Admission Information
Admission to the College
Northwestern admits as students, men and women of good character, who are qualified by previous education and experience to meet its rigorous academic challenges and to become practicing doctors of chiropractic. New students are admitted at the beginning of each trimester of the academic year: September, January and May. Transfer students may also be admitted at those times, as well as in May. (See “Transfer Application” section.)
Applications for admission, as well as current tuition and fees, are available online at https://www.nwhealth.edu/admissions/ or may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions. The application for admission must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application processing fee of $50. It is the responsibility of the applicant to read this catalog and comply with all provisions and instructions.
Persons who have been convicted of a misdemeanor of a violent or sexual nature or any felony will be prohibited from professional health care practice in many jurisdictions. Northwestern Health Sciences University will deny admission to applicants with such convictions. The University therefore reserves the right to conduct a criminal background check on all applicants and enrolled students.
Entrance Requirements
The following minimum requirements for admission apply to all candidates seeking admission to the College of Chiropractic and are consistent with the standards set forth by the Council on Chiropractic Education:
- Total credits and cumulative GPA
NOTE: A maximum of 16 of the 90 semester credits (24 of the 135 quarter credits) may be earned in a certificate or vocational/technical AAS program from a regionally accredited institution. These credits will be considered pass/fail and will not raise or lower the minimum cumulative GPA.
No more than 20 of the 90 semester credits (30 of the 135 quarter credits) may be acquired through CLEP or AP examinations or challenging of courses from the assignment of credit for military and other training (e.g. Straighterline) that is based on recommendations established by the American Counsil of Education (ACE) and only in courses other than required science courses.
- Prerequisites
Required courses in the Life and Physical Sciences:
For success in the doctor of chiropractic program, these courses are required:
- General Chemistry 1 (with lab) - Principles of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry or Introductory Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry 1 (with lab)
- Biology 1 (with lab) - Animal, Vertebrate or General Biology, Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology or Microbiology
Students who do not meet prerequisite requirements should consult the Office of Admissions for further options under the Custom Track Plan.
Recommended additional courses in the Life and Physical Sciences:
The doctor of chiropractic program has a rigorous basic sciences curriculum. These additional science courses are strongly recommended for a student's successful progress:
- General Chemistry 2 (with lab) - Principles of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry or Introductory Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry 2 (with lab)
- Biology 2 (with lab) - Animal, Vertebrate, or General Biology, Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology or Microbiology
- Physics 1 (with lab) and/or Physics 2 (with lab)
- Biochemistry (with lab)
Other science courses may qualify, including Human Anatomy, Cell Biology, Cell Physiology, Immunology and Genetics. Students may check with one of our admissions representatives to review science prerequisites.
The importance of basic science courses:
We want you to be successful in the doctor of chiropractic program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Basic science courses, including Biology, Physics, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, are foundational for the understanding of chiropractic science and the application of chiropractic methods.
To successfully progress through our rigorous chiropractic curriculum, it is very important to have a solid foundation in the basic sciences. In our experience, we have found students who enroll in the College of Chiropractic having taken the proper sequence of basic sciences courses as prerequisites are more likely to perform well in their coursework.
The graduate-level basic sciences courses you will be taking in your first and second trimesters are very demanding. The stronger your undergraduate background in the basic sciences, the more confident and capable you will be in meeting these challenges.
Prerequisite offerings at Northwestern Health Sciences University:
For prospective chiropractic students who are interested in completing their undergraduate science prerequisites: Northwestern offers several foundational science and general education courses through the College of Health and Wellness to assist students in satisfying entrance requirements. Several of the courses are offered in an accelerated format which allows students to complete a full-year of courses in only one trimester (15 weeks).
Qualifications
All students must meet both our academic standards and our technical standards in order to be admitted, progress through, and graduate from the College of Chiropractic. These qualifications assist you in progressing through the curriculum and clinical training in the doctor of chiropractic program.
Academic standards
Academic standards refer to acceptable demonstrations of competency in various disciplines, before admission and after, as judged by faculty members, examinations, and other measurements of performance.
For detailed information about academic standards, refer to the Academic Policies section of the University Catalog.
Technical standards
Technical standards refer to the essential aptitudes and abilities that allow chiropractic students to perform in a modern healthcare environment in a variety of ways. Students must demonstrate the capacity/ability on their own, with reasonable accommodations, in these areas of competency:
- Perception/Observation - vision, hearing, tactile and proprioceptive abilities
- Communication - speaking, reading and writing
- Gross and Fine Motor Coordination
- Cognition - conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities
- Professionalism, Behavioral and Social Attributes
To review the specific criteria for these areas of competency, refer to the Technical Standards Guide (pdf).
All students, with or without reasonable accommodation, must carry out laboratory assignments, including microscopic work and X-ray interpretation. Qualified persons with disabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, must be able to pass oral, written and practical examinations, and meet all of the clinical requirements of the University.
It is in the best interests of both the student and the University to assess the degree of limitation caused by disability. However, the University will make the final determination of whether or not an individual meets all qualifications for study at the University. The University accommodations process is found under “Student Life.” Additionally, questions regarding qualifications or accommodations should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs.
