Brief History of the Institution

Northwestern Health Sciences University

Founded in 1941 as Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University has grown in size and influence in the practice of natural health care in Minnesota and beyond. Dr. John B. Wolfe, a civil engineer turned Doctor of Chiropractic, founded Northwestern College of Chiropractic and started the college with the help of one colleague and three students.

In 1999, the Minnesota Institute of Acupuncture and Herbal Studies, which had been founded by Minnesota acupuncture pioneer, the late Edith R. Davis, merged with Northwestern. The merger created the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which continued offering a Master of acupuncture and Master of Oriental Medicine. Also in 1999, Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) was established to reflect its new identity as a leader in natural healthcare education, clinical services and research. In 2000, Northwestern created the Massage Therapy Program and graduated its first class in the spring of 2002.

To assist students with fulfilling prerequisites or completing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, the College of Undergraduate Health Sciences was created in 2011 to offer pre-professional courses, including accelerated science courses and general education courses. The college also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health/Pre-Med program for students interested in applying to medical school, dental school and other health professional schools.

In 2019, NWHSU announced that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approved the transfer of students in the Twin Cities area whose educational plans were interrupted by the sudden closing of a local university focused on allied health sciences. These five new degree programs (A.A.S. in Medical Assisting, A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology, A.S. in Radiation Therapy, A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology, and B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science) become part of NWHSU’s curriculum and degree offerings moving forward. These important and complementary fields fit well with NWHSU’s exclusive focus on health sciences education and expand the university’s focus on integrative health care.

Northwestern Health Sciences University now offers diverse academic programs, fosters clinical research, promotes individualized instruction, provides faculty development, and establishes standards for clinical competence. We provide high value healthcare to patients through our Bloomington clinic, and with a range of community clinics and non-profit social service agencies. This important aspect of our civic engagement provides a broad range of experiences for students as interns. Northwestern Health Sciences University will continue to advance innovative models of integrative care to lead people to live happier, healthier lives. Our goal is to transform health care through patient-centered, evidence-based, conservative care that optimizes health and well-being.