Accreditation and Recognition
Bastyr University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). NWCCU is a regional institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Ave. N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981, (425) 558-4224, www.nwccu.org.
As a long-standing regionally accredited, degree-granting institution in Washington state, Bastyr University is “continuously exempt” from state authorization and review. However, any institution granted exemption from the requirements for degree authorization under WAC 250-61 may be subject to periodic review by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to ensure that all criteria for the exemption continue to be met. More information about exempt status requirements is available from WSAC located at 917 Lakeridge Way SW, Olympia, WA 98502, (360) 753-7800, or info@wsac.wa.gov.
Bastyr University is also approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means the University maintains compliance with California state standards. BPPE is located at 1747 N. Market Blvd, Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, (888) 370-7589, fax (916) 263-1897 or (916) 574-8900, or at www.bppe.ca.gov. BPPE can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 980818, Sacramento, CA 95798-0818.
Bastyr University is also a member of NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements). This is a multi-state consortium that manages oversight of distance education, including preceptorships and practicums, in which students may engage outside of Washington and California. Bastyr seeks approval, authorization, or exemption to operate in other states as needed.
The Doctor of 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. For more information, please contact the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, P.O. Box 178, 342 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230, (413) 528-8877.
The Master of Science (MS) Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (800) 877-1600 ext. 5400, email: acend@eatright.org, website: www.eatright.org/acend.
The following programs offered by Bastyr University are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):
- Master of Acupuncture
- Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization
- Doctor of Acupuncture
- including a Doctor of Acupuncture degree completion track
- Certificate in Chinese herbal medicine
ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor level.
Temporary federal flexibilities with respect to institutional eligibility for distance education related to the COVID-19 national emergency expired on 7 October 2023. The programs listed above are not accredited by ACAHM to offer courses via distance education beyond 7 October 2023.
Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM Directory.
ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; https://acahm.org
Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 28 February 2024.
Bastyr University is approved by Washington state to offer its acupuncture and traditional Asian medicine programs. Individuals who complete the Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization are eligible to sit for the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exams as well as various state licensing exams.
The Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MAcCHM) is an approved curriculum by the California Acupuncture Board for graduates seeking California licensure.
Bastyr University is approved by USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to accept and enroll foreign non-immigrant students. Bastyr University’s academic programs are approved by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) for enrollment of persons eligible to receive educational benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code.
Bastyr University has received approval from the state of Washington as a recognized midwifery training facility and provides education for direct-entry midwifery students in the Master of Science in Midwifery. This program is accredited through the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). Graduates of the Master of Science in Midwifery program are eligible to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam to receive the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential, recognized in many states for legal practice of midwifery and reimbursement for services.