Moving from Canada to Minnesota for Chiropractic School
This article is part of our “Inside Chiro School” series, where recent NWHSU graduate Kit Harlow shares the real scoop about chiropractic school and life after graduation. For this article, they talked to two recent Canadian grads about moving from Canada to Minnesota for Chiropractic School.
Though we’re just south of the border from Manitoba, moving to a different country for grad school can feel daunting. When most people think of the U.S., they think of the coasts first, but I invite you to think about the Midwest. Especially if you’re from Manitoba, it just might feel like home.
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) is one of the few midwestern chiropractic schools in the U.S. Located in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, we have a sizable, engaged Canadian student population. I talked with two of my former classmates to write this story: one who went back to practice in Canada, and one who stayed here after graduation (pictured together above in the image on the left).
Building Community & Returning to Canada
Dr. Codi Loran at graduation
One of my colleagues, Dr. Codi Loran, offered her experience on moving from Canada to Minnesota for chiropractic school at NWHSU.
Dr. Loran felt welcomed on campus from day one. “NWHSU is a school with a very tight-knit community,” she shared. “The whole faculty at NWHSU went out of their way to make sure students had the support they needed and were welcomed into the community.”
She made best friends at school, and got engaged in student clubs and organizations that helped her feel at home.
“There are aspects of NWHSU that made the transition more seamless. Like the Canadian Club, the “starting a practice in Canada” class, and close to a third of the chiropractic student body being Canadian.”
In T9 and T10, Dr. Loran returned to Canada through the community-based internship program. She now works in Alberta, Canada.
Staying in Minnesota after Graduation as a Canadian Chiropractic Student
For a different perspective, I spoke to another colleague and close friend, Dr. Quintana White. She shared her experience moving here and staying in the metro after graduation.
“I moved here with a student F-1 visa. NWHSU was very helpful with the application process and answering any questions I had,” she shared. She met current and recent Canadian students at Discovery Day.
“Student ambassadors gave me realistic advice for moving to the Bloomington area,” said Dr. White. “I highly recommend living close to campus. It made me feel more at home and made it very easy to make friends!”
Dr. White chose to stay in the Twin Cities after graduation. “I extended my student (OPT) visa for the year, which expires at the year mark. I am currently hoping to be approved for the H1B visa that my employer will apply for on my behalf. There is another route that your employer can request on your behalf, permanent residency. That can take up to 2 years to process.”
Where is NWHSU?
NWHSU is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, within the Twin Cities metro. The Twin Cities are a smaller urban area relative to larger cities in the U.S., which can be appealing, especially if you’re from more rural areas in Canada.
The “Twin Cities” which are right next to each other, are Minneapolis, and the state’s capitol, St. Paul. NWHSU is located in Bloomington, a smaller suburb located about 15 minutes south of Minneapolis, and conveniently home to the state’s international airport.
Being in Bloomington gives you the best of both worlds: we have a sprawling green campus located in a quiet neighborhood. And you can hop in the car or even on the light rail and be right in the heart of the city within minutes.
Why the Twin Cities?
The Twin Cities are known for the vibrant arts and music scene and trendy restaurants, bars and coffee shops. We’re also highly ranked when comparing quality of life, access to green space, and biking infrastructure in the United States.
Like getting your daily steps in? Multiple trail systems offer a picturesque place to walk and run. Worth mentioning is the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the U.S., located right in Bloomington; with three levels, a connected hotel and an amusement park.
Some of my favorite parts of the metro area include the Fine Line music venue, Lake of the Isles, The Main movie theater, South Cedar beach, Nightingale restaurant and bar, Tao Natural Foods and Eloise Butler gardens.
A Brief Geography Lesson (And an Ode to Twin Cities Parks)
The geography here in Minnesota is similar to southern Manitoba. We have regions of fertile prairies, sprawling forests, and innumerable freshwater lakes with miles of shoreline. The Mississippi River begins in the northern part of the state, and traverses through the northern suburbs. It then crosses between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
A plethora of state parks and recreation areas offer both winter and summer activities such as camping, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
Like playing hockey or ice skating? Most neighborhoods have at least one rink set up as early as November, depending on the winter temps.
Ready to Learn More or Take the Next Step?
NWHSU is here to support you along all aspects of your journey! