Westbrook University is a small private, nonsectarian, nonprofit distance-learning U.S. university that specializes in undergraduate and graduate-level professional health education, largely to nontraditional students seeking credentials in allied, alternative, complementary and integrative healthcare fields. Founded in 1986, Westbrook is nationally accredited by Accrediting Commission Internation
al, which accredits degree-granting private colleges and universities. It is additionally accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the association’s American Alternative Medical Association division and is listed by the American Naturopathic Certification Board as an approved distance-learning college. The university offers eight undergraduate and 18 graduate degree programs, in psychology and mental health counseling, addiction counseling, holistic nursing, nutrition, naturopathy and integrative medicine. The program leading to a doctorate in integrative medicine is open only to physicians, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists and other licensed healthcare professionals. Westbrook also offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Doctor of Science, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Naturopathy degrees. Undergraduate and graduate students may design customized and specific courses of study to suit their educational, professional or clinical objectives, with integrated or interdisciplinary individualized degree programs generally sponsored by two or more university departments. While the university features a flexible curriculum, it requires undergraduate students to complete a liberal-arts program to develop intellectual literacy, critical thinking and communication skills. This core curriculum includes English, mathematics, humanities, fine arts, social sciences, behavioral sciences and laboratory sciences. Westbrook also offers diploma programs in natural healthcare and other complementary and alternative medicine practices. The institution additionally provides continuing education units for approved continuing education and professional training programs required for licensed or certified healthcare practitioners and allied health professionals to maintain their credentials. Among the professional bodies approving continuing education credits provided by Westbrook is the American Academy of Family Physicians. The university's faculty includes health professionals as well as academic scholars.
