HEALTHCARE DONE DIFFERENTLY
HEALTHCARE DONE DIFFERENTLY
Healthcare education has undergone a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology, evolving healthcare needs and changes in educational methods.
North Central has partnered with an extensive network of hospital systems to refine our curriculum which focuses on evolving technology, patient-centered care, and collaboration with students from other healthcare disciplines to solve complex health issues. In addition, we have developed recruitment and admissions practices that are more inviting and holistic for all applicants, with the goal of increasing the diversity of practitioners in the healthcare environment, better representing the communities they will serve.
Our undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs focus on developing excellent clinicians, educators, scholars and leaders who are driven not just by career outcomes, but also by a desire to serve.
THIS IS WHAT SETS
NORTH CENTRAL APART.
North Central College’s undergraduate and graduate health sciences programs are designed to be consistent with our core values: to connect with one’s humanity and behave ethically, with a focus on social responsibility. Valuing our fellow human beings is the core of the liberal arts—changing outcomes in the world by walking in other people’s shoes and knowing we are all connected.
DR. ABIÓDÚN GÒKÈ-PARIOLÁ, “G-P” PRESIDENT AND PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH
Employment across allied health professions–healthcare-related professions and personnel whose functions include assisting, facilitating, or collaborating with physicians and other specialists in the healthcare system–is projected to grow through 2032:
IN DEMAND
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
WHERE YOU WILL LEARN
North Central College’s state-of-the-art health sciences labs feature the most advanced technology to ensure every student has the preparation they need to transition into the workforce.
Here are just a few of the spaces in the Wentz Science Center and the Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering the support our students’ learning:
ATHLETIC TRAINING LEARNING LAB
Allows for classes to flex between active learning strategies and theory development. Designed to mimic an athletic training clinic, this space contributes to an interactive curriculum.
HUMAN PERFORMANCE LAB
Used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of human physical activity, students study how the human body works, what its limits are, and how to push it to a new level.
SKILLS CLASSROOM
Equipped with state-of-the-art anatomage tables, which allow for dissection, exploration and learning of human anatomy, similar to what a cadaver would offer. The tables display fully segemented, real human 3D anatomy systems, enabling students to visualize anatomy exactly as they would on a cadaver.
HIGH-FIDELITY EXAM ROOMS
Feature full-body “manikins” that have the ability to mimic, at a very high level, human body functions. The “manikins” are used to simulate a hospital environment and allow students to practice a variety of skills and procedures. The use of high-fidelity “manikins” brings a high level of realism to simulation, allowing complex medical scenarios to be performed in a safe and regulated environment.
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) SIMULATION SPACE
Designed to replicate the hospital practice setting, allowing for students within different professions to practice hands-on skills either on manikins or each other in an environment similar to their future work environments. The space emulates a state-of-the-art ICU hospital room and includes: three ICU beds with three different manikins, crash carts, hospital-grade beds and procedure lights.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LAB
Allows students to apply strategies learned in lectures to hands-on activities in a realistic residential/lab environment. The space includes a fully functioning kitchen, laundry room, bedroom and non-functioning bathroom. The lab also includes Mat tables which allow students to practice mock evaluation and interventions.
PHYSICAL THERAPY CLASSROOM
Designed to accommodate lecture and lab experiences simultaneously, the space provides students the opportunity to utilize the contemporary equipment and tools common to clinical practice in real-time while gaining the knowledge necessary to be an excellent physical therapist.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
North Central College allows you to pursue your passion, while preparing for a career in healthcare. Explore your interest in business or psychology, participate in theatre productions and spend a semester studying abroad. All of your experiences at North Central will help shape you into a healthcare professional equipped to navigate a constantly evolving landscape.
BIOLOGY
Biology engages you in practical science with open-ended, project-based labs and active-learning classrooms that build skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, presenting, problem-solving, synthetic thinking, teamwork, and research ethics. It emphasizes preparation in life sciences and supports development in physical sciences.
Most professional school requirements are met by our biomedical science or health professions tracks. The biomedical science track includes rigorous preparation for medical, dental or veterinary school. The health professions track offers strong science preparation with the flexibility to choose support courses that fit health programs such as nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, optometry, occupational therapy and others.
BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry focuses on the cellular and molecular aspects of life and researching biological processes such as cell development and DNA. This major is appropriate for pre-medicine and pre-dental students, especially bachelor of science degrees in biochemistry with advanced electives chosen to strengthen pre-health preparation.
