Bastyr University - Acupuncture Program

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine, a discipline that bridges the medicines of East and West, is one of the fastest growing health care professions in America today. Bastyr University, with its broad curriculum and deep respect for both traditional methods and rigorous Western science, provides an ideal setting for comprehensive acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) training.

Choose a Bastyr University education in AOM

Bastyr offers one of only three regionally-accredited master of science AOM programs in the U.S.

Key advantages of Bastyr University's graduate AOM program:

• Nationally reputed acupuncture program as part of a prestigious university
• Highly-qualified, Asian- and Western-trained faculty, experienced as both educators and practitioners
• Diverse clinical training opportunities
• Emphasis on the core sciences, the common language of modern medicine
• Emphasis on integrated medicine, preparing graduates to work in collaboration with other health care practitioners

Bastyr plans for your future

Graduates of the Bastyr AOM program are qualified health care practitioners, trained in safe and effective patient care. They are highly skilled in TCM diagnostics, patient assessment, and the selection and application of both preventive and treatment modalities. 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
• Tai Chi
• Qi Gong
• Dietary guidelines
• Related health care fields

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 hands-on training

Students receive their clinical education through supervised internships at the university's own 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.

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, LAc
Bastyr University Alumna

Some students opt for the clinical intensive on location in China. At the start of every academic year, some Bastyr AOM students continue their studies at either 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.

We have all had incredible experiences with our morning shifts at the hospital. Each day, we travel by university bus to the hospital together… then split up into groups of four to our various shifts: internal medicine, gynecology, Tui Na and trauma. We work with a major doctor… and possibly a translator to see patients.

-- Elizabeth Marazita, MS, LAc ('03)
Bastyr University Alumna

Bastyr offers academic options

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

• Bachelor/Master of Science in Acupuncture (BS/MSA) - 3 years
• Bachelor/Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (BS/MSAOM) - 3 ½ years
• Master of Science in Acupuncture (MSA) - 3 years
• Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) - 3 ½ years
• Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine (CCHM) - postgraduate offering
• Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)

Bastyr University mission

Bastyr educates future leaders in natural health sciences that integrate mind, body, spirit and nature. Through natural health education, research and clinical services, we improve the health and well-being of the human community.

The mission of Bastyr University's AOM program is to prepare qualified practitioners to strive for excellence in their work. This is accomplished through rigorous training in TCM with an emphasis on interfacing with other health care disciplines. The program is committed to having graduates who are respected among their health care peers, dedicated to service in their community and prepared for lifelong learning in the field.

Vision: Bastyr University will be the world's leading academic center for advancing knowledge in the natural health sciences.

Additional programs

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

• Naturopathic Medicine
• Nutrition
• Exercise Science and Wellness
• Health Psychology
• Herbal Sciences

Campus location

Bastyr University's campus is located in Kenmore, Wash., just 12 miles north of Seattle. 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.