Responsibility of Applicant
It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of the entrance requirements and to ensure that they are met prior to enrollment. If the College determines at any time that requirements are not met in full, the student will not be allowed to enroll or to continue at Northwestern. The Office of Admissions personnel are available to help prospective students plan their pre-chiropractic curricula.
Minnesota Immunization Requirement
All students, even exempted students, must submit an immunization form.
Minnesota State Law (M.S. 135A.14) requires proof that all students born after December 31, 1956 and enrolled in a public or private post-secondary school in Minnesota be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles (rubeola, red measles), mumps and rubella (German measles) - allowing for certain specified exemptions (see below).
The law requires that Northwestern has proof of a student’s compliance by having a Minnesota Immunization Form in their file and available for review by the Minnesota Department of Health and the local community health board.
Any non-exempt student who does not submit the required information within 45 days after first enrollment cannot remain enrolled at Northwestern.
Exemptions
You must submit an online immunization form. However, if you meet one of the following exemptions, you are not required to provide immunization information on the form:
- You were born on or before Dec. 31, 1956
- You graduated from a Minnesota high school in 1997 or later
- You are a transfer student - or graduated - from another Minnesota college or university (post-secondary school)
- You have a medical or conscientious exemption (see "Special instructions" below)
Required immunizations
- Diphtheria/Tetanus (Td or Tdap) - must be within 10 years of your enrollment date at Northwestern
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) - 1 dose after age 12 months (2 doses recommended)
Application Procedure
The first step in the application process is to submit a fully completed application for admission. Applications are available online at http://www.nwhealth.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/chiropractic/ or from the Office of Admissions. The application must include:
- Obtain a username and password. If you have not already done so, submit your contact information. After you submit your contact information, you will receive an email from NWHSU Admissions with your username, password and a link to the online application portal.
If the NWHSU email is not in your inbox, check your spam folder.
If you submitted your contact information in the past and no longer have access to your user name and password, contact the Office of Admissions at 952-885-5409 and we will provide you with this information.
- Log In to the application portal. You may now login and start your online application. At any time, you may save your application, logout, and complete it later.
- Complete the application.
Application fee
There is a non-refundable $50 application fee required with submission of your application.
Request official transcripts
Have your official academic transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions (including colleges, universities, vocational/technical schools and PSEO credits) sent directly to Northwestern Health Sciences University. To request an official transcript, contact the Registrar's Office at your prior institution(s). Transcripts from any previous graduate-level work are also required.
All official transcripts should be sent directly to:
Northwestern Health Sciences University
ATTN: Office of Admissions
2501 W. 84th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
References
Provide the name, email and mailing address of three references who you have known for at least six months. An email address and mailing address are required, so please have this information available when you apply.
References from doctors of chiropractic, science instructors and other healthcare professionals are preferred, provided they know you well. Northwestern will send instructions to these people on how to submit a reference. Relatives are not accepted as references.
Essay
Write a 2-page essay, divided into two parts:
Part I: Discuss your:
- Background
- Personal goals
- Reason for choosing the chiropractic profession
- Direct experience with chiropractic, and
- Reasons for choosing the College of Chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University
Part II: Describe a major personal accomplishment and your reasons for that selection.
Selection of Candidates
The Admissions Committee seeks to matriculate students who best suit the philosophies and goals of the program, which include providing an education in the scholarly and humane aspects of chiropractic and fostering the development of leaders who will advance chiropractic practice and knowledge. Northwestern seeks to select students who have strong academic records and who demonstrate the motivational and personal characteristics suitable for a career in chiropractic. Willingness to provide service and a caring attitude are important characteristics of the future doctor of chiropractic. The University employs a rolling admissions process. Therefore, early application could increase the applicant’s probability for acceptance. Students are strongly encouraged to apply at least nine to 12 months prior to the first day of their first academic term.
The University encourages campus visits for all applicants and reserves the right to require an interview.
Tuition Deposit Policy
Applicants will be notified in writing of the Admission Committee’s decision regarding their application following receipt of all application materials and committee review. Upon notification of acceptance, a candidate must remit a tuition deposit of $300 to reserve a position in the entering class. This tuition deposit is non-refundable but is applied toward the first trimester tuition. The tuition deposit should be submitted shortly after notification of acceptance since processing of financial aid is initiated only after receipt of the tuition deposit. First trimester students who have been accepted and paid their $300 tuition deposit must pay the balance of their first trimester tuition on the first day of class. If the student has a Direct Student Loan in progress for the first trimester at Northwestern, then the first trimester tuition will be credited against this loan. It is important to note that because of the limited space available in each class, scheduling priorities and the cost of education, the institutional refund policy does not apply to the $300 tuition deposit.
Transfer Students
A student wishing to transfer from another chiropractic college must:
- Follow the same application procedures as a new student (see previous section in catalog);
- Have official academic transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions (including colleges, universities, vocational/technical schools and PSEO credits) sent directly to Northwestern Health Sciences University. To request an official transcript, contact the Registrar's Office at your prior institution(s). Transcripts from any previous graduate-level work in addition to the previous chiropractic institution(s) are also required.
