Bastyr University was established as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1978 in Seattle, Washington (USA). It is named for the late John Bastyr, ND, DC (1912-1995), a pioneering naturopathic physician and chiropractor in the Seattle area who was instrumental in keeping interest in naturopathic medicine alive through the 1960s.

In 1984, the school was renamed Bastyr College, and in 1994, it became Bastyr University. Bastyr now offers programs in acupuncture, nutrition, oriental medicine, exercise science, health psychology, behavioral science, herbal therapy, counseling, and leadership.

It is now located in the Juanita neighborhood of Kenmore, Washington.