Bastyr University - Acupuncture Program

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) is one of the fastest growing health care professions in America. Bastyr University, with its broad curriculum and deep respect for both traditional methods and rigorous Western science, bridges the medicines of East and West, providing an ideal setting for comprehensive education and clinical training in AOM. Bastyr's approach prepares students to become 21st century professionals, ready to work in collaboration with practitioners of conventional Western medicine.

Choose a Bastyr University education in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

The nation's most respected school of natural health, Bastyr offers one of the leading Master of Science AOM programs in the U.S. Benefits of Bastyr University's graduate AOM program include:

• Highly qualified Asian- and Western-trained faculty who are experienced as both educators and practitioners.
• Diverse clinical training opportunities.
• Emphasis on the core sciences, the common language of modern medicine
• An emphasis on integrated medicine, which prepares graduates to work in collaboration with other health care practitioners.
• 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 herbal medicine-making.
• The opportunity to participate in clinical externships in China. Every year, a number of Bastyr students study for a month in China — either at Chengdu University of TCM or Shanghai University of TCM.

"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 ('08)}

Bastyr plans for your future

Bastyr AOM graduates are qualified health care practitioners, trained in safe and effective patient care. They are highly skilled in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostics, patient assessment, treatment and methods of disease prevention. They learn to utilize such methods as:

• Acupuncture
• Tui Na
• Chinese herbs (relevant to the MSAOM degree)
• Lifestyle counseling
• Five element style acupuncture (elective)
• Acupuncture detoxification (elective)
• Electroacupuncture (elective)
• Tai chi
• Qigong

Graduates leave Bastyr University prepared to set up and maintain a private practice and qualified to pass national and state acupuncture and/or herbal exams.

Bastyr students benefit from exceptional hands-on training

Students receive their clinical education through supervised internships at the largest natural health clinic in the Pacific Northwest, Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH), as well as at various offsite clinic placements. Paid residency positions at BCNH are another practical way to strengthen clinical skills.

"It was very important to me to get a lot of clinical experience at first, without having to concern myself with the business issues of running a practice."

^{– Susie Hayes, MS ('98), LAc}

Bastyr offers distinctive academic options

The combined system of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine has strongly inspired Bastyr's current AOM program, established in 1988. The University currently offers varying levels of degree/certificate options:

• 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)

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.

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 and now offers natural health arts and sciences degree and certificate programs in:

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Exercise Science and Wellness
• Health Psychology
• Herbal Sciences
• Holistic Landscape Design
• Integrated Human Biology
• Midwifery
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Nutrition

Campus location

Bastyr University's 51-acre 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's new Student Village earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification, becoming the first student housing project on the west coast to receive the highest green building classification. Bastyr students also enjoy easy access to cultural offerings, including Seattle's live music scene, theaters and art galleries. Outdoor recreational opportunities 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.