Northwestern Health Sciences University (NW Health) is a private university established in 1941 in Bloomington, Minnesota. It offers multiple programs with over 150 community-based private practice clinics to serve the Minnesota community. NW Health offers a Doctor of Chiropractic program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education. As they study, students in the chiropractic program can earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology as well. However, to remain enrolled at NW Health, you must demonstrate high standards of professionalism, ethical behavior, and progress academically. Failure to do so leads to multiple issues and sanctions, including suspension and permanent dismissal from the program.
As a chiropractic student at NW Health, there is significant pressure to succeed and keep up with your peers. However, this stress may lead to lapses in judgment and mistakes, despite being unintentional. But these violations have severe implications for your future. That is why it is essential to handle the expectations and pressure wisely and know how to act if accusations threaten your future. If you are facing these issues, don't let your emotions control how you react – speak to an attorney-advisor to decrease the likelihood of a negative outcome for your future.
Standards of Conduct at NW Health
Since being a Doctor of Chiropractic s part of the healthcare field, students have a significant responsibility to uphold ethical and professional behavior at all times. The Student Handbook published on NW Health's website includes multiple sections that detail conduct and academic progress expectations for students. According to the Standards of Conduct page, NW Health expects students to act responsibly and with integrity, personally and academically. If students do not demonstrate ethical behavior, they face the consequences implemented by the Dean of Students, a hearing process, and sanctions.
The page detailing Prohibited Behaviors summarizes the expectations for chiropractic students. As per the policy, some examples of violations include the following:
- Representing oneself as a graduate before completing the program
- Performing a chiropractic procedure, whether inside or outside of the university, before graduation
- Being dishonest and furnishing false information
- Failing to comply with the university's policies
- Engaging in academic misconduct
Students who violate these terms face repercussions ranging from a reprimand to dismissal from the university. It's essential to speak with an attorney-advisor immediately after learning of an accusation to develop a strategy that decreases the likelihood of dismissal or expulsion.
Academic Performance Expectations
Academic performance is as crucial as maintaining professional and ethical behavior. According to the Academic Standards policy, NW Health implements a threshold of academic standards to ensure students progress appropriately in their programs. The Academic Standards Committee, comprised of faculty representatives, the Dean of Students, the Registrar, and an Academic Advisor, keeps track of academic performance and alerts students when they start to falter. If your GPA falls below 2.0 or your completion rate drops below 67%, you receive an Academic Warning. Failure to improve after receiving the warning leads to Academic Probation and dismissal.
Once your performance drops, you must meet with an Academic Advisor and discuss a Corrective Action Plan. The plan may involve multiple steps to remediate the issue, such as reducing your course load, repeating failed courses, or working with a faculty mentor. Poor academic standing can also affect your eligibility for financial aid. If you face dismissal for lack of progress, speak to an attorney-advisor who can negotiate a plan with administrators to reduce the likelihood of expulsion.
Consequences of Dismissal
Dismissal from your chiropractic program at NW Health has heavy implications for your future. Although you may assume that you can start over in another university, it is not that simple as there are multiple factors to consider. Besides the additional funds this incurs, you may also face the following issues:
- Difficulty finding another program: Most chiropractic programs have strict admission requirements. A dismissal from your program due to unprofessional behavior or poor academic performance raises red flags for admissions officers. These officers usually prefer students with unblemished records.
- Loss of time and money: A dismissal from your program means that you must start over, incurring additional expenses, relocation fees, and possibly more loans.
- Reputation Damage: Being expelled leaves a negative mark on your record, impacting your future professional reputation and leading to awkward and embarrassing conversations with prospective employers.
- Difficulty Getting a License: You must have a license to practice chiropractic in the US. A dismissal makes it harder for you to obtain one since licensing boards consider the history of your academic performance before issuing your license.
Because so much is at stake, it's essential not to take the matter into your own hands when facing accusations at NW Health. Never retaliate against a person who submits a complaint; control your anger and anxiety during this time. The sooner you speak to a professional once you receive notice of an accusation, the likelier you can expect a favorable case outcome.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Being a chiropractic student at NW Health is an exciting and challenging experience. But as you work to build your knowledge and become a professional chiropractor, you may commit mistakes or experience lapses in judgment that lead to sanctions or dismissal. You must take immediate action if you face allegations of unprofessional behavior or lack of academic progress. Speaking to a professional attorney-advisor increases your chances of a fair outcome that does not affect your graduation prospects.
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento understands the stress you and your family are experiencing during this difficult time. With extensive experience working with chiropractic students nationwide, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team helps you deal appropriately with hearing panels and accusations of unprofessional behavior or lack of progress. Attorney-advisor Lento offers support and a shoulder to lean on while you go through the hearing process.
One mistake or lapse in judgment should not end your dreams of becoming a chiropractor. If you or someone you love is facing dismissal from NW Health due to allegations of unprofessional behavior or lack of academic progress, help is available.
Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 for a confidential and thorough consultation regarding your case at NW Health.
