For more than 75 years, Northwestern Health Sciences University has been building an international reputation for excellence in professional education, patient care, clinical research and community engagement. Our University is committed to providing students with individual attention from an outstanding faculty and staff; with a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum; and with hands-on clinical training designed to prepare students to become skilled, knowledgeable health care providers.
Many faculty members and instructors are active health care practitioners, blending real-world experiences with technique and skill in the classroom and lab.
As you explore Northwestern you’ll discover an exceptional educational experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence embodied in our students, faculty and staff.
Our Mission
Northwestern Health Sciences University prepares the next generation of health care professionals to deliver and advance health care.
Our Vision
We are a premier health sciences university creating a healthier world. Live, Learn, Serve Healthy!
Our Values
| • Accountability |
• Collaboration |
• Excellence |
| • Innovation |
• Respect |
• Service |
Our Promises
- We cultivate caring and are by nature invested in the personal success and well-being of others.
- We listen deeply and with open minds to fully appreciate other perspectives.
- We look beyond symptoms to understand cause, then co-create solutions.
- We embody integrity and innovation; blending mastery with forward thinking.
- We practice intellectual humility and continuously engage in learning.
- We bridge the worlds of seen and unseen, of knowledge and action, of past and future.
- We foster physical, spiritual, and emotional health in ourselves and others.
- We bring generosity of spirit to our work and take joy in what we do together.
- We are united in purpose; earning one another’s trust and respectful of our differences
University Learning Outcomes
The Institution-wide learning goals define the common ground that unites the programs within the University. They are purposefully broad so that the various colleges and schools can continue to develop their unique identities through varying ways in which the goals are met.
1. Communication
Graduates will demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills in a wide variety of contexts, including collaborative activities.
2. Critical Thinking
Graduates of Northwestern will acquire the skills to effectively apply evidence based knowledge for personal growth and continuing professional development.
3. Health and Wellness
Graduates of Northwestern will recognize the factors that influence health and well-being in both personal and professional situations.
4. Ethics
Graduates of Northwestern will demonstrate integrity by using ethical and professional behavior in all endeavors.
5. Civic Engagement
Graduates of Northwestern will promote the quality of life in the larger community through advocacy and community outreach with respect for diverse perspectives and people.
Northwestern's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The commitment of the Northwestern community to integrate diversity and inclusion values into all aspects of the University’s culture is comprehensive. It is demonstrated through curriculum development that addresses how we train health care providers for culturally competent health care delivery; university and program learning outcomes, which direct our awareness and sensitivity to the need for patient-centered health care practices; training, programs, and policies for professional development; the diversity scholarship program; student-run clubs, organizations, and publications; partnerships with schools, community service agencies, and organizations committed to diversity work; and an Office of Diversity & Inclusion to manage these initiatives and relationships.
The purpose of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Northwestern is to create a richer understanding of humanity, education, and health care.
Our responsibility to Northwestern is to ensure that we have an inclusive, a diverse, and a safe environment for all members of the university community and communities we serve.
To fulfill the purpose and responsibility:
- We treat everyone with genuine respect and dignity.
- We foster cultural competency.
- We challenge unconscious bias.
- We cultivate local and global access to health care and education.
- We champion equity in all that we do.
The Northwestern community acknowledges the dignity of all human beings and resolves to treat all people with respect and equality. We recognize and value the diversity of identities among us. Some of these identities include but are not limited to: culture, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, ideology, socioeconomic status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, religion, spirituality, and family. We welcome everyone to our university.
General Information
Admissions:
The Office of Admissions
Northwestern Health Sciences University
2501 West 84th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55431
Telephone: (952/800) 888-4777, ext. 409
FAX: (952) 888-6713
Email: admit@nwhealth.edu
Website: http://www.nwhealth.edu
Accreditation, Approvals and Legal Status
Northwestern Health Sciences University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Doctor of Chiropractic program offered by the University is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
The Council on Chiropractic Education is recognized by the United States Secretary of Education as the official accrediting body for chiropractic education. Northwestern has been a member of CCE since the Commission’s inception in 1965. Accreditation was extended to Northwestern in 1971, and renewed in 1974, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1991, 2005, and 2013. The next program evaluation is designated for 2021.
Council on Chiropractic Education
Commission for Accreditation
8049 N. 85th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4321
Voice:(480) 443-8877
Fax:(480) 483-7333
E-mail: cce@cce-usa.org
Web: http://www.cce-usa.org
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. ACAOM is located at 8941 Aztec Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55347; phone 952/212-2434; fax 952/657-7068; www.acaom.org. ACAOM institutional and programmatic accreditation status and notes may be viewed at: http://acaom.org/directory-menu/directory/
The Master of Acupuncture and Master of Chinese Medicine programs of Northwestern Health Sciences University are accredited under applicable Master’s Degree Standards, by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners.
The Northwestern Health Sciences University (“NWHSU”) Professional Doctorate (PD) program, approved to begin enrolling students, is not yet accredited or pre-accredited by ACAOM. Graduates of this program are not considered to have graduated from an ACAOM-accredited or pre-accredited program and may not rely on ACAOM accreditation or pre-accreditation for professional licensure or other purposes.
This program is eligible for ACAOM accreditation, and NWHSU is currently in the process of seeking ACAOM pre-accreditation/accreditation for the program. However, NWHSU can provide no assurance that pre-accreditation or accreditation will be granted by ACAOM.
The Massage Therapy certificate program offered by the University is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation is recognized by the United States Secretary of Education for the accreditation of institutions that award post-secondary certificates, post-secondary diplomas, and academic associate degrees in the practice of massage therapy and bodywork. Program accreditation was extended in 2005, 2010 and 2014.
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
2101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (202) 888-6790
Fax: (202) 888-6787
Web: http://comta.org
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy
The Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
email: mail@jcert.org
Associate of Science, Medical Laboratory Technician
The Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N River Road
Suite 720
Rosemount, IL 60018
773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886
Bachelor of Science, Medical Laboratory Science
The Bachelor of Science, Medical Laboratory Science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N River Road
Suite 720
Rosemount, IL 60018
773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886
Northwestern Health Sciences University is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55108-5227
Phone: (651) 642-0567
Fax: (651) 657-3866
Web: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us
The Minnesota State Approving Agency has approved Northwestern Health Sciences University for Veterans' education benefits.
Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private, not-for-profit corporation under articles and bylaws registered with the State of Minnesota, Office of the Secretary of State. The University is qualified as a 501C (3) tax-exempt organization with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States Department of Treasury. 501C (3) status is reserved for organizations operating for educational, religious or charitable purposes.
Program Changes
Northwestern Health Sciences University reserves the right to change or discontinue academic programs at the University’s discretion.
Academic Calendar
The full academic calendar including information on tuition deadlines, board exams and dates of commencement, is available online at
Academic Calendar