University Overview

History

Founded in 1941 as Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University was established in 1999 to reflect the institution’s new identity as a leader in natural healthcare education, clinical services and research.

The Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Program was added in 1999 and the Massage Therapy Program in 2000 – making Northwestern Health Sciences University one of the country’s first natural healthcare universities. Northwestern also offers courses through the Undergraduate Health Sciences and Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health programs to allow students to complete undergraduate prerequisites, degree requirements and/or post-baccalaureate courses.

Learn more about NWHSU’s history.

Accreditation

A private, nonprofit institution, NWHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our chiropractic program is accredited by Commission for Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE); our Massage Therapy program is accredited by Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA); and our Master’s degrees in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are accredited by Accreditation Commission of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (ACAHM).

Educational approach

Northwestern blends the science and art of health care, training students to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to make evidence-informed clinical decisions in order to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

Northwestern is also pioneering the field of integrative care, creating new and collaborative ways to provide patient-centered care. Our students’ clinical experience includes extensive training in our community-based clinic system — the largest provider of natural healthcare services in Minnesota.

University partners

The University has strengthened the quality of our academic and research programs thanks to the relationships we have built with our partners in health care, academia and the corporate community. Northwestern is also active in community outreach, bringing natural health care to homeless, low income and other underserved populations.

Student focus

Limited enrollment ensures a small student-to-faculty ratio, providing students a high degree of individual attention by experienced clinical faculty who are professionally committed to training their future colleagues. The University also provides career-long support to our graduates through the Office of Alumni and Development.

Premier education

Through our combined efforts in education, research, clinical services, public health advocacy and community engagement, Northwestern Health Sciences University is guided by our mission to prepare the next generation of professionals and leaders in health care.