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 may deny admission to admitted students with such convictions. However, incidents from criminal background checks that occurred more than five years ago will not be considered in the admissions process. The University reserves the right to conduct a criminal background check on all accepted and enrolled students.

Entrance Requirements:

Master of Acupuncture

Admission requirements for the Master of Acupuncture program, in alignment with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine standards, include satisfactory completion of at least two academic years (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) at the bachelor’s degree level in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. This edcation must be appropriate preparation for graduate-level work.

The following credits must be part of the 60 semester credits, or 90 quarter credits required for entrance (NWHSU offers a number of these courses through the College of Health and Wellness):

These courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better. All applicants must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. To ensure acceptance, a more competitive grade point is desirable. All extenuating circumstances regarding admission into the program will be referred to the Admissions Committee for consideration.

*If Psychology and Biology are completed as co-requisites, they must be completed within the first two terms of the program.

Entrance Requirements:

Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization

Admission requirements for the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, in alignment with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine standards, include satisfactory completion of at least three academic years (90 semester credits or 135 quarter credits) at the bachelor’s degree level in an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. This education must be appropriate preparation for graduate-level work.

The following credits must be part of the 90 semester credits, or 135 quarter credits required for entrance (NWHSU offers a number of these courses through the College of Health and Wellness):

These courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better. All applicants must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. To ensure acceptance, a more competitive grade point is desirable. All extenuating circumstances regarding admission into the program will be referred to the Admissions Committee for consideration.

*If Psychology and Biology are completed as co-requisites, they must be completed within the first two terms of the program. If Chemistry is completed as a co-requisite, it must be completed within the first three terms of the program.

Qualifications

Students must demonstrate sufficient maturity to undertake a health care profession, including the capacity to manage professional boundaries ethically and responsibly.

A student must possess the abilities listed below, with or without reasonable accommodation, for completion of the Master of Acupuncture program. Accommodation may be deemed unreasonable if it would compromise essential elements of the curriculum or would require a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program, service or activity.

1. Ability to apply acupuncture and accessory techniques, such as cupping, moxibustion and Tui Na, over the full range of a patient’s body, utilizing appropriate physical positioning in relation to the patient, for periods of up to one hour without interruption. Such abilities require standing, leaning, reaching, stooping, kneading, grasping, twisting both body and wrists, and applying pressure with hands;
2. Ability to place acupuncture needles precisely in a patient’s body and manipulate needles within a minute range of motion;
3. Ability to perform clinical techniques and procedures under the direct supervision of instructors and in the immediate presence of classmates, patients or family members of patients, within fixed time limits that reflect the patient flow and delivery of services in a typical clinical environment;
4. Ability to work cohesively and harmoniously in a team of two or more students in the performance of assigned class and clinical activities;
5. Ability to communicate, with or without reasonable accommodation, in order to interview patients, conduct patient intakes, elicit necessary diagnostic indicators, maintain patient records, provide instructions to patients, perform appropriate examinations, and provide routine patient treatment and safety services;
6. Ability to perform in all laboratory and clinical settings without posing a threat to themselves, to the safety and well-being of fellow students or patients;
7. Ability and willingness to receive acupuncture and accessory treatment. Much of the technical instruction in the programs requires reciprocal application of the techniques of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture needling, moxibustion, Tui Na bodywork, etc. Receiving techniques is necessary in order for the student to learn proper procedures and to receive and provide learning feedback. Reciprocal application of techniques is also useful for developing sensitivity to patient needs. The College may temporarily excuse a student from receiving acupuncture or other modalities provided that specific medical contraindication information is provided by a licensed medical professional.

In addition to the abilities required of students in the Master of Acupuncture program (stated above), a student must possess the following abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, for completion of the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization program:

1. Ability to identify physical properties of herbs and other organic and mineral substances utilized in Chinese medical therapy;
2. Ability to document and prepare herbal formulae, in accordance with Chinese medical therapeutic principles.

All students, with or without reasonable accommodation, must be able to carry out clinical assignments and diagnostic 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 program’s clinical requirements.

It is in the best interest 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 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 December 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" for the Minnesota Immunization Requirement)

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/portal-login/. The application must include:

1. A properly completed application for admission;
2. An application processing fee of $50. This fee is non-refundable;
3. 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 not required. NOTE: Indicate on your application if your transcripts will be arriving under another name;
4. 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;
5. A completed essay (see application form for instructions);
6. A current résumé.

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 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 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 $300 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 $300 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 $300 tuition deposit. 

Transfer Students

A student wishing to transfer from another acupuncture or Chinese medicine program must:

1. Forward all official transcripts from any other acupuncture or Chinese medicine program(s) you have attended.
2. Submit two character references, one of which must be from a faculty member from the acupuncture or Chinese medicine program(s) you attended.
3. Provide a letter from the registrar at that acupuncture or Chinese medicine program indicating you are in good academic standing and would be allowed to continue studies at that institution.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students who believe they have already mastered learning objectives or course competencies in a particular course, but cannot meet the transfer requirements, may request credit for prior learning, per the Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Assessment Policy.

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. 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:

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:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL® iBT) total score - 80 or higher and TOEFL iBT speaking score - 26; or
• Test of English as a Foreign Language paper-based examination - score of 540 or higher; 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 2024-2025

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.

To obtain a WES application:

• Submit an online WES application for free.
• 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.