On June 15, Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU), a premier evidence-based professional and integrative healthcare center of learning, announced it has earned reaffirmation of accreditation from the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). NWHSU is also eligible for the Open Pathway, a method for select institutions to maintain accreditation with the HLC.
NWHSU participated in the IAC evaluation process through self-study and site visits where leadership showcased faculty and students, education processes, strategic plans as well as the university’s vision for the future. NWHSU met 100% of all requirements, signifying stable leadership and a pathway for future growth.
The IAC extended NWHSU’s accreditation until 2029-30, further positioning NWHSU as a leading evidence-based university. The 10-year accreditation extension allows NWHSU to continue moving forward with planned growth initiatives, including programs and focused educational departments such as the newly formed College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine announced earlier this year.
The accreditation reaffirmation signifies the commission’s confidence in NWHSU’s ability to expand and continue leading as a high-quality complementary and integrative health care educational institution, made evident by the university’s chiropractic board exam pass rates consistently landing in the top three of all chiropractic programs.
“Northwestern Health Sciences University is committed to excellence for its students and staff,” said Deb Bushway, President of NWHSU. “We are thrilled to receive the accreditation reaffirmation and ability to choose the open pathway to maintain our accreditation. Our goal is for students to excel in the classroom and position them to become leaders in their respective fields of complementary and integrative care. This stamp of approval allows us to continue to provide a quality education to aspiring professionals, and in turn, shape future advancements of our health care system.”
As a result of its accreditation reaffirmation, NWHSU is poised to thrive with the following benefits:
- Showcasing itself as a leading integrative health sciences university by meeting 100% of the accreditation criteria.
- Increasing stability and infrastructure, benefiting both present staff and students.
- Achieving high graduation and board exam pass rates.
- Attracting the most qualified and dedicated professors and brightest students in the future.
- Allocating financial aid to increase diversity among the current and prospective students.
- Assuring a high-quality education and preparing students for a future in health care.
NWHSU’s commitment to advancing health care through integrative and complementary care is evidence of this accomplishment. The timing of the accreditation reaffirmation could not be more meaningful; even amid a global pandemic the university remains inspired to transform health care through patient-centered and evidence-based care that optimizes health and well-being.
For more information about NWHSU, visit nwhealth.edu.
About Northwestern Health Sciences University
For more than 75 years, Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU), based in Bloomington, Minn., has provided world-class professional education and research as well as comprehensive health and wellness services. Its more than 130 faculty members annually teach about 6,500 students pursuing degrees and continuing education in accredited programs in chiropractic, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, massage therapy, medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, medical laboratory science, radiation therapy, radiologic technology and post-baccalaureate pre-health. NWHSU prepares the next generation of health care professionals to not only deliver, but also advance health care. NWHSU has more than 7,500 graduates throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries. For more information, please visit nwhealth.edu.