Bastyr University Reviews of Doctorates in Holistic Medicine

"All I can tell you is that I wanted to have a degree that would be a springboard for my future...and it has been. Every position I have had since graduation from the ND program has led to greater and greater salaries...and a real fulfillment. I know that some people have had different experiences. I think you have to keep in mind that people graduate from grad school at different times in history. Sometimes when a cohort comes out of school the economy is pretty good and other times it is not. You cannot blame the school for this fortune or misfortune. I was in medical practice for five years when the whole world economy fell apart. I did end up losing my practice at that time...however, I am resourceful and I simply reframed myself and went a different direction, using ALL that I learned at Bastyr. Despite what people say on this website...it is mostly about what YOU bring as a future healer and future practitioner of natural sciences and wellness care. No degree program anywhere provides you with a promise of a fabulous career. You have to work for it. You have to be positive and resilient. If you are not then no education is going to help you... SO...if you want to be a well-trained, knowledgeable provider of science-based wellness services to your family, friends and community...and have a rewarding career, then Bastyr is the best place for you...thousands of grads can attest to this. Don't believe the tiny minority who have not had a positive, personal journey. Find your journey."

"After completing my Cell and Molecular Biology, B.S. from the University of Washington, I knew I wanted to attend medical school but I was not attracted to standard medicine approaches. Medications and surgical interventions did not interest me. I actually learned about Bastyr from a doctor. I sought them out as I needed to overcome chronic liver problems caused by excessive prescribed NSAID use. After a year of care, I became healthy once again. They told me about Bastyr and I checked it out. Once finding Bastyr was an accredited school which would provide me tools needing to practice primary care medicine in Washington, I enrolled. The campus itself is on absolutely stunning grounds which also helped me make my decision. The quality of instruction overall was excellent. I state excellent as I graduated confident that I could help patients recover from a myriad of chronic conditions. Yes, there were a few professors and courses which were not my style but what college has a perfect batting average for all students liking all professors and courses? You make the education what you want out of it as there are so many opportunities to expand your network. Think of Bastyr as the hub and all the medical institutions and major clinics around the NW and beyond as spokes. I definitely leveraged this network and greatly expanded my knowledge outside of school hours and during preceptorships. One preceptorship I had was with William Rea, MD in Texas who was the world's leading clinical ecologist at the time. He welcomed me without hesitation and it was an outstanding opportunity and a lasting friendship. If you are passionate about either helping prevent disease, optimize health or helping others overcome disease, naturopathic medicine taught at Bastyr University prepares you exceptionally well. If you want to learn about emergency medicine or minor surgical techniques, Bastyr has strengths here as well as I have colleagues who are doing quite well in both. This is not my area. The best business decision I ever made was going to naturopathic medical school at Bastyr - even though it was met with massive resistance from both my parents and many of my friends. Yes, I graduated with a lot of debt but I've since paid it all off and give back to the community. Currently, I own and operate a respected supplement company with global distribution while writing, researching and presenting worldwide. I am happy to work collaboratively with all health professionals - ND, MD, DC, DO, RN, LAc and all others who work tirelessly serving their patients. What initials are after our name truly don't matter. What matters is what you're most passionate about learning as that is what you'll be best at doing."

"Bastyr University is a great University with a wealth of information to provide to students. With a strong basic science background, students are given the tools to figure out that is actually going on with patients. Just today I was discussing the Bastyr ND program with other student who is close to someone going through conventional medical school the differences between naturopathic medical school and conventional medical school. The biggest insight is that naturopathic medical school goes far deeper into the basic sciences in comparison side by side to some of the conventional medical classes that this student was privy to. Additionally, the other biggest difference is that as NDs we just have more tools in our tool box. Just some more food for thought!"

"Negative review is mostly true and I would agree, although there are some very dedicated instructors mostly in the core programs often classes are taught by new graduates who have never practiced. The clinic is a horrible experience, did nothing to teach me how to treat patients. I was not at all prepared to step out on my own and believe me once you are done with school you are on your own. I personally don't know anyone that's actually made any money as an ND. There are NO jobs in spite of what the school says. I have never been able to service my school loans which were substantial and now i'm just trying figure out how to redeem myself and gain some self respect after this colossal mistake. If I had it to do all over again I stay in the building trades at least I have a small pension."

