A growing number of students are enrolling in multiple degree programs at National University of Health Sciences.  Since NUHS offers several health care degree programs on one campus, students interested in earning multiple credentials can save months or years, as well as several thousand dollars by taking two programs while at NUHS, versus taking the programs separately or at two different institutions.

Students often invest in multiple degrees in order to expand their career options, increase their earning potential, or tailor their education to specific goals.  For example, Dr. Nolan Lee first earned a doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree from NUHS and is currently working toward a master’s degree in acupuncture (MSAc).  Even though DCs can practice acupuncture after a short certification course, Dr. Lee chose to earn his MSAc to gain a deeper understanding and skill in acupuncture.

Dr. Lee says, “Acupuncture is a fantastic compliment to what I do as a chiropractic physician. It makes my practice valuable to a whole different population of patients who do not necessarily seek chiropractic care, but are open to acupuncture.”

Many want the additional education to better meet the needs of their future patients. Dr. Denise Shostek first completed her doctor of chiropractic degree from NUHS, and is currently finishing the naturopathic medicine program to earn her ND. “My goal as a physician is to practice internal medicine from a natural perspective.  I am completing the ND degree for more tools to handle my patients’ internal medicine issues.”

The reason students save time and money with dual programs is that coursework in their first degree gives them advanced standing in a second degree. For example, a DC student has already completed a full year of hands-on human dissection in three anatomy courses. That student will not need to repeat anatomy in the ND program, as he/she has already done the coursework. This is true for most basic science courses, which is why completing a second professional degree usually only adds four trimesters to a student’s time at NUHS.

Some DC or ND students choose to start a master’s degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine during their clinical internship, once their other classroom courses are completed. AOM courses are offered in the evening, while the DC and ND internships are offered during the day.

Students can begin a second program only after successfully completing the first three trimesters in their primary degree and meeting GPA requirements. This is so faculty advisors can confirm that the student is able to handle the scheduling and workload demands of a second degree.

The option of earning dual degrees is another reason for students with strong academic skills to choose NUHS. The university is one of only two in the nation to offer degrees in chiropractic, naturopathic medicine, oriental medicine, acupuncture and massage therapy on one campus.