Transfer into a Graduate Degree

Applicants who have completed professional programs may be considered for advanced standing status. Those applicants who graduated from accredited chiropractic, medical or osteopathic colleges may be eligible for advanced standing in the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program. All advanced standing students must complete at least two-thirds of the program and do all of their clinical work at Bastyr University. They are eligible for a maximum of 103 credits toward advanced standing.

In those instances where the maximum number of advanced standing transfer credits is granted, it will take a minimum of three years (11 quarters) to complete the program. Placement depends upon the amount of coursework completed in the original program, similarity of the course content and credits, age of the courses and performance in these courses. A student must provide documentation which shows the competencies of the Bastyr University course have been met. Course waivers and/or credit transfers are considered only for those courses in which applicants demonstrate a grade of achieved competence, a C or above, or a 2.0 or above. An exam to determine competency may also be required. Advanced standing applicants must complete all of the course and credit requirements in effect at the time of their enrollment in the Bastyr University naturopathic medicine program. Final waiver and/or transfer credit decisions rest with the dean of the school in which the curriculum is taught.

Advanced standing is determined on a case by case basis and depends on the type of degree program completed, the courses taken and the number of years in practice.

• Naturopathic Medicine applicants who are eligible for advanced standing must submit a $150 advanced standing evaluation fee.  
• Midwifery, Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine applicants who are eligible for advanced standing must submit a $100 advanced standing evaluation fee. 

Applicants must submit a catalog of course descriptions for the years they attended their professional program and should be prepared to submit additional documentation to support a thorough evaluation. If an advanced standing student is found to be deficient in some areas of study, he/she may be required to complete additional courses. For more information on advanced standing status admission policies and procedures, contact the admissions office.