The Degree programme aims to develop in graduates a critical knowledge and understanding of natural therapies practice by offering students opportunities to study, critique, and reflect upon the specialised practice-relevant knowledge and philosophy of natural therapies, as well as undertaking clinical practice.

Graduates will not only be successful in a range of skills and techniques informed by theoretical analyses and applied research but should have confidence and assurance to work in the profession; be able to make professional decisions; work with others professionally; and demonstrate a range of the personal qualities expected of natural health practitioners. They should also show a willingness to maintain currency in the field of natural therapies and to continue learning.

Specifically, graduates of SPCNM will integrate and synthesise their specialised theoretical knowledge and apply their diagnostic, problem solving, and analytical skills to manage client care by history taking, differential diagnosis and treating, appropriate prescribing, referring and advising, educating on prevention, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness and manage their own continuing education.

Graduates will be well placed to make significant contributions to the practice of natural therapies.

Broad and critical knowledge and understanding of natural medicine, nutrition, and of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the body;
In-depth knowledge relevant to the chosen pathway: Western Herbal Medicine, Traditional Maori Medicine or Traditional Pasefika Medicine;
Confidence to work in the field of their chosen pathway: Western Herbal Medicine, Traditional Maori Medicine or Traditional Pasefika Medicine;
Ability to undertake clinical practice in natural medicine;
Skilled in the practice of physical examination, differential diagnosis and treatment;
Ability to critique and reflect upon the specialised practice-relevant knowledge and research;
Ability to work in the natural health profession and to make professional decisions;
Demonstrate a range of personal qualities expected of natural health practitioners;
Ability to enter postgraduate programmes in natural health.

On completion of the Degree, graduates have opened their own practice or obtained positions as practitioners in shared practices; as consultants in herbal, pharmaceutical, dietary supplement companies; in retail; in spa and health resorts; and as educators and researchers.

2.2 Admission
2.2.1 Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Academic Board of the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine.
2.2.2 Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the commencement of the programme.
2.2.3 Science requirements
* Applicants must have NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent) in Chemistry; or they will be required to complete an on-line Introduction to Biological Chemistry course.
* If the applicant has no background in Science or Chemistry, then they will be required to undertake and pass an Introduction to Biological Chemistry course (offered on-line) before the offer of a place and acceptance onto
the programme can be confirmed.
* Applicants who hold The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) will be considered to have met the science entry criteria for the BNatMed.
2.2.4 English requirements
* All applicants will be required to undertake a basic English communication task during the application process.
* For domestic students for whom English is a second language, applicants must meet the Academic IELTS, overall band of 6.5 (or equivalent), with no band score under 6.0, before enrolment. Equivalence may take the form of a TOEFL Certificate, or proof of primary and secondary schooling through the medium of English.
* All international student applicants, whether or not they are first language English speakers, must provide proof of English language proficiency. This must be in the form of a current IELTS or TOEFL Certificate.
* If a prospective International student does not have the required IELTS of TOEFL Certificate, then English language proficiency must be demonstrated through alternative means as set out in the NZQA Rules.
An offer of place by another New Zealand tertiary institution is not acceptable evidence.
2.2.5 Selection criteria
In addition to the above admission criteria, preference will be given to applicants who meet the following selection criteria:
* Completed Naturopathy courses at another college;
* Hold a tertiary qualification, preferably in a health-related field;
* Successfully completed The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) or a Personal Interest course, with an average A grade in their overall achievement;
* Demonstrate previous engagement with natural health;
* Interacts in a professional and respectful manner;
* Not in full-time employment;
* Able to engage on-campus classes or scheduled Zoom sessions.
2.2.6 Students are expected to have a level of basic competency in computing skills and to have access to a reliable computer with video/audio capacity.
2.2.7 Where a student has indicated a medical issue, a medical certificate may be requested as proof of the students' capacity for tertiary study.