FAQ
- May I apply before I complete my degree and/or prerequisites?
Yes, you may apply even if you haven’t yet completed your degree/prerequisites, but do have a study plan that shows that you will have everything completed before the program start date. As long as you have at least 3 credits of Biology and 3 credits of Chemistry, we may be able to start the application review. We have a rolling admissions process, so the earlier you apply, the earlier you will know the decision.
- In what order do my application documents have to arrive?
There is no particular order when your documents have to arrive at Boucher. You may request your references and transcripts even before submitting the application; we create a file as soon as we receive at least one piece of the application.
- Where can I fulfill the science requirements?
Prerequisites may be fulfilled at any recognized post-secondary institution or the equivalent. Credits may be earned either in class or online – it is up to the student to determine what works best for their schedule. Credentials earned outside of Canada and the US require a “comprehensive evaluation” from an accepted service.
Important: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the pre-requisite courses taken satisfy Boucher Institute requirements. It is important to check with the university directly to understand grading policies, particularly the time it takes to submit final grades and process transcripts, to ensure that Boucher Institute deadlines and requirements are satisfied. Some institutions may take as long as six weeks to submit final grades and additional time to process transcripts.
- Why is biochemistry an admissions requirement?
Familiarity with biochemical principles is required to develop insight into how our metabolic processes interact with pharmaceuticals, botanicals, and nutrients. The symbols that represent invisible functions within the cell must carry representative value to the student in order to be usable as a visual tool for the mind to see cellular processes. A reasonable understanding of the concepts and knowledge is required for the study of medicine.
- I have the required prerequisites, but I took the courses more than 7 years ago. What are my options?
The Admissions Committee expects prerequisite courses to be completed no more than seven (7) years prior to an application for admission, with the following exception: if an applicant has a science prerequisite course that has been completed more than seven years prior to application, Boucher will consider that course updated if the student has taken a science course within the seven years that requires the older course as a prerequisite (e.g. the applicant completed a General Chemistry course ten years ago and has recently taken a Biochemistry course that requires General Chemistry as a prerequisite).
English/Humanities and Psychology courses that have been taken more than seven years prior to application may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- I have an honours degree in genetics, would this allow exemptions from your courses?
Only courses at a graduate or postgraduate university level that show equivalent course content are eligible for consideration of prior credit recognition. No undergraduate courses can exempt a student from study.
- Will I be interviewed once my application is complete?
Interviews are scheduled at the recommendation of the Admissions Committee. Individual applicants will be contacted if they are selected to move forward in the interview process.
- How are interviews conducted?
The Boucher Admissions Committee conducts all interviews on-site and in-person. Under special circumstances, some candidates may be granted permission for a Skype interview.
- How are successful candidates selected?
The Admissions Committee reviews each application in full. Admissions decisions for our seats are based on a composite of information, including but not limited to the interview, personal essay, letters of recommendation, academic standing, educational preparedness and relevant professional and volunteer activities.
The Committee’s mandate is to create a balanced cohort for the first year class. Because of our limited class size, not every qualified candidate can be admitted. Applicants who are not selected for their desired cohort year are encouraged to apply again the following year.
- If I am offered a seat, what happens next?
Applicants who are offered seats in the program will be notified by phone or email. An official acceptance letter will be sent by mail, along with two copies of Boucher’s enrollment contract. Successful applicants must sign and return the Boucher Institute file copy of the contract, together with the registration fee and tuition deposit in order to reserve a seat in the program. The 10% tuition deposit will be credited toward the total annual tuition. Details of the payment plan and refund policy can be found on the back of the contract.
- If I’m not offered a seat do I still have a chance?
The Admissions Committee does not disclose the reasons for their decisions. Each application is considered in relation to other applications for the upcoming year. Not every candidate whose credentials meet our stated standards can be admitted.
- If I’m not accepted, will I be told why?
The Admissions Committee does not disclose any of the reasons for their decisions. Each application is reviewed in full, and selecting applicants for our limited seats is a complex process based on a composite of information. Each application is considered in relation to other applications for the upcoming year. Not every candidate whose credentials meet our stated minimum standards can be admitted.
- How can I improve my application next year?
Each applicant is responsible for reviewing the criteria for admission on our website, particularly the section on admissions criteria and requirements. Applicants are encouraged to reapply if they have made efforts to enhance their application either through relevant experience or training. It is wise to check with the admissions office to ensure that your proposed courses are relevant and acceptable.
- If I reapply do I have to send an entirely new application?
Yes. All applicants who did not meet the admissions requirements, were not offered a seat, offered a seat and declined, or offered a seat and cancelled must submit a new application with all necessary fees. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to check our website for any changes to the admissions process or requirements. The Admissions Committee does not defer candidates to a future intake.
- What is the weekly schedule for students?
The weekly schedule is the same for students who start in the Fall or Winter semesters. For the first two years of the program, students have approximately 30 hours of class each week. Classes are offered in three-hour blocks for a total of six hours per day. Currently classes are from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm online.
In year 3 of the program students have approximately 21 hours of class per week (typically three and a half days between Monday and Friday). Students begin to work with patients in the onsite naturopathic medical clinic as secondary clinic interns. Students typically have clinic schedules of between 8 and 12 hours per week via telemedicine.
In year 4, students have 12 hours (typically two days) per week of academic classes, and approximately 20 hours of clinical shifts as primary student clinicians.
- How many hours of homework can I expect per week?
Students can expect an average of 30 hours per week or more.
- Do you offer student housing?
There is no student residence at the Boucher Institute. The campus is located at the Columbia Skytrain station. Students have easy access to campus from any neighbourhood along the Skytrain route. Several months before matriculation, the Admissions Department sends out a New Student Guide and a Housing Guide with information on transportation and surrounding communities.
- Will the Boucher Institute diploma enable me to work in any jurisdiction?
Students are responsible for ensuring their own licensure through the jurisdiction in which they wish to ultimately practice Naturopathic Medicine.