- Meet all of Northwestern Health Sciences University’s College of Chiropractic prerequisites in place at the time of application.
- Provide in the application contact information for at least two faculty members at the other chiropractic institution(s) previously attended who can provide completed online recommendation forms.
- Provide a letter from the registrar at the previous chiropractic institution(s) indicating that the student is in good academic standing and would be eligible to continue studies at that institution.
Transfer Policy
The institution where you completed your transfer coursework must be accredited and recognized by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the U.S. Department of Education. Transfer credit from other doctoral health programs will be considered, provided the previous institution is regionally or professionally accredited at the graduate or professional level and course work is applicable to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
The transfer policy requires that a letter from the registrar at the previous chiropractic institution indicating that a student is in good academic standing and would be eligible to continue studies at that institution, is provided. Students not in good academic standing will not be considered for admission as a transfer student to Northwestern Health Sciences University; however, admission as a new student will still be considered according to the regular admission policies.
Courses are eligible for transfer to Northwestern if they are not used as prerequisite courses, they are current within 5 years of the date of enrollment at Northwestern, and a grade of C or better has been earned. Transfer courses must have similar course content, title, length or objective, and correspond to courses within Northwestern’s chiropractic curriculum. The College of Chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University will determine comparability.
All courses submitted for transfer must be evaluated and approved prior to the student’s enrollment.
A transfer student must complete a minimum of five trimesters of resident study at Northwestern prior to graduation.
Excessive student loan debt may be a factor in the student’s ability to transfer. The Financial Aid Office will set upper limits of previous indebtedness.
Transfer policies are subject to change. Contact the Office of Admissions for current information.
Advanced Placement Exams (competency exams)
An advanced placement exam (competency exam) can give a student credit for a Northwestern course based on work completed. The decision to offer a competency exam is based on the faculty and dean of the appropriate department.
Applicants may sit for competency examinations if:
- Official transcripts show work in the subject area in addition to that required for admission and taken in upper-division courses.
- Meet all of Northwestern Health Science University’s College of Chiropractic prerequisites in place at the time of application.
- Contact information is provided in the application for at least two faculty members at the chiropractic institution(s) previously attended who can provide completed online recommendation forms.
Non-Program Students
Students not currently admitted to a program may enroll in a course for credit, if they meet the prerequisites, space is available, and approval for attendance in the course has been granted by the course instructor and the program administrator.
Students that are granted approval to enroll in a course should contact the Office of Admissions for a special application and registration instructions.
International Students
Northwestern Health Sciences University welcomes the diversity that international students bring to the University community. The University is a non- residential campus, therefore, no housing is available to students. Individuals in F-1 student status are not eligible to seek employment off campus. All classes at Northwestern are taught in English
Matriculants from foreign countries must meet the same educational requirements as students matriculating from the United States. The student should note the entrance requirement and application procedure sections. The student must also fulfill the following:
- Follow the same application procedures as a new student (see previous section in catalog);
- Verify competency in English. All classes at Northwestern are taught in English.
A student may verify competency in English in the following manner:
- International students must provide the following documentation in addition to the admission requirements: Applicants completing the paper-based examination must earn a score of 540 or higher. Applicants completing the computer-based examination must earn a score of 83 or higher. Results of the TOEFL® must be sent directly to Northwestern from the testing agency.
We reserve the right to request proof of English proficiency of any applicant.
- Provide evidence of having financial resources to complete a minimum of one year of education. Official bank statements indicating sufficient funds are required.
- Have foreign transcripts evaluated by WES: World Education Services, Inc., PO Box 5087, Bowling Green Station, New York, NY 10274, USA; phone: (212) 966-6311. Official copies of the course-by-course evaluation must be forwarded directly to both Northwestern and the student. Contact the Office of Admissions for a WES application form or names of other accepted transcript evaluation services.
As an international student, you must be aware of the licensure requirements in the country in which you wish to practice. We recommend you contact the chiropractic licensing board in your country for that information.
Educational Requirements of Non-US Citizens
The programs listed below are recognized as being equivalent to the pre-professional requirements of the CCE-USA. If you have successfully completed one of these programs, this may fulfill the entrance requirements to the College of Chiropractic. However, students who have completed these programs should contact the Office of Admissions for the most current information.
- The French Propedeutique
- The Danish Matematisk Studentereksamen
- Odense University Pre-chiropractic Program
- The Swiss Matura and First Medical Propedeutical or qualifying report
- The Richmond College of London Pre-chiropractic Program
- College d’enseignement general et Professional or its Canadian English equivalent.
For students from Mexico, a special schedule of courses has been developed which supplements the Bachillerato Preparatoria as the prerequisite for entry into the College of Chiropractic. Students from Mexico should contact the Office of Admissions for the most current information.
Northwestern reserves the right to request a transcript review by an evaluation service for any courses completed outside of the United States.