Bastyr University - Acupuncture Program

Bastyr University — Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Degree Program

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) is one of the fastest growing health care professions in the United States. Utilizing a comprehensive approach to the study of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, Bastyr University prepares students to become 21st century professionals, ready to collaborate with practitioners of Western medicine in an integrative health care environment.

The ancient roots of acupuncture, deeply tied to Chinese medicine history and culture, are an essential part of its present study. Students in the Bastyr School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can expect an education that seamlessly integrates this study of ancient healing methods with modern medical sciences and the contemporary practice of AOM.

Fortified with rigorous didactic and clinical training, our students graduate as highly qualified practitioners prepared to bridge the medicines of East and West.

"What I appreciate most about Bastyr's program is the vast experience of the faculty. The Chinese doctors have such deep knowledge of the medicine, and many are the premier experts in the world – they are the true masters."

^{Brandon Leahy, MS, acupuncture and Oriental medicine alumnus ('08)}

Degree program options/details:

• Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSA) — 3 years
• Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) — 3.5 years
• Combined Bachelor's/Master's Programs (BS/MSA or BS/MSAOM) — 3.5 years
• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Doctoral Program (DAOM) — 2 years
• Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine (CCHM)
• Students receive hands-on clinical training through supervised internships at the University's state-of-the-art teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH), as well as at various offsite clinic placements. BCNH is the largest natural health clinic in the Northwest, with approximately 35,000 annual patient visits
• Students in the Bastyr AOM program learn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostics skills, patient assessment techniques, and such preventive and treatment methods as: five element style acupuncture; Tui na; Chinese herbs; Tai chi; Qi gong; electroacupuncture; and lifestyle counseling
• Students in the AOM degree program can enrich their studies with electives from within the broad Bastyr curriculum, including courses in: herbal sciences, nutrition, naturopathic medicine, exercise science and health psychology

Benefits of studying AOM at Bastyr University

• Highly-qualified, long-term faculty representing experienced Asian- and Western-trained acupuncturists.
• Campus located just 12 miles north of Seattle in Kenmore, Washington.
• The University campus is immediately adjacent to the pristine 316-acre Saint Edward State Park, which features a gymnasium, an indoor heated swimming pool and miles of hiking, running and biking trails.
• A well-established (paid) acupuncture and Oriental medicine residency program — to strengthen clinical skills — at BCNH.
• Students have the opportunity to complete acupuncture internships in China at one of our two sister universities, Shanghai University of TCM or Chengdu University of TCM.
• A University garden featuring more than 350 species of Western and Chinese herbs. The garden allows students to learn to grow herbs year-round, harvest herbs for classroom study, make herbal products and earn work-study money in a relevant position.
• The best of both worlds — small AOM class sizes coupled with the University's numerous resources, including: financial aid, student housing, gourmet vegetarian cafeteria, a health sciences library and a 51-acre Seattle-area campus.
• Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The NWCCU is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Learn more from an admissions advisor

Admissions representatives travel year-round visiting cities across the country to help support and advise prospective students interested in studying at Bastyr University. Visit the Bastyr admissions department online to learn more about these events. Bastyr also hosts information sessions on campus and at its teaching clinic in Seattle, Bastyr Center for Natural Health. Upcoming information sessions include:

• Tuesday, May 19, 2009
  Event: Information Session for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Program
  Time: 6 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  Location: Seattle Public Library – Greenwood Branch Meeting Room
  WEB REGISTRATION AVAILABLE

• Wednesday, May 20, 2009
  Event: Undergraduate Programs Information Session
  Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  Location: Bastyr University Campus
  WEB REGISTRATION AVAILABLE