Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Why Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Northwestern Health Sciences University advances innovative models of integrative care to lead people to live happier, healthier lives. Our goal is to transform health care through patient-centered, evidence-informed practice that optimizes health and well-being.
Why Northwestern Health Sciences University Online?
When you choose Northwestern Health Sciences University, you are choosing a community of healthmakers and changemakers working together to imagine and deliver the future of healthcare. For over 80 years, we’ve been educating people through our on-campus and hybrid offerings. Our online platform helps us make this life-changing education accessible to a wider population of future leaders.
What does “Evidence-Informed Practice” mean and why is it important?
High quality research, or evidence, is the most reliable, least biased way of knowing. Clinical decisions are rarely dictated by evidence; rather, evidence informs and guides clinicians to better decision making, helping them to practice the art of clinical care. This skillset is foundational and leads to sound judgment in clinical decision-making because clinicians consider a variety of factors when determining a patient’s course of care.
Who teaches the online courses at Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Our faculty are experienced practitioners, recognized thought leaders in their field, innovators, creators, and above all, passionate professionals dedicated to creating the future of integrative health. With a focus on holistic healthcare and decreasing health disparities, online courses allow our faculty to expand their reach from Minnesota to the entire United States and beyond, wherever there’s a reliable internet connection.
Is Financial Aid available for online students?
Absolutely! Our goal is to make education accessible to all. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and we have payment plan options available. Review our Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Will I need to attend live lectures or attend courses at scheduled times?
Northwestern Health Sciences University Online Programs are fully online, meaning that discussions, coursework, and collaboration with your peers and faculty members can happen whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you, as long as you meet due dates and requirements outlined in the course syllabus. Certain elective courses in health coaching require 40 hours of synchronous sessions as part of certification, but core requirements and other electives do not have mandatory synchronous components. There may be opportunities for live interaction with other students, faculty members, and special events, but are communicated well in advance and recorded whenever possible so you can review later if you’re unable to attend.
What are the computer requirements for Northwestern Health Sciences University’s online programs?
Our online platform is compatible with Mac and PC operating systems. To participate in classes, you should have regular access to the Internet and your email, be familiar with creating, formatting, and attaching documents, and have a basic understanding of website navigation. Your admissions counselor can verify that your computer meets the necessary software requirements as some courses may require specific software applications commonly used in the healthcare field.
Are students living internationally outside of the United States eligible to apply to Northwestern Health Sciences University’s online programs?
Yes! Northwestern Health Sciences University has a history of making our international students feel at home here on campus, and we feel the same way about our online community, whether attending online in the United States or abroad. Online international students follow the same application process as online students from the United States; however, additional documentation is required – including verification of English competency, documentation of financial resources, and international transcript evaluation. Please contact your admissions counselor for more information.
Can local online students take advantage of Northwestern Health Sciences University on-campus amenities, such as the bookstore, public clinics, and fitness center?
Fully online students living near campus are welcome to visit campus to access our De Rusha Clinic (including student discounts), fitness center, and the NWHSU Campus Store. The NWHSU Campus Store has helped the community stay healthy for decades with best-in-class vitamins, clinical products, and healthy living essentials, and offers a variety of shipping options in addition to curbside pick-up! Visit our store website to browse our products and make your purchase.
Who leads Northwestern Health Sciences University?
Dr. Deb Bushway is the President and CEO at NWHSU and has over 30 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in distance education, competency-based learning, and innovations designed to improve student success. She has previously served as a consultant for the Lumina Foundation regarding Competency Based Education and as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the Undersecretary at the Department of Education in Washington, DC.
MHS in Functional and Integrative Nutrition FAQs
Who is the online MHS in Functional and Integrative Nutrition designed for?
Our program is an ideal option for a diverse variety of professionals and healthcare providers who desire to expand their expertise and scope of practice in individualized functional nutrition, business practice management, health coaching, and holistic, person-centered approaches to wellness, resilience, and behavioral science. Registered dietitians without graduate degrees can gain a broadened scope of functional and integrative nutrition and stay competitive in the field when current degree-level requirements change from a bachelor’s to a master’s in January 2024. Additionally, this degree prepares individuals for advanced doctoral-level studies in nutrition or other health-related professions.
What can I do with a Master of Health Science in Functional and Integrative Nutrition?
Depending upon prior degree(s) and/or credential(s) and each state’s specific credentialing and practice requirements, graduates may advance in:
- Public health care, legislature and policy settings, research and development, community health promotion and wellness education programs, and corporate employee wellness programs
- Healthcare settings such as: concierge and boutique clinics, medical centers, hospitals, chiropractic offices, long-term care facilities, and other clinical care settings
- Yoga, wellness, and spa retreats, fitness centers and natural products and dietary supplement industries
- Higher education and culinary institutes, restaurants, and corporate food service establishments
- Nutrition, science, food, and medical communications and public relations
- Health coaching, independent consulting, and private practice
Can I take any courses while I’m working on my prerequisite requirements?
Yes! Many of our students are busy professionals from diverse career fields, including healthcare, who desire to expand their expertise and scope of practice while working on admissions requirements. Our pre-program admission pathway allows students to gain essential, immediately applicable knowledge and skills to improve business practice management and behavioral science that is focused on motivating for health change. Contact us to learn how you can get started and prosper not only as a professional but for the clients you serve.
Can you tell me which (if any) of my prior courses may transfer?
Up to nine (9) credits of equivalent prior graduate-level coursework may transfer into the MHS in Functional and Integrative Nutrition program. To determine the transferability of prior coursework, please submit an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) to your admissions counselor for a tentative evaluation. (Course descriptions and syllabi may be requested, as needed.)
Will I be eligible to take the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) exam and earn the certified health coach credential (NBC-HWC) if I graduate before the program is approved by the board?
Students who enter programs during the health coaching program approval process are eligible to take the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching exam after program approval. We will notify graduates of the change in status and encourage alumni to stay in touch for updates and additional continuing education opportunities for life-long learning.
MHS in Integrative Care FAQs
Who is the online MHS in Integrative Care designed for?
Our program is an ideal option for a diverse variety of healthcare professionals looking to expand their perspectives in integrative healthcare. We are educating changemakers who want to work with complex aspects of health, remove barriers to care, and empower patients to be better advocates for their own healthcare. Additionally, this degree prepares individuals for advanced doctoral-level studies in other health-related professions.
Can you tell me which (if any) of my courses may transfer?
Up to nine (9) credits of equivalent prior graduate-level coursework may transfer into the MHS in Integrative Care program. To determine the transferability of prior coursework, please submit an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) to your admissions counselor for a tentative evaluation. (Course descriptions and syllabi may be requested, as needed.)
Will I be eligible to take the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) exam and earn the certified health coach credential (NBC-HWC) if I graduate before the Integrative Health Coaching specialization is approved by the board?
Students who enter the program during the health coaching approval process are eligible to take the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching exam after approval. We will notify graduates of the change in status and encourage alumni to stay in touch for updates and additional continuing education opportunities for life-long learning.