Leading the way in natural health arts and sciences education, where modern medicine meets tradition, Bastyr University is a shining light in integrative health and wellness.
Bastyr’s mission is simple yet profound - to empower our students through science-based education while promoting the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. And as we build on our ancestral wisdom, we continually incorporate new evidence-based knowledge and research, leading the field holistically and respectfully.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation in higher education serves a vital function: it reflects a commitment to maintaining rigorous educational standards. It is a process grounded in numerous factors beyond coursework. Accreditation ensures that an institution's programming meets or exceeds standards set by the academic community.
Recognized accrediting bodies review everything from academic resources and faculty qualifications to research opportunities and institutional integrity. They ensure a comprehensive assessment of an institution, underlining its commitment to offering an education built on the foundation of quality and excellence.
Just as integrative medicine blends traditional wisdom and modern science for better health outcomes, accreditation intertwines comprehensive evaluation with continuous improvement.
The Importance of Higher Education Accreditation for Students
The implications of accreditation stretch far beyond the mission statements and classrooms of educational institutions, directly impacting the students they serve. Accredited status guarantees students a high-quality education that is recognized nationally. It facilitates access to financial aid, emphasizes credit transferability, and grants students access to many specialized facilities and research opportunities.
Accredited institutions foster positive learning environments that enhance career opportunities and heighten credibility with prospective employers. In the realm of natural sciences, this endorsement is particularly vital, both to students and to the subjects they study.
The benefits of accreditation aren't limited to students. For educators, it signifies recognition and provides opportunities for professional development, often translating into increased job satisfaction. Institutions, in turn, gain public trust, attract high-quality faculty, and access federal and state funding, fostering an environment primed for continuous improvement.
Institutions that lack accreditation may face challenges, including reduced public trust and limited access to resources.
Why Accreditation Matters in Natural Sciences Education
In Integrative Sciences, including healthcare, nutrition, and naturopathy, accreditation carries an added level of significance. It safeguards the well-being of the public and the integrity of the profession. Rigorous standards in education ensure effective, safe practices that respect the foundational principles of the discipline.
In this field where tradition and innovation intertwine, the importance of evidence-based methods and research cannot be overstated. Accreditation provides validation that the educational institution is competent in marrying these two realms seamlessly and is recognized as a trusted source.
Accreditation at Bastyr University
At Bastyr, we proudly maintain accreditation across our programs. Learn about our accredited programs and which accrediting body approved them:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine: The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME)
- Nutrition Degrees: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Master of Science in Midwifery: The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC)
- Graduate Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine Degrees: The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM)
- Master of Public Health: The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
This accreditation reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a high caliber of scientific, evidence-based education that promotes holistic and integrative learning.
The promise of accreditation in integrative sciences plays a poignant role in shaping the journey of students and the evolutionary course of the wider community. Our programs teach students how to integrate natural healing and tradition with the needs of our present world.
Bastyr University's commitment to upholding this high standard of education resonates with our mission to empower people to heal and thrive, supporting both individual and societal well-being. Discover more about Bastyr today, explore our programs, or speak with an advisor.
