NDCAS Applicant Code of Conduct

Once admitted to a professional naturopathic medicine program, students are considered to be members of the naturopathic medicine profession and therefore, bear the responsibility to adhere to the professional, ethical and legal standards prescribed for the practice of naturopathic medicine and their school or college of naturopathic medicine. Applicants—although not yet members of the profession—are likewise bound to legal and ethical standards of behavior during the admissions process. Schools and colleges of naturopathic medicine are encouraged to admit applicants who possess a high level of professionalism or professional potential.

The Applicant Code of Conduct provides an explicit statement of applicant responsibilities and expected standards of performance and behavior. Applicants must electronically sign a copy of the code of conduct on the NDCAS application, signifying that they have read and agree to accept the code’s provisions.

Applicants are expected to:

• Act with honesty and integrity throughout the admissions process when interacting with school admissions officers, admissions committees, and NDCAS staff
• Respect the knowledge, skills and professionalism of those involved in the admissions process, including the faculty and staff at the schools and colleges of naturopathic medicine and NDCAS staff
• Respect the autonomy and dignity of fellow applicants, admissions staff, faculty, staff and students, and anyone involved in the admissions process
• Be responsible and accountable for their actions and personally manage and respond to all matters related to their application

Misconduct, as defined in the Applicant Code of Conduct, and all forms of dishonesty, is not tolerated in the application process. An applicant who acts unethically may be denied admission to all NDCAS participating schools and colleges of naturopathic medicine for the current and future application cycles. Moreover, such unethical actions, if disclosed after enrollment in a program, or at the beginning of naturopathic medicine practice, can result in more serious consequences. It is important that applicants understand the significance of exhibiting professional behavior throughout their careers, starting with the application process.