Bastyr University Reviews

"Bastyr University is an incredibly enriching school to be a part of. It offers care for the well-being of the human community using a holistic, natural approach to health and healing. My program is counseling psychology graduate school with an emphasis on health psychology. The school's focus on integrating Eastern modalities of healing into Western culture is invaluable, and the school has a great philosophy of embracing and empowering all cultural diversity with a commitment to social justice. Additionally, the school seeks to fulfill its mission by offering complementary programs such as acupuncture, nutrition, naturopathic medicine, Ayurveda, midwifery, and counseling. I would recommend this school to anybody seeking an expansive and all-inclusive training and understanding of health and wellness in contributing to each individual and society at large."

"This program is far and away the most comprehensive program in the United States, in my opinion. The scope of teaching is wide and covers everything from the Ancient Chinese classics to the more modern therapies such as electro-acupuncture. The University's medical clinic is state of the art and the supervisors are professional and highly skilled. The internship and presceptorship opportunities help build clinical skills and business skills. Over all, Bastyr's Acupuncture and East Asian Medical school teaches not just the methods and theories of an ancient medicine but also the integration of that medicine into modern western medical environments."

"I cannot recommend the Masters of Nutrition Didactic Program in Dietetics at Bastyr University highly enough for those interested in becoming an RD. Their focus on whole foods nutrition makes the curriculum unique while still providing thorough preparation for the dietetic internship. The program is academically rigorous so you must be ready to work hard, but the instructors are great and they provide you with support to help you succeed. The community is small and welcoming and has lots of clubs, activities and events going on for students."

"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!"

"All the programs at Bastyr are in natural medicine. So the networking begins right away with being able to meet future practitioners. It's fascinating to learn how some of the programs are similar and different through talking with fellow students. Dual tracking is an option for those who want more. The majority of our professors have been practicing for an average of 25 years so the wisdom they bring to the class is outstanding. Parking at the campus is a struggle but carpooling is a great solution. I have not graduated yet but still in the process of learning. When we the students have an issue, there are faulty members ready to listen and make action to solve the issue."

"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."

"Bastyr university MACP( Master counseling psychology ) program gives me the chance to study to become a counselor. The weekend format makes me to be able to have a balance of life as a mother and a student. I am an immigrant and my English isn't perfect. However, there is no huge language barrier. Bastyr university supports students who are minority and I feel pretty safe emotionally and physically which is important for us to study. Also, the way to take care people as whole in Bastyr university makes me realize the importance of our mental health which gives me a huge motivation to become a counselor and support clients. I recommend bastyr university MACP to whom considers to become a counselor."

"Bastyr is a wonderful University. My program (Master's in Nutrition) in particular is challenging in the best way. My teachers are fantastic and very inspiring. I feel grateful to be going to school at Bastyr. The environment is welcoming and encouraging."

"I have had a wonderful experience at Bastyr University. As far as I know, the program I am completing is the only graduate program of its kind- integrating nutrition and clinical health psychology in one masters program. Most of the degree programs at Bastyr are in the helping professions, and it is a wonderful place to learn how to treat the "whole person" in whatever field you may pursue. Plus....the school is literally in a state park! It's great to have nature trails for a break from the classroom. With small class sizes and a small student body in general, I have felt very supported by the faculty in my graduate school journey. And, for those going into clinical professions, the teaching clinic associated with Bastyr (the Bastyr Center for Natural Health) is a wonderful way for students get extra clinical experience. While no graduate program is perfect, I have been very satisfied with my experience overall."

"Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington is one of the most advanced science-based natural medicine Universities in the United States. The inclusive community on campus as well as the clinical community at Bastyr Center for Natural Health provides a safe and sacred space to learn our trade. I live in Tacoma, Washington and have a family with two children. Despite the traffic, and the distance, I am fortunate enough to be a part of this community and gain knowledge of what will soon be my life's work. The seasoned staff is adept at both clinical and classical experience. Having the teachers in the classroom and working alongside them in the clinic help with actualizing our material and experience. Wouldn't trade this for the world."

"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."

"The program as a whole is wonderful. Most of faculty is exceptional and highly knowledgeable however, there are a few who faculty members in the Counseling Psych. program who are not particularly approachable. The program really dives into exploration of the self and has a multicultural and mind-body focus as well which is extremely valuable. It is best for the graduate who did not study psychology in their undergrad program as a few courses are review ie, statistics and research methods (which as a psych major I found to be annoyingly redundant and a waste of money). The weekend program is extremely rigorous especially the second year; do not expect to have time to work at all during your second year, first year you can probably get away with it. Overall, the sense of community at Bastyr is wonderful. The people, the campus is in the middle of the Saint Edwards Park which is Sanctuary like in of its self. The work load varies per instructor but I would say it is more in depth and intense work than busy work, unless you complete every single reading which in grad school is nearly impossible unless you are a speed reading machine. I would have liked to see more diversity within the program as including staff. Overall, I am so very grateful for my education and it was well worth it (minus the few stats courses etc). Bastyr is a very special and unique place and I highly recommend it if you are looking for an education that has a holistic perspective on mental health and well being."

"I was thrilled to find a university that offered a nutrition program focused on whole foods and "food as medicine". The program helps to provide information on how food can be used to not only prevent certain disease states, but also how it can be used to cure, or alleviate the symptoms, of others. I also like that there is a focus on the balance of healthy eating and an active lifestyle."

"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 am studying Naturopathic Medicine here at Bastyr University. The program is challenging and demanding, with quarterly class schedules of over 24 credit units. The faculty is very knowledgeable, most of them maintain private practice outside of campus and therefore provide valuable clinical insight during lecture. During third and fourth years, we will spend most of our time working in the clinic as well. The program emphasizes the scientific component of our medicines, understanding that empirical data is a powerful tool in education. The only con to this school would be the San Diego location. As its main branch is in a national forest in Kenmore, WA, the California site is not built anywhere special. However, they just opened this location in 2012 and are constantly improving and building, but its a very small feel right now. Nonetheless, the community makes it cozy, welcoming, and practical. This university provides upstanding education and opportunities to graduates in my program, and I am proud to be part of it."

"The MSN-DPD program at Bastyr University is challenging and competitive. There are many opportunities to go above and beyond the requirements to enhance your learning experience. The faculty are incredibly supportive and available and know each student by name. The required 300 volunteer hours diversified my experience, helped me to narrow down my interests and gave me a competitive edge when applying to dietetic internships. The nutrition clinic shift at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health gave me a chance to practice and helped build my confidence in my counseling skills and nutritional knowledge. The MSN-DPD program at Bastyr is relatively small. We had few international students and it seemed there was not a lot of support for these students. There are few social activities on campus, which may have to do with the location of the school in St. Edwards State Park. It is beautiful, but isolated. There are many programs at Bastyr but not a lot of interaction between students in different programs, which really seems like a missed opportunity. Overall, I am very satisfied with the education I received at Bastyr and felt well prepared to apply for a dietetic internship."

"This is a rigorous program that adequately prepares us for our future careers as Registered Dietitians. Pros include: quality of instruction, networking opportunities, student body is outstanding, clinic training is fabulous, overall atmosphere of campus is healthy and encouraging. Cons: The area is expensive to live and traffic is not that great. The school seems to be growing their student body (wonderful) without providing additional shuttle and transportation services."