National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) prides itself on providing students with the most complete academic and professional education for a career in the health sciences. For over 100 years, the university has led the chiropractic profession with academic excellence, dynamic faculty members and innovative leadership.
Integrative Medicine
Since 2000, when National changed from The National College of Chiropractic to National University of Health Sciences and adopted its university name and structure, the institution has become an academic home for complementary and alternative medicine practitioners. Today, students with different interests (e.g., chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and oriental medicine) can receive their education in shared classes, so they can become true colleagues, and so that integrated medicine can truly become a reality. Furthermore, students of one discipline can extend their study and obtain a second doctoral or master’s degree, thus expanding their practice opportunities.
“We are taking the best natural health care professions and bringing them together on one campus so that we can forge dialogue, integrated care opportunities, and new research collaborations,” says James Winterstein, D.C., president of National University of Health Sciences.
Practice Management
Not only are NUHS students fully educated in the academic aspects of their chosen careers but the professional side as well. National has developed a unique Ethical Practice Management Program (EPMP) that prepares graduates for the realities of their future practices and helps them be proactive in laying this groundwork while they are still students. Each of National’s academic programs incorporates business classes into the curriculum.
Just a few of the courses and topics covered in the program include preparing a curriculum vitae, developing criteria for selecting a practice type and location, financing a practice, promoting and marketing an ethical practice, establishing and maintaining professional boundaries, developing successful office management and staff procedures, and creating a personal financial plan.
Student Organizations
National University has over 25 student organizations that enable students to develop professional skills and cultural awareness or explore political and religious issues. Many student groups have been formed to develop knowledge of various technique systems, such as Applied Kinesiology, Therapeutic Massage, Activator or Motion Palpation. Others, such as the Sports Rehab Club, Student Association for Internal Disorders, and Chiropractic Case Club, meet to discuss in-depth medical topics with faculty and visiting lecturers. A new campus club, “Vis,” intends to explore emerging applications in natural medicinal therapies, bringing together chiropractic, naturopathic and oriental medicine students.
Research Opportunities
Since its inception in 1906, National has been at the forefront of research related to the practice of chiropractic. Students may enhance their professional knowledge by serving as research assistants in one of National’s current research endeavors and becoming involved in projects that may have an impact on how chiropractic will be practiced in the years to come.
Currently, students have the opportunity to participate in a mentored research project in conjunction with the NUHS Department of Research and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Students can work with a UIC faculty research mentor on a current project in the areas of basic and clinical science, clinical trials, or epidemiological studies. In addition to approximately 15 to 20 hours of laboratory, study or trial interaction per week, participating students attend two UIC courses, attend a professional conference with mentoring faculty related to the research project and research interests, and have the opportunity to professionally present and possibly publish research. A three-year Research Residency is also available at National and requires completion of the Master of Public Health Degree (MPH) as part of the residency.
Continuing Education
National University of Health Sciences offers a variety of options for continuing education and postgraduate studies through the Lincoln College of Postprofessional, Graduate and Continuing Education. Students and practicing professionals can choose from a wide array of certificate programs, diplomate programs, and specialty seminars on campus and at various regional facilities. Programs are offered primarily during weekend hours for attendees’ convenience.
Almost all of the postgraduate classes are open to students who meet specific trimester requirements so they can gain the most benefit from the courses they wish to take. While most doctors take postgraduate courses to meet continuing education requirements, students do not receive credit for the courses and take them to expand their own professional knowledge. The courses are also made available to students at a discounted price.
After graduation, students also have the option of applying for one of National’s three residency programs. The three-year programs enable DC’s to gain specialty training in advanced practice, diagnostic imaging, or clinical research. Upon completion of the residencies in Advanced Practice and Diagnostic Imaging, the resident receives the Master of Science (MS) degree in Advanced Practice and Diagnostic Imaging. The residency in Research requires completion of the Masters in Public Health.
Visit www.nuhs.edu or call 630-889-6623.