Admission Information
Admission to the Programs
NWHSU admits individuals of good character, who are qualified by previous education and experience to meet its academic challenges and rigor in order to become a practitioner.< />Applications for admission, as well as current tuition and fees, are available online at www.nwhealth.edu or they may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions. The application for admission must be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $50. It is the responsibility of the applicant to read this catalog and comply with all provisions and instructions.
New students are admitted at the beginning of each trimester of the academic year in January, May, and September.
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
Entrance requirements vary by program within the College of Health and Wellness. Select a program below to view specific requirements.
Functional and Integrative Nutrition
Massage Therapy
Medical Assisting
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical Laboratory Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology Completion
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology Completion for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology Completion for Chiropractic
Post Baccalaureate Studies, Pre-Health
Responsibility of Applicant
It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of the entrance requirements and ensure that those requirements are met prior to enrollment. If it is determined at any time that requirements are not met in full, the student will not be allowed to enroll or to continue at NWHSU.
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 NWHSU 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 NWHSU.
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 NWHSU
•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 https://www.nwhealth.edu/admissions/ or from the Office of Admissions. The application must include:
- A properly completed application for admission;
- An application processing fee of $50. This fee is non-refundable;
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended sent directly to the Office of Admissions at Northwestern Health Sciences University from those colleges. High school transcripts are required if you have completed less than 60 semester credit hours in a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education will be recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma. NOTE: Indicate on your application if your transcripts will be arriving under another name;
- Names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references - if applicable. NWHSU will send character reference requests to those persons listed on the application as references. Those persons should complete and return the reference to the University. Relatives are not accepted as references;
- A completed essay (see application form for instructions) - if applicable;
- A current résumé - if applicable.
Selection of Candidates
The Admissions Committee seeks to matriculate students who best suit the philosophies and goals of the University, which include providing an education in the scholarly and humane aspects of healthcare and fostering the development of leaders who will advance practice and knowledge. Northwestern Health Sciences University seeks to select students who have strong academic records and who demonstrate the motivational and personal characteristics suitable for a career in the medical field. Willingness to provide service and a caring attitude are important characteristics of a future healthcare provider.
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 six to nine 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 Admissions Committee’s decision regarding their application following receipt and review of all information and materials. Upon notification of acceptance, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $100 is required to secure a place in the program. The tuition deposit will be applied to the first trimester tuition.
First trimester students who have been accepted and paid their $100 tuition deposit must pay the balance of their first trimester tuition by the end of the third week of classes. If the student has been awarded financial aid for the first trimester at NWHSU, then those funds will be credited against the student’s NWHSU account. 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 $100 tuition deposit.
Challenge Exams
Students who believe they have already mastered learning objectives in a particular course, but cannot meet the transfer requirements, may request a challenge exam. The student requesting a challenge exam will prepare a written proposal that describes to the faculty their relevant background and rationale for the request. The decision to offer a challenge exam is based on review by the faculty and chair of the appropriate department or program. If the student passes the challenge exam, they will be awarded credit for that course.
Non-Program Students
Non-program students are welcome to apply to take certain courses and typically must meet both the course and admissions requirements, and must have completed the prerequisites for the courses for which they are applying. Those persons interested in applying should contact the Office of Admissions for further details. A plan of study, including purpose and rationale, may be required as part of the application process. Approval may be granted by the Admissions Committee and/or at the discretion of the Dean, subject to space availability.
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, foreign or otherwise. Individuals in F-1 student status are not eligible to seek employment off campus. All classes at NWHSU are taught in English. Matriculates 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:
Step 1- Complete the application. Follow the instructions on how to apply above;
Step 2- Verify English competency. English language competency must be demonstrated by providing one of the following:
- Applicants completing the paper-based examination must earn a score of 540 or higher. Applicants completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) total score - 80 or higher and TOEFL iBT speaking score - 26; or
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score - 6.5 (Academic Format) and IELTS spoken band score - 8.0
We reserve the right to request proof of English proficiency of any applicant.
Step 3-Proof of financial resources:
- Provide evidence of financial resources to complete a minimum of at least one year of education. Official bank statement indicating sufficient funds is required. Proof of financial resources must be current within 9 months of your enrollment date.
- Submit International Certificate Of Finances 2021-22
Step 4- International transcript evaluation. International transcripts need to be evaluated by World Education Services®. Official copies of the course-by-course evaluation must be forwarded directly to both NWHSU and the student.
NWHSU reserves the right to request a transcript review by an evaluation service for any courses completed outside of the United States. 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 licensing board in your country for that information.