CHEMISTRY
Chemists study the structure and transformations of matter, detect and quantify chemical species, and create new substances. A degree in chemistry prepares a student for employment in a private or government laboratory; continuing studies in medical, pharmacy, dental, veterinary or law school; secondary school teaching; a position in business; or graduate study and research in the sciences or engineering. Our ACScertified track is the curriculum approved by the American Chemical Society and allows students to master the theoretical and applied aspects of chemistry.
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
Diagnostic Medical Sonography combines a robust understanding of anatomy with technical knowledge of special imaging equipment to produce images of organs and internal tissues that are necessary for conducting tests and making diagnoses. Sonographers rely on transducers, which use the echoes of high-energy sound waves to create detailed images of internal structures, such as ultrasounds during pregnancy. Other specialty areas include breast sonography to identify cysts and tumors in breast tissue, musculoskeletal sonography for use in injections or surgery, and echocardiography to examine the chambers and valves of the heart.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography major is a 3+1.5 program in partnership with the Northwestern Medicine School of Diagnostic Medical
Sonography at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For the first three years of the program, students will complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (84 credits including general education requirements). Then, students will undergo 18 months (45 credit hours) of clinical training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Upon completion, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Central College and a certificate from Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
EXERCISE SCIENCE
An Exercise Science degree prepares students for a career as an exercise professional in the rapidly growing world of health, fitness and human performance. This multidimensional program explains the structural and functional changes that occur on a physiological, biochemical and biomechanical level during human movement. Students in this major are prepared for careers in strength and conditioning, medical fitness, corporate fitness and wellness, personal training, and human performance. Many students choose to use exercise science as a route into a graduate degree program in physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, nursing, exercise physiology, chiropractic or others.
HEALTH SCIENCE
This major offers students an avenue to enter the world of health, healthcare or allied health fields. This program can also serve as a foundational major for preparing students to enter graduate programs in public health or clinical professions such as becoming an occupational therapist, physical therapist or physician assistant. As an interdisciplinary program, the Health Science major offers a strong general education foundation in the liberal arts and sciences to develop communication and critical-thinking skills, so graduates are productive members and leaders of healthcare facilities and teams. Health Science majors will integrate all aspects of the curriculum by completing a Senior Seminar Experience related to their career interests.
NEUROSCIENCE
Our Neuroscience program entails an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, advancing the understanding of human thought, emotion and behavior. Neuroscientists use tools ranging from computers to special dyes to examine molecules, nerve cells, networks and brain system. This helps them to gain a better understanding of how the nervous system affects human health and behavior. This undergraduate studies program will round out students’ scientific skillset by encouraging the study of many sciences, including biology, chemistry, brain science and psychology.
Students will choose one track within the major: behavioral or molecular.
NORTH CENTRAL’S FACULTY BOLSTERS STUDENTS LIKE ME WHO ARE FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. THEY PROVIDED ME OPPORTUNITIES THAT ENABLED ME TO ATTEND THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF MY CHOICE—WITH A SCHOLARSHIP THAT FURTHER CEMENTED MY FUTURE.
DR. ALLISON DAVILA ’09 BIOLOGY
Allison graduated from North Central with a bachelor’s degree in biology and received her M.D. from Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency at Loma Linda University and cardiothoracic residency at the University of Pittsburgh. Allison is an assistant professor in the Northwestern Medicine Department of Surgery and Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. She is one of only 26 female pediatric cardiac surgeons in the United States. Allison is currently investigating neurological outcomes in premature infants after cardiopulmonary bypass, pediatric and adult heart transplant outcomes, and post-surgery outcomes for pulmonary vein stenosis.
All Neuroscience majors will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources like the Schwab Psychology Research Center, treadmill lab and sleep lab. We facilitate hands-on learning and encourage working with dedicated neuroscience faculty on individualized projects. Neuroscience skills can lead to graduate school or a wide range of rewarding careers such as physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, neurosurgeon, occupational therapist, physical therapist, pharmacist, research scientist, college professor and many more.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY
This program prepares students for a career as a nuclear medicine technologist through a 3+1 program with the Northwestern Medicine School of Nuclear Medicine Technology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Students spend three years at North Central College, where they complete their liberal arts general education core along with prerequisite science and math courses. This is followed by a 13-month program of study (35 credits) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The student then graduates from North Central College with a degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Nuclear Medicine Technology is an interdisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and computer technology to uniquely provide information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body. It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiologic function that separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities. Daily tasks of a nuclear medicine technologist include: prepare and administer radioactive chemical compounds known as radiopharmaceuticals; perform patient imaging procedures using sophisticated radiation-detecting instrumentation; perform computer processing and image enhancement functions; provide images, data analysis and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation; prepare patients for imaging procedures and radioactive therapy; apply knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to radiation safety; and utilize quality control techniques as part of the quality assurance program.
