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General Information ~ Introduction General Information 3 GENERAL INFORMATION ~ INTRODUCTION General Information experience to classroom and clinical instruction. Introduction Laboratory experiments, demonstrations, clinical Bastyr University, located in the beautiful Pacific experience and case-oriented instruction help stu- Northwest approximately 15 miles from the city of dents develop practical, patient-oriented skills and Seattle, is a progressive, accredited, nonprofit uni- understanding. Student clinicians are also trained to versity, internationally recognized as a pioneer in the recognize when other modes of treatment are in the study of natural health arts and science education best interests of the patient and to make appropriate and research. Since its inception, the University has referrals to colleagues in other health care professions. based its educational, clinical and research programs Bastyr University is dedicated to educating indi- on the following key principles: viduals to meet the health and well-being needs of • Treatment of the whole person the 21st century. Through practice and research, Ba- • Prevention of disease styr graduates will further develop ways to integrate • Teaching patients how to take responsibility scientific and traditional healing methods in support for their own health of the innate healing power of the individual as part • Enhancing each individual’s inherent healing of the greater human community. ability, using natural, nontoxic therapies Over the years the University has broadened its BASTYR UNIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT mission to integrate Western scientific standards with As the world’s leading academic center for advanc- traditional natural healing methods from around the ing and integrating knowledge in the natural health world. The University has expanded and strengthened arts and sciences, Bastyr University will transform the the academic and clinical education of naturopathic health and well-being of the human community. medicine practitioners. It has developed unique aca- demic degree programs in acupuncture and Oriental BASTYR UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT medicine, nutrition, exercise science and wellness, herbal sciences, culinary arts, midwifery, integrated We educate future leaders in the natural health arts human biology, and counseling and health psychology, and sciences. Respecting the healing power of nature as well as specialized nondegree programs that reflect and recognizing that body, mind and spirit are intrinsi- its founding philosophy. cally inseparable, we model an integrated approach to The education of graduate natural health practi- education, research and clinical service. tioners and highly qualified undergraduate students BASTYR UNIVERSITY VALUES at Bastyr University emphasizes development of the scientific understanding of the structure and function Compassion of the human body and the disease process, bal- Community anced with a profound appreciation for, and ability Integrity to activate, the unique self-healing ability inherent Connection to Nature in every human being. The University’s educational Whole Systems Health approach is an integrated one, offering traditional didactic instruction combined with innovative and BASTYR UNIVERSITY CORE THEMES interdisciplinary problem-based learning in rigorous As an accredited university, Bastyr engages in an academic and clinical environments. The learning on-going self-assessment of its programs, student experience emphasizes academic excellence, the success, faculty, staff, physical capacity, long-term development of individual talents and mastery of planning and resources. That process involves the critical competencies. development of core themes and goals that are used Students learn under the guidance of outstanding to characterize the University’s priorities and provide faculty. More than 90 percent of the University’s the framework for continuous improvement. health sciences core faculty members have earned The University’s core themes and goals are: terminal degrees, and many are successful private Core Theme One—Academic Achievement practitioners who contribute a wealth of practical 4 GENERAL INFORMATION ~ INTRODUCTION Goal A – Bastyr University offers a rigorous and ensure that each program is focused on the and relevant curriculum. achievement of excellence. Goal B – Bastyr University has a highly quali- Strategic Initiative #3: Attract, support and retain fied faculty with excellent teaching skills. world-class faculty and staff in the natural health Goal C – Bastyr University supports student arts and sciences. success and program completion. Strategic Initiative #4: Attract, support and retain Core Theme 2: Research in the Natural Health world-class students representing different cultures. Arts and Sciences Strategic Initiative #5: Our methods of and access Goal A – Faculty are encouraged and supported to instruction are innovative enough to attract the to pursue research/scholarly activity and dis- most diverse and qualified students, while maintain- seminate findings. ing the highest standards of academic, research and Goal B – Students are encouraged to participate clinical excellence. in research training/scholarly activity. Strategic Initiative #6: Establish a secure base of Core Theme 3: Clinical Training and Commu- financial support and appropriate physical assets nity Health so we can invest in and support those things that Goal A – All clinical programs provide clinical ensure we will always lead the way in education, training that prepares competent entry-level research and clinical practice of the natural health health professionals. arts and sciences. Goal B – All clinical programs provide high- Bastyr University has played a key part in es- quality services to the community. tablishing the credibility of science-based natural Core Theme 4: Interdisciplinary Integration medicine and initiating the current transformation Goal A – Students gain the knowledge, skills of the health care system. In order to retain the Uni- and attitudes to work collaboratively with versity’s leadership role in promoting the benefits of peers and others in a variety of health pro- natural medicine, we will continue to improve and fessions. transform the institution into a fully developed, well- These four core themes align well with the Bastyr financed mature academic center for the natural University mission statement: “We educate future health arts and sciences. leaders in the natural health arts and sciences. Respecting the healing power of nature and recog- GLOBAL COMPETENCIES AT BASTYR UNIVERSITY nizing that body, mind and spirit are intrinsically Bastyr University has developed global competen- inseparable, we model an integrated approach to cies in three major areas to help students succeed education, research and clinical service.” Education, in their chosen fields in the natural health arts and research and clinical services constitute the founda- sciences. These three major areas are communication tion upon which Bastyr University stands, and the skills, critical thinking and professional behavior. interdisciplinary integration of these three primary Students fulfill these global competencies through areas of focus describes the approach the University the curriculum of their chosen programs and in their uses to achieve mission fulfillment. interactions with the Bastyr community. If students are having difficulties with any of the global compe- BASTYR UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLAN tencies, they are encouraged to seek assistance from To fulfill its mission and vision and fully meet their instructors and the Tutoring Center. Faculty core theme objectives, the University must think members may recommend remediation for students and act strategically. Following a campus-wide, itera- as appropriate. tive and broadly inclusive process, the University’s Communication Skills: Five global competen- Board of Trustees in December 2008 adopted and cies are listed under communication skills: writing, committed itself to the following core strategic listening, speaking, information literacy and public initiatives: speaking. Strategic Initiative #1: Convene essential gen- Critical Thinking: Six global competencies erative conversations that inform the cultivation are listed under critical thinking: synthesis and of practitioners and influence policy decisions that integration, reflective evaluation, problem solving, contribute to restoring the world’s intrinsic health. analytical skills, intuitive skills, and research skills. Strategic Initiative #2: Determine what academic Professional Behavior: Five global competencies programs are essential to a robust and universal are listed under professional behavior: medical and education in the natural health arts and sciences professional ethics, compassionate caring behaviors, 5 GENERAL INFORMATION ~ INTRODUCTION respectful communication, personal health and well- currently recognized by the U.S. Department of ness, and professional boundary skills. Education with respect to doctoral programs in the field. However, Bastyr University is regionally LEGAL STRUCTURE OF BASTYR UNIVERSITY accredited by the Northwest Commission for Col- Bastyr University is a nonprofit, tax-exempt leges and Universities, 425.558.4224, and thus all corporation founded for the purpose of serving as degree offerings are accredited and DAOM students an effective leader in the improvement of the health are eligible for Title IV funds. and well-being of the human community through The Master of Science in Acupuncture and Ori- education, research
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