Bastyr University - Naturopathic Medicine Program

Bastyr University – Naturopathic Medicine Degree Program

Two-thirds of adult Americans have used some form of complementary and alternative medicine, according to a national survey. As primary care physicians, naturopathic doctors play an increasingly significant role in medicine. Bastyr University's fully accredited, scientifically rigorous naturopathic medicine doctoral (ND) program focuses on holistic principles, natural therapies and viewing patients as partners in their own healing.

"I received the best natural medicine education in the world at Bastyr. I know from clinical experience that I am a well-trained practitioner."

^{— Laurie Steelsmith, ND, MS ('93), LAc}

Degree program options/details:

Bastyr's leading naturopathic medicine program offers a thorough four/five year medical school curriculum.

Key advantages of Bastyr University's ND program:

• International reputation for science-based natural medicine
• Outstanding faculty in basic sciences
• More supervised clinical hours than required by accrediting standards
• Training at Bastyr's state-of-the-art teaching clinic in Seattle, Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH) — the largest natural health clinic in the Pacific Northwest
• Preceptorships and off-site clinic placements
• Diverse career options, including primary care, research, industry, teaching, administration
• Electives in other natural health fields, allowing for rich cross-fertilization of ideas and skills
• Connection with the Bastyr University Research Institute
• A medicinal herb garden – featuring more than 350 species of Western and Chinese herbs – and an on-campus herb lab allow students to hone their skills in botanical medicine making.
• A 316-acre state park next to campus
• A library with the most extensive collection of materials on natural medicine and the natural health sciences in the Pacific Northwest
• A diverse and international student body drawn from all over the United States and 28 other countries

Bastyr plans for your future

Graduates of Bastyr's ND program are qualified primary health care practitioners who, as they diagnose and treat disease, are focused on treating the whole person and promoting optimal health. Their scope of practice includes all aspects of family care — from pediatrics to geriatrics — and relies on a broad spectrum of modalities, including:

• Botanical medicine
• Nutrition
• Homeopathy
• Hydrotherapy
• Naturopathic manipulation
• Psychological counseling

Succeeding as a Bastyr ND student requires dedication and an open heart and mind. Graduates leave Bastyr University qualified to pass professional licensure exams and prepared to set up and maintain private practices.

"Bastyr University has played a bigger role within medicine than any other non-allopathic institution, bringing scientific legitimacy to natural medicine."

^{— James Whorton, PhD, professor, department of medical history and ethics, University of Washington School of Medicine}

Bastyr students benefit from hands-on training

• Students receive their clinical education through supervised internships at the University's teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH), as well as at various off-site clinic placements.
• A paid residency position at BCNH is another practical way to strengthen clinical skills.
• Students in the ND/acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) dual program are eligible to participate in clinical internships in China. Every year, a number of Bastyr students continue their academic studies in China — either at Chengdu University of TCM or Shanghai University of TCM. Chengdu University has been Bastyr's sister college since 1993 and is one of the four colleges approved by the State Council in 1956.

"Bastyr has done a great job of hiring clinical faculty with a wide variety of philosophies and approaches. I believe there's an instructor for each student to look up to as a mentor. We may differ in our personal beliefs about natural medicine, but what's beautiful is that we have come together as a group of people who have all said, 'There's got to be a better way.' "

^{— Adam Rinde, ND ('06)}

Bastyr offers academic options

• Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) - 4-5 years
• Dual Program: Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Acupuncture (ND/MSA) - 5 years
• Dual Program: Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine/Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ND/MSAOM) - 6 years

Bastyr University mission and vision

Mission: Bastyr educates future leaders in natural health arts and sciences. Respecting the healing power of nature and recognizing that body, mind and spirit are intrinsically inseparable, we model an integrated approach to education, research and clinical service.
Vision: As the world's leading academic center for advancing and integrating knowledge in the natural health arts and sciences, Bastyr University will transform the health and well-being of the human community.

Bastyr University, School of Naturopathic Medicine mission and vision

Mission: We educate naturopathic physicians who care for the health and well-being of their communities and advance our profession. The school of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr educates future physicians in the tradition of medical science and the art of natural healing. We do this by providing a comprehensive understanding of the basic medical sciences, accurate diagnostic skills and the ability to apply the natural and minimally invasive methods of whole-person health care characteristic of naturopathic medicine.
Vision: Bastyr's School of Naturopathic Medicine will be a leading academic center for inspired and scholarly learning in the cultivation of naturopathic doctors. It will accomplish this through education, research, professional leadership, community and clinical services that bridge the worlds of science, nature and spirit.

Additional programs

Bastyr University is an accredited private institution. Founded in 1978 as a college of naturopathic medicine, the institution has continuously broadened its academic offerings, adding other natural health sciences degree programs:

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Nutrition
• Exercise Science and Wellness
• Health Psychology
• Herbal Sciences

Campus location

Bastyr University's campus is located in Kenmore, WA, just 12 miles north of Seattle. The University offers on-campus housing to students who are currently enrolled. In summer 2010, Bastyr will open a new green-built, LEED-certified and ADA-compliant student residential village with the ability to house up to 132 students. Bastyr students enjoy easy access to cultural offerings, including the city's live music scene, theaters and art galleries. Outdoor recreational opportunities also abound in the Puget Sound area.

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, please Request Information.