NUTRITION SCIENCE
The Nutrition Science program is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) comprised of 128 semester hours of coursework related to science, food, nutrition and dietetics. The program offers a broad-based curriculum anchored in liberal arts and dedicated to evidenced-based coursework and relationship-centered practice. The program will prepare students for supervised practice programs, graduate programs that lead to careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), or entry-level positions in fields related to health promotion, food service and the food industry.
Students may also choose to use the Nutrition Science major to prepare for graduate nutrition programs or other graduate programs in healthcare or science. The demand for nutrition professionals is increasing in many sectors, as awareness grows of the importance of food and nutrition for health and wellness in the wider population.
PSYCHOLOGY
Psychologists are experts in learning, human behavior and mental health. They diagnose and provide treatments for mental health issues, select and train employees for businesses and organizations, collect and analyze data for government and not-for-profit agencies and explore questions about the human condition. Our program is designed to prepare you to understand and explain thoughts, emotions, feelings and behaviors.
Psychology offers a wide range of career paths with a broad curriculum. At North Central, you will have access to our Psychology research center, treadmill lab and sleep lab to collect data. We facilitate hands-on learning and encourage working with dedicated faculty on individualized projects. A career in Psychology can lead you to many areas including counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, research, consumer psychology and more.
RADIATION THERAPY
The Radiation Therapy program prepares students for a career as a radiation therapist through a 3+1 program with Northwestern Medicine School of Radiation Therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Our students spend three years at North Central College, where they complete their liberal arts general education core along with prerequisite science and math courses. This is followed by a 14-month program of study (35 credits) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The student then graduates from North Central College with a degree in Radiation Therapy.
Our Radiation Therapy program is an interdisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, biology, radiobiology, radiation safety, anatomy, and patient care to administer targeted doses of ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Radiation therapists work for hospitals, clinics, and technical companies within the allied health profession industry. Advanced career opportunities exist in fields including education, administration and research.
Daily tasks of radiation therapists include: reviewing prescriptions and diagnosis; preparing patients for daily radiation treatment; delivering daily radiation treatment; evaluating and monitoring treatmentdelivery equipment; performing radiation dose calculations; assisting in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization; providing high-quality patient care; and collaborating with physicians and other members of healthcare teams.
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION (MINOR ONLY)
The goal of Community Health Promotion is to influence the health behaviors of individuals and communities. It also involves working to improve the living and working conditions that influence health. Community health promotion professionals can truly say they’ve made an impact by affecting premature death rates, disease and disability. Students in this minor are well prepared for careers in public health, public policy, healthcare, and government.
I’VE NEVER ONLY WANTED TO BE ONE THING. I THINK THAT BEING AT A PLACE LIKE NORTH CENTRAL BRINGS THAT PERSONALITY OUT—WHERE YOU CAN PURSUE MANY INTERESTS. HERE, I COULD PURSUE MY ATHLETIC, ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GOALS.
DR. BEN YOUEL ’09
During his college years, Ben was a three-time national qualifier and two-time NCAA Division III All-American wrestler and an honors student. He was named Outstanding Chemistry Major at North Central and awarded Man of the Year by the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. After graduation, Ben earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree and Master of Science Degree in Oral Sciences from the University of Illinois Chicago. Ben is bilingual (English and Spanish) and experienced in complex surgical orthodontics and managing medically complex and special needs patients.
UNDERGRADUATE-TO-GRADUATE DIRECT PATHWAY PROGRAMS
North Central provides dedicated resources to help students stay on track as they move through undergraduate-to-graduate health science pathways. Advisors specific to the health sciences ensure that students take the right courses, get connected to shadowing opportunities, are prepared for entrance exams, and receive advice on choosing the right health science path.
We’ve designed dedicated pathways to help you create a foundation of knowledge in your undergraduate program and launch a successful post-graduate career. Pathways into several of North Central’s clinical health science graduate programs are available to eligible undergraduate students:
• NCC DPT Guarantee Admissions into Physical Therapy
• Bachelor’s/Master of Occupational Therapy Dual Admission
• Selective Internal PA Admissions into Physician Assistant Studies
• 3+2 Pathway into Athletic Training
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Competition for admission to graduate school is intense, but at North Central, we believe students should be able to study what interests them most, while also preparing for their future.