"Excellent education, rewarding profession, but do consider the amount of student loan debt you may be accruing and plan accordingly. I believe the negative review may be fake - the quality of the writing and spelling do not reflect the admissions standards required, or the intelligence expected of a naturopathic medical student. ND's are outside of the mainstream and as such are still reviled and mocked by some individuals."

"The school is very small in size, yet, it has all the essential facilities and equipments for students. The professors are really nice and have great passion and patience teaching students. Naturopathic Medicine is one of the most important programs in this school, students have more than enough opportunities to learn ."

"Avoid this school like your life depended on it. This school is TOXIC! The students and staff are so unhealthy. They sell you a program that is boasted as being in a beautiful wondrous setting on the shores of Lake Washington on pristine acerage. They boast how their programs are world recognized. Instead you get some of the worse professors I have ever had. Its as if everyone with severe emotional issues decided to either attend as students or apply for jobs as professors. Having a professor bring his guitar to class and stand up in front of the class and cry and be all emotional week after week gets old. I paid my tuition... and I wanted to be taught, instead it was the biggest waste of 300k I've ever spent! This is theeeee worst return on your investment. who spends 300k on an education to earn an average of 80K 5 years, yes 5 years after graduation!!!!????!!! Sonographers with a 2 year degree from a community college graduate and START at that wage!! Dr. P one of the founding fathers of Bastyr is a complete A**! He stood up and talked about how his son brought home a fat chick with bad skin and he had no idea what in the world his son saw in this girl...? Excuse me? you say this to a room full of 130+ students? He went on to say MD's have NO business being primary care physicians and that only Naturopathic "doctors" are experienced enough to be primary care physicians. First of all after what I've seen ND's have zero business calling themselves doctors. The "diagnosis" skills taught are GROSSLY inadequate, the treatments plans at the clinic were dumbfoudningly inadequate! My time at the Bastyr Clinic... the Prestine clinic of the UNIVERSITY! was beyond inadequate and disappointing. I was snowed. This program is dangerous!!!!! The department of education should be pulling their funding. I cannot believe this profession has convinced governing powers it is a legitimate profession. Run! if you are considering this program. DONT walk away, Run!! So many people left this program. I should have too! I am telling you the administration only cares about taking your money. They do zero zero zero to help you acquire any kind of employment. Just google nauropathic medicine jobs. You will find.. like 1 or 2... paying less than you can make as a checker at Safeway!! RUN!!!! Save yourself a life of junk cars and junk medicine."

"I absolutely love my school, no where else have I been able to find individuals who are so dedicated to life, health and integrity. Although the curriculum is incredibly challenging, the student body is collaborative rather than competitive, and nothing is frowned upon in our small circle more than one who belives he/she can only get ahead if others don't. We freely share study guides and tips, and it is always a great feeling no matter which side one is on. Additionally the adminstration and staff are all friendly, understanding, and supportive. No doors are ever closed, and no one is ever too busy for either a chat or a moment of counsel."

"The Bastyr University Naturopathic Medicine Program is not for everyone; its for visionaries, pioneers, fervent and determined individuals. This 4 year program will challenge your intellect, physical fitness, spirituality and familial connectivity. If you are looking for a school that teaches you to become not only a great Doctor but also a well-rounded healer, then you have found the right place. The program itself will offer insight and guidance on basic biomedical sciences, diagnostic procedures, lab testing, standards of care, evidence based information on botanical medicine and nutritional medicine, building therapeutic alliances with patients and about the business skills required to succeed after graduation. Im not here to tell you about all that because you can read the website. So what's it really like? In my opinion the tough part is not studying for the exams and passing the classes; its what happens to you while you are studying for those exams, preparing to see patients and being a student in the program. You learn what health is and how to achieve it in your own life even under stressful conditions. You learn what health isn't when you're up till 3 am studying, sitting for 8 hours straight and stressing over small details in quiz questions you got wrong. While you are preparing for class you learn about what is important to you and you learn how to priorities your needs, when you finally put the books down and go for that walk, call that family member or have dinner with your partner. While waiting for your test scores you learn about faith, mindfulness, and acceptance. When you have a tough day because your patient isn't getting better or your supervisor gave you some tough constructive criticism you learn about your family, your community and friends. Who can you count on to be there for you, to listen to you? When you leave here you will certainly be a qualified Naturopathic Doctor but most importantly you will have been forced to find your own medicine, your own health and transform how you relate to challenges, successes and unknowns. This part of the program is what permits you to truly relate and be compassionate with your patients and yourself. It is not a typical medical school, on weekends there are infinite courses on alternative health specialties, your taught to give yourself an A and to help others not compete with others. What I am trying to say is that this program is a personal growth catalyst a healers incubator if you will, and if you are drawn to Bastyr its probably because you want to heal yourself, others and the planet. I would absolutely recommend coming to school here, the only part that discourages me is the amount of money it cost to attend. That's what scholarships are for. One of the many things I have learned while here is to not let money guide my decisions, I have learned to follow my heart and my inner voice and to trust that you always get what you need. I hope my review inspired you to listen to your inner voice and to follow your heart."

"Bastyr University has truly challenged my concepts of what Naturopathic Medicine is and what this paradigm of healthcare truly represents in the future. As a student completing both my undergraduate degree and now endeavoring to earn my doctoral degree from the same university, I can certainly assert that Bastyr University will prepare any student looking to develop themselves both professionally and personally. I could not recommend Bastyr University more highly to any prospective student!"

"Set in a state forest, Bastyr University is the ideal setting for studies of natural health: surrounded by trees, an herb garden, health-focused student clubs and a delicious/nutritious cafeteria. Naturopathic medicine and the other degree programs at Bastyr are about walking the walk, learning to live the advice we give our patients and clients. The courses prepare students not only to care for others, but to care for ourselves."

"Pro: The ND program is at Bastyr is of the highest quality. The professors are committed to providing the best education so that the graduating students are the well-prepared, knowledgeable, and successful in their chosen profession. Con: Medical school is very expensive."

"Bastyr University has a really great integrated curriculum so what we are learning in our classes ties into the other classes and we build multiple layers of understanding of topics. There is a wonderful supportive community that is a home away from home."

"The pros of the program are the professors willingness to assist and be accessible to students. The information taught is extremely pertinent to the profession. However the use of technology could be better. Because it is a small school I understand why that may be difficult. There are not as many financial aid opportunities as I would like but again a small school has limited resources. I also think that there is not much diversity on campus. I would love to see the school partner with other schools in the area to help meet the needs of minority students. There do have a social justice office that is doing great work for students of color and educating non minority students."

"This program is very challenging and demanding however, the curriculum is integrative and molds together very well so you are learning similar material in several classes to reinforce concepts. Although the program is very vigorous, I have already began to reap rewards and am excited as I move forward into my second semester!"

"I love the location, the network and the passion behind the medicine. The school is also updating many of the facilities, including the medical clinic which I serve in. What could improve is the having a more standard procedure campus wide for techniques and how to address particular events. I love my school, otherwise!"

"Bastyr University provides us with a rigorous naturopathic medical education. It is very challenging, but I feel competent in my ability and knowledge of the material. Our San Diego campus is brand new, and as yet we do not have amenities offered by other institutions such as an on-campus cafeteria or student housing options."

"I love Bastyr. Our education in the field of Naturopathic Medicine is second to none. The only con is the expense of the education."

"Bastyr is a great school for Natural Health and Wellness programs. The coursework is rigorous, and the professors are well educated and skilled teachers. The California campus is still new and developing and could use more facilities to support the students' growth, accessibility."

"The overall academic rigor of the program can be intense, but that being said it is medical school. This is a degree in Nautropathic medicine and the course load is similar to that of an M.D. program. The faculty are caring and very knowledgeable in their specific fields of study. The campus is set in a beautiful state park. The cafe has lots of organic and vegetarian food menu items. The students are typically friendly and outgoing. The cons are that it is a smaller campus and with that sometimes things don't run as smoothly as in a larger campus such as with administration issues."