What National University of Health Sciences offers

National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is a private institution in Lombard, Illinois, that awards Doctor of Chiropractic degrees alongside master's degrees in clinical nutrition, sports medicine, and other health disciplines. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its chiropractic program holds accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), which is the standard accrediting body for chiropractic schools in the United States.

The Doctor of Chiropractic program at NUHS runs for ten quarters (approximately three years and four months) and includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice in the university's teaching clinics. Students complete coursework in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, chiropractic technique, and diagnostic imaging, along with clinical rotations where they treat actual patients under faculty supervision.

Beyond the chiropractic degree, NUHS offers graduate certificates and master's degrees that some chiropractic students pursue either during or after their D.C. program. The university also operates a wellness center and research facilities on campus.

Key Takeaways

  • NUHS is located in Lombard, Illinois, and holds accreditation from both the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Chiropractic Education.
  • The Doctor of Chiropractic program takes approximately three years and four months and includes classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical work.
  • Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of specific prerequisite courses in biology and chemistry, and submission of transcripts and entrance exam scores.
  • NUHS offers financial aid information and payment plans, though you will need to contact the institution directly for current tuition costs and scholarship details.
  • Graduates must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) licensing exam and meet state-specific requirements to practice as a chiropractor.

Admission requirements and prerequisites

To be considered for the Doctor of Chiropractic program at NUHS, you must hold a high school diploma or GED. The university requires completion of specific prerequisite courses before enrollment, including biology with laboratory, chemistry with laboratory, and organic chemistry with laboratory. Most applicants complete these courses at a community college or four-year university.

NUHS requires submission of official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, even if you did not complete a degree. You will also need to submit scores from an entrance exam; NUHS accepts the Chiropractic Admission Test (CAT) or the Chiropractic College Admission Test (CCAT). Some applicants take these exams multiple times to improve their scores before submitting.

The university reviews your academic record, test scores, and personal statement as part of the admission decision. NUHS also conducts interviews with candidates who advance past the initial review. Contact the admissions office directly for current minimum score requirements and GPA expectations, as these can change.

Program structure and clinical training

The Doctor of Chiropractic program is organized into ten quarters, with each quarter running approximately eleven weeks. The curriculum is divided into didactic (classroom and laboratory) phases and clinical phases. During the first year, most instruction focuses on foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology.

In the second and third years, students move into chiropractic-specific courses including spinal anatomy, chiropractic technique, radiographic interpretation, and clinical diagnosis. Simultaneously, students begin clinical rotations in the university's teaching clinics, where they evaluate and treat patients under the supervision of licensed chiropractors on faculty.

By the final quarters, students spend a significant portion of their time in clinical practice, managing real patient cases while faculty observe and provide feedback. This hands-on training is required by the Council on Chiropractic Education and is standard across accredited chiropractic schools.

Tuition, financial aid, and payment options

NUHS publishes general information about program costs on its website, but tuition amounts vary by program and change annually. The university offers federal student loans, private loans, and payment plans to help students manage costs. You can contact the financial aid office to request current tuition figures, information about scholarships, and details about payment plan options.

Some students work part-time during their program, though the intensity of the chiropractic curriculum limits how many hours most students can work while maintaining academic progress. Others use a combination of loans, savings, and family support to cover expenses.

NUHS participates in federal financial aid programs, which means students may be may be able to access for federal loans if they complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid office can explain which loans you may may have access to for and what repayment terms look like after graduation.

Licensing and practice after graduation

After completing the Doctor of Chiropractic degree at NUHS, you must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) licensing examination to practice as a chiropractor. The NBCE exam is a standardized test administered across the United States and covers anatomy, physiology, chiropractic technique, diagnosis, and other core competencies.

In addition to the NBCE exam, each state has its own licensing requirements. Some states require additional state-specific exams, proof of continuing education, or other documentation. You will need to research the licensing requirements in the state where you plan to practice before or when ready after graduation, as these vary significantly.

NUHS provides information about licensing pathways and exam preparation resources, though the responsibility for meeting your state's specific requirements falls on you as the graduate. Many states allow you to sit for the NBCE exam before you graduate, which some students do to have their license ready when they complete the program.

Campus location and facilities

NUHS is located in Lombard, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago. The campus includes classroom buildings, laboratory spaces, a library, and multiple teaching clinics where students gain clinical experience. The university also operates a wellness center that serves the public and provides additional training opportunities for students.

The campus is accessible by car and public transportation from the Chicago area. If you are relocating to attend NUHS, the university can provide information about housing options near campus, though on-campus housing is limited. Many students rent apartments in Lombard or nearby communities.

Accreditation and program standing

NUHS holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Doctor of Chiropractic program specifically holds accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the national accrediting body for chiropractic programs.

CCE accreditation is important because it ensures the program meets national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes. Graduates of CCE-accredited programs are recognized by state licensing boards across the United States and are may be able to access to sit for the NBCE licensing exam.

You can verify NUHS's accreditation status by visiting the Higher Learning Commission website and the CCE website directly. Both organizations maintain searchable databases of accredited institutions and programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Doctor of Chiropractic degree at NUHS?

The program runs for ten quarters, which equals approximately three years and four months of full-time study. Each quarter is about eleven weeks long. Some students may take longer if they need to repeat courses or take a reduced course load.

Do I need a bachelor's degree to explore to NUHS?

No. NUHS requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of specific prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry, but you do not need to hold a bachelor's degree. Many students complete their prerequisites at a community college and then explore directly to the chiropractic program.

What is the difference between the CAT and CCAT entrance exams?

Both the Chiropractic Admission Test (CAT) and the Chiropractic College Admission Test (CCAT) are entrance exams accepted by NUHS. They assess similar content areas but are administered by different organizations. Contact NUHS admissions to learn which exam they currently prefer or whether both are equally accepted.

Can I work while attending NUHS's chiropractic program?

Some students work part-time, but the chiropractic curriculum is intensive and leaves limited time for outside employment. Many students work during breaks between quarters or during their first year before clinical rotations become more demanding. Discuss your situation with the admissions office to understand what is realistic.

What happens if I don't pass the NBCE exam on my first attempt?

You can retake the NBCE exam. Most states allow multiple attempts, though some have limits on the number of retakes or require waiting periods between attempts. Check your state's specific rules and contact NUHS for information about exam preparation resources if you need to retake the test.