Students have the opportunity to choose from any of North Central’s majors, including but not limited to traditional lab sciences, while working with a pre-health advisor to ensure they complete the required prerequisite courses for their chosen career path. In addition, North Central has affiliation agreements with numerous health professional schools that provide admission benefits to our students. Our pre-professional programs include:
• Athletic Training
• Dentistry
• Health Science
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Nutrition Science
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Podiatry
• Veterinary Medicine
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
A master’s or doctorate degree from North Central College builds a foundation for students as they pursue careers that improve quality of life. Whether they are helping build stronger bodies, analyzing complex medical scenarios, or helping people build skills for daily living, our students have the tools necessary to positively impact the lives of others.
MASTER OF ATHLETIC TRAINING
The CAATE* accredited Master of Athletic Training Program at North Central College prepares students for a fast-paced career in a variety of settings, including competitive athletics, occupational health, clinical healthcare settings and performing arts environments. After completing one of our two tracks (4+2 or the accelerated 3+2 plan), students will have the skills required to deliver the highest quality patient-centered and evidence-based healthcare to their patients.
Our unique curriculum ensures students will gain hands-on experience managing athletic injuries and illnesses in both simulated and actual patient care formats while engaging nearly 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Students will also build leadership skills by completing a quality improvement project related to an authentic clinical challenge. And when it’s time to put skills into practice, our expansive alumni network, expert clinical preceptors, and dedicated faculty can help students realize their athletic training goals.
*North Central College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) located at 2001 K Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20006. The program will have its next comprehensive review during the 2027-2028 academic year.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
North Central College offers an innovative, interprofessional approach to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders who embrace diversity, promote health equity, and improve population health outcomes. The Master of Science in Nursing program offers a personalized approach to the online student experience. The core principles of the program equip advanced nurse professionals for life-long learning, transformational leadership and to functioning as ethical change agents in the local, national, and global healthcare systems and communities. Students can specialize in one of four tracks:
• Family Nurse Practitioner - The Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares nurses to become experts in all facets of patient care, disease management and health promotion. North Central offers flexible schedule options from 18 to 27 months.
• Nurse Educator - The Nurse Educator track prepares nurses to work in various environments, including hospitals, community health organizations, universities, and online platforms where they can focus on enhancing patient care through education, or prepare the next generation of nurses for a broad range of healthcare challenges. North Central offers flexible schedule options from 15 to 24 months.
• Nurse Executive Leader - The Nurse Executive Leader track prepares nurses for healthcare leadership in the areas of communication and relationship management; knowledge of the healthcare environment; leadership; professionalism; and business skills and principles. North Central offers flexible schedule options from 15 to 24 months.
IN DEMAND ////
One third of the current nursing faculty workforce in baccalaureate and graduate programs are expected to retire by 2025. This finding underscores the urgency for the nursing education community to address the impending exodus of senior faculty and to develop younger faculty for succession.
Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2024
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track prepares nurses to perform biopsychosocial assessments and diagnose patients with psychiatric and mental disorders across the lifespan. North Central offers flexible schedule options from 18 to 27 months.
*The master’s degree in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at North Central College is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
POST-GRADUATE APRN CERTIFICATE
The post-graduate APRN certificate program provides opportunities for registered nurses who already have a master’s in nursing in another discipline to advance their education and gain the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver independent care as clinicians. Students will learn how to perform medical diagnoses and treatment through evidence-based didactic instruction. Problem-based learning, simulation and clinical practice hours will allow students to deepen their clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. The certificate program has two tracks:
• Family Nurse Practitioner - Family Nurse Practitioner coursework will provide students with instruction on primary care across the lifespan, focusing on both episodic acute and chronic care.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programming will prepare nurses to provide a wide range of mental health services across the lifespan, focusing on the bio-psychosocial model of care.
BRIDGE MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The Bridge Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program* is designed for certified OTA professionals with a bachelor’s degree who are looking to become a licensed OT. While this program offers curriculum and learning experiences similar to our traditional MOT degree, the Bridge MOT program structure is meant to accommodate a working adult schedule. Our MOT program links education, research, and practice, enabling you to grow throughout your career while providing occupation-based services to clients across the lifespan.
*The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapists work with people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, loss of limbs or other disabilities. The professional (entry-level) Master of Occupational Therapy program* provides students with a diverse curriculum along with professional experiences. Students will develop the knowledge,
/// GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The U.S. continues to face a growing shortage of health professionals at the same time our population has increasing demand for care. North Central’s School of Education and Health Sciences meets this need—developing competent advanced practice and allied health professionals who provide compassionate, evidence-based care through collaborative interprofessional teams.
DR. MARY GROLL
DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH SCIENCES
leadership ability, and ethical behaviors necessary to become a purposeful and competent occupational therapist.
