questions  (for which no prior medical knowledge is required)
2. Additional questions related to motivation and familiarity  with naturopathic medicine
3. An opportunity for open dialogue

Applicants for all streams are required to complete a personal statement/essay. Essay questions are included in the application. Please follow the specific instructions provided when answering the essay questions. The essay should be no longer than 500 words.

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

• 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 

Referees must have known you for a minimum of one year, although it is strongly recommended that you choose someone who has known you for two 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

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.