Bastyr University and Cascadia Community College
Announce Partnership to Benefit Students
(Bothell/Kenmore, WA) – In an effort to increase opportunities for students seeking baccalaureate degrees in the natural health arts and sciences, the presidents of Bastyr University and Cascadia Community College today announced an agreement that will help to propel students through the higher education pipeline in the form of smoother transfers between the two schools.
“This is a perfect example of how educational institutions can work together to expand opportunities and services for their students,” says Eric Murray, President of Cascadia Community College. “In this case, we are making it possible for community college students who matriculate with a two-year degree at Cascadia and meet Bastyr University’s requirements to transfer to one of the most highly respected natural medicine universities in the world.”
The signed agreement opens up a whole new pathway for students who are interested in pursuing a career in this region’s growing natural health industry.
According to the President of Bastyr University Daniel K. Church, PhD, “It is critical, especially as cuts are being made to student loan and academic programs that we build partnerships resulting in helping more students earn bachelor ’s degrees. This agreement opens access to a whole new pool of highly motivated students while simultaneously simplifying the transfer process.”
The agreement allows Cascadia students who complete the prescribed coursework and receive an Associate in Integrated Studies degree to transfer directly to Bastyr University, where they can pursue a B.S. in Health Psychology, Herbal Sciences, Exercise Science and Wellness, Integrated Human Biology or Nutrition. Alternately, students who need to complete specific courses in order to be eligible for their junior year at Bastyr University will be able to transfer after completing those courses at Cascadia.
ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Located north of Seattle, Washington, Bastyr University is an accredited institution internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation’s first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.Bastyr.edu or www.BastyrCenter.org.
Cascadia Community College consistently transfers more than 70% of its students to four-year programs. It is nationally recognized for its integrated teaching and learning model, as well as for its programs in information technologies, environmental technologies, math, and sciences.
