Accreditation

Bastyr University is 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. In addition, all of Bastyr University's professional degree programs are accredited by their respective professional accrediting bodies.

Audit section: Form 990 for the fiscal year 2006/2007 is filed with IRS. A copy of this form is available to public in Finance Office.

The naturopathic medicine program is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), a specialized accrediting board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of the CNME Handbook of Accreditation for Naturopathic Medical Colleges and Programs (2004 edition) is on reserve in the Bastyr University library.

The American Dietetic Association has approved the Bastyr bachelor of science didactic program in dietetics, developmentally accredited the Bastyr master of science didactic program in dietetics and accredited the Bastyr dietetic internship.

The master of science in acupuncture and the master of science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

The master of science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine and the combination of the master of science in acupuncture and the certificate in Chinese herbal medicine are approved for California licensure by the California Acupuncture Board.

Bastyr University has received approval from Washington state to offer its acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs. Individuals who complete the master of science in acupuncture or master of science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine are eligible to sit for Washington and other states’ licensing or certificate board exams.

In 2007, the doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine program received five-year accreditation status with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). The program is one of the first in the nation to attain this professional status and Bastyr University is the only academic institution in the United States with a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (DAOM) program that is both regionally and professionally accredited. The ACAOM is the recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. It is not currently recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with respect to doctoral programs in the field. However, Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission for Colleges and Universities, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and thus the DAOM program has been regionally accredited since its inception in 2004. Under this accreditation, students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid under Title IV.

Bastyr University has received approval from the state of Washington as a recognized midwifery training facility and provides training for naturopathic physicians who wish to obtain certification in midwifery and sit for Washington state’s midwifery licensing examination. The naturopathic midwifery program is accredited through the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council. Individuals who complete the University’s program and pass naturopathic medicine and midwifery licensing exams have dual licensure as naturopathic physicians and midwives in Washington and other states. Our graduates may sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam, which many states recognize as their credential for legal practice.

Bastyr University is approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service to accept and enroll foreign non-immigrant students. Bastyr University’s academic programs are approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s State Approved Agency (HECB/SAA) for enrollment of persons eligible to receive educational benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code.

Q: What is accreditation and how does it work?
A: Higher education accreditation involves both private accrediting associations and the US Department of Education (DOE). The federal government (DOE) does not directly accredit schools. Instead, the government approves accrediting agencies that are then responsible for the evaluation and oversight of colleges and universities. In order to demonstrate that they meet rigorous educational standards, US colleges and universities voluntarily seek federally recognized accreditation.

Q: What is Professional Education Accreditation?
A: There are other accrediting agencies that focus on approving particular educational programs within colleges and universities. These agencies are not federal "gatekeeper" agencies since they do not accredit the entire school. Instead, professional accrediting bodies evaluate particular programs, departments or schools within an institution.

Professional accreditation is sometimes called program accreditation and is also known as specialized accreditation. Professional agencies are voluntary associations that are not covered by federal regulations. This type of accreditation is often associated with national professional associations, such as the American Bar Association which accredits law schools, the American Medical Association which accredits allopathic medical programs and so on.

Bastyr University and the other accredited schools of naturopathic medicine along with the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education will continue to set the standards for ND training and licensure. Bastyr University is committed to the public safety of consumers and the absolute need to ensure that NDs who serve as primary care providers are fully trained and meet the educational standards that are demanded from all medical practitioners in the United States and Canada.

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