What Bastyr University offers in acupuncture education

Bastyr University, located in Kenmore, Washington (near Seattle), operates a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). The program runs full-time over three academic years and includes classroom instruction, supervised clinical practice, and hands-on training in acupuncture techniques, herbal medicine, and related modalities.

The curriculum covers traditional Chinese medicine theory, point location and needling technique, herbal pharmacology, Western anatomy and physiology, and patient assessment. Students complete over 3,000 hours of instruction and clinical work before graduation. Bastyr also offers a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) as a post-master's degree for graduates who want additional training in research, advanced clinical skills, or teaching.

Bastyr is one of the few acupuncture programs in the United States housed within a larger university that also teaches naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and other natural health fields. This means students may have access to interdisciplinary coursework and clinical settings that combine multiple modalities, though the acupuncture degree itself is a standalone credential.

Key Takeaways

  • Bastyr's Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine takes three years full-time and includes over 3,000 hours of classroom and clinical training.
  • The program is accredited by ACAHM, which is the standard accrediting body for acupuncture programs in the United States.
  • Graduates must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam to become licensed acupuncturists in most states.
  • Tuition and fees vary by year and program; you should contact Bastyr's admissions office directly for current costs and financial aid options.
  • Washington State requires acupuncturists to hold a license issued by the Department of Health, which typically requires NCCAOM certification and passage of the state exam.

Admission requirements and what to prepare

Bastyr requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling in the Master's program. You do not need a degree in a science field, but you will need to have completed certain prerequisite courses, typically including biology, chemistry, and anatomy. If you have not taken these courses, you may be able to complete them before explore or as part of a pre-requisite program.

The process process includes submission of transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Some applicants are invited to an in-person or virtual interview. Bastyr also considers work experience, volunteer history, and demonstrated interest in natural medicine and patient care. There is no single "cutoff" GPA, but the program is competitive and typically enrolls students with strong academic records.

You should contact Bastyr's admissions office directly to confirm current prerequisite requirements, process important date, and whether any courses can be waived based on prior education. important date and requirements can shift year to year.

Cost, financial aid, and payment options

Tuition for Bastyr's acupuncture program varies by academic year and changes periodically. The total cost for the three-year Master's degree—including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and clinical training—typically ranges in the tens of thousands of dollars, but you should request a detailed cost breakdown from the admissions office for the most current figures.

Bastyr is a private institution and does not participate in federal student loan programs in the same way public universities do. However, the school may offer payment plans, scholarships, and other financing options. Some students use private loans, employer sponsorship, or personal savings. The financial aid office can discuss what options may be available to you based on your situation.

Because costs and financing options change, contact Bastyr's financial aid department before making enrollment decisions. They can provide itemized costs for each year and explain what funding sources the school recognizes.

Licensing and practice after graduation

Graduating from Bastyr's program does not automatically make you a licensed acupuncturist. After earning your degree, you must pass the NCCAOM exam, which tests knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and related subjects. NCCAOM certification is recognized across most U.S. states and is often required for state licensure.

Washington State, where Bastyr is located, requires acupuncturists to hold a license issued by the Department of Health. Licensure typically requires NCCAOM certification, passage of the Washington State acupuncture exam, and completion of continuing education hours. Requirements vary by state, so if you plan to practice outside Washington, research your target state's licensing board before enrolling.

Bastyr's program is designed to prepare students for the NCCAOM exam, and the school publishes pass rates for its graduates. You can ask admissions or current students about recent pass rates and what support the school offers for exam preparation.

Campus location and program format

Bastyr University's main campus is in Kenmore, Washington, approximately 20 miles north of Seattle. The acupuncture program is taught at this location, and students attend in-person for classroom lectures, laboratory work, and supervised clinical practice. There is no fully online option for the Master's degree, though some schools may offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with required in-person sessions.

Clinical training takes place in Bastyr's teaching clinics, where students treat real patients under faculty supervision. This hands-on experience is a core part of the program and cannot be completed remotely. If you live outside the Seattle area, you will need to plan for relocation or a long commute for the three-year duration of the program.

How Bastyr compares to other acupuncture programs

The United States has dozens of acupuncture schools, ranging from small independent institutions to programs within larger universities. Bastyr is one of the larger, university-based programs and has been operating since the 1980s. It is ACAHM-accredited, which is the standard credential for acupuncture programs.

When comparing Bastyr to other schools, consider program length (most are two to four years), total hours of training, accreditation status, location, cost, and pass rates on the NCCAOM exam. Some programs emphasize traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, while others integrate more Western medical science. Some schools are in urban areas with diverse patient populations; others are in smaller communities. There is no single "best" program—the right choice depends on your learning style, location, budget, and career goals.

You can find a list of ACAHM-accredited programs on the ACAHM website, which allows you to compare schools by region, program length, and other factors. Speaking with current students and recent graduates at multiple schools can also help you understand the differences in teaching style and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Washington State to attend Bastyr?

No, but you will need to attend classes and clinical training in person at the Kenmore campus. Many students relocate to the Seattle area for the three years of the program, while others commute from nearby regions. You should factor housing and transportation costs into your decision.

Can I work while enrolled in the acupuncture program?

The Master's program is full-time and intensive, with classes, labs, and clinical shifts throughout the week. Most students do not work significant hours during the program, though some may work part-time during breaks or in the final year when schedules may be more flexible. Ask current students about their experience balancing work and studies.

What happens if I don't pass the NCCAOM exam on my first attempt?

You can retake the exam. Bastyr and other schools typically offer exam preparation resources, study groups, and tutoring to help students prepare. The school can tell you what support is available and what the typical retake timeline looks like.

Is Bastyr's acupuncture degree recognized outside the United States?

Recognition of U.S. acupuncture credentials varies by country. Some countries have their own licensing systems and may not recognize American degrees. If you plan to practice internationally, research the requirements of your target country before enrolling, as you may need additional training or certification.

Does Bastyr offer evening or weekend classes for working professionals?

The Master's program is structured as a full-time, daytime program. Bastyr may offer continuing education or certificate programs in acupuncture-related topics for working professionals, but the degree program itself requires full-time attendance. Contact admissions to ask about any flexible scheduling options.