*The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program* provides students with an experiential educational process, guiding them to grow and develop the professional knowledge and ethical behavior necessary to be purposeful and competent practitioners. The program challenges students in areas of development of leadership skills to advocate for and lead the implementation of evidence-based research in delivery of client-centered care. This educational process, grounded in the College’s liberal arts tradition, prepares students to collaborate inter-professionally within their workplaces and communities, serving those with a variety of injuries, illnesses and disabilities such as Alzheimer’s, autism or the loss of limbs.
*The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 30 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3. Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at: www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
POST-PROFESSIONAL
DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
This fully online, post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is designed to create exceptionally qualified academic leaders in the occupational therapy education space. The program will provide occupational therapists with the necessary clinical expertise to pursue a career in academia, the knowledge and skills to be a highly skilled academic leader or faculty member. This degree provides a professional edge in academia by uniquely preparing students to oversee academic programs with occupational therapy clinical coursework, apply ACOTE accreditation standards, mentor clinical faculty, and utilize expertise in financial oversight of clinical programs.
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
The North Central College DPT Program, from curriculum to policies, has been built on a Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment that embodies both North Central College and the profession of physical therapy. Embracing our Vision to impact the lived experiences of others through movement, our Values of
/// GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Integrity, Excellence, and Balance, and our Commitment to the success of every learner, physical therapy students explore the clinical skills necessary for patient/client care in a wide variety of clinical settings. The Mission of the program, to support learners on their journey to becoming excellent clinicians, educators, scholars, and leaders dedicated to serving society as movement system experts, guides students and faculty through an evidence-based practice approach to clinical care that prepares students to be excellent physical therapists.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program* is a 28-month program that starts in January, built on two strong educational foundations: liberal arts and movement science. We offer a competency-focused, pass/ no pass curriculum that focuses not just on grades, but on the mastery of knowledge and skill acquisition to be an excellent clinician, educator, scholar, and leader.
*Effective October 25, 2022, North Central College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 630-637-5835 or email sscholtes@noctrl.edu. Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program prepares students to become competent medical providers who deliver humane, patient-and-relationship-centered primary care in collaboration with healthcare professionals. The program develops future leaders committed to community service, life-long learning and advancement of the physician assistant profession. The program’s five foundational pillars of excellence are: Humanism, Scholarship, Innovation, Leadership and Community.
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the North Central College Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program sponsored by North Central College.*
Our 24-month program allows students to meet eight competencies: medical knowledge; interpersonal and communication skills; clinical technical skills; clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills; interprofessional collaborative practice-professional behaviors; health equity; health policy and delivery; healthcare law; finance and systems; and lifestyle medicine. Students will progress towards the achievement of these competencies through a stepwise course progression, wherein they master individual course goals and learning objectives that align with ARCPA standards.
*The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the North Central College Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by North Central College. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-north-central-college/. North Central College matriculated its first class in January, 2022.
NORTH CENTRAL’S DPT PROGRAM IS UNIQUE BECAUSE IT’S GROUNDED IN A LIBERAL ARTS AND MOVEMENT SCIENCE FOUNDATION. TECHNOLOGY IS EMBRACED HERE, AND THERE IS A SEMI SELF-PACED AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO LEARNING.
MANNY NOYE, M’25 DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Manny’s career goals include combining his interest in sports and his desire to make a difference for others, especially children, and he is already turning his aspirations into reality. In the first of four clinical experiences with North Central’s DPT program, Manny worked alongside a school-based physical therapist in the Chicago Public Schools— helping children with and without disabilities participate in group activities and become more independent. As a pre-professional, Manny recognizes the importance of diversity and accessibility in the physical therapy field. After graduation, he hopes to continue working with children in Chicago. His desire to help others also extends across the globe. Originally from Ghana, Manny seeks to help family members and local partners raise awareness and improve access for physical therapy in his home country.
LOCATION MATTERS NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS
Our location provides students unparalleled access to opportunities that will shape their healthcare career:
PROXIMITY TO HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
Naperville is home to some of the area’s leading hospitals, clinics and community agencies along with access to more than 500 affiliated clinical sites providing students with hands-on training opportunities, internships, and job placements.
DIVERSITY OF PATIENT POPULATIONS
Our location provides access to diverse communities, offering exposure to a variety of health issues and cultural competencies, which are essential for future healthcare providers.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
At North Central, students and faculty work hand-in-hand on cutting-edge research projects involving the latest advancements and technologies in healthcare, providing a solid foundation for a career in healthcare.
This
is why
Naperville is named one of the “Best places to start a career after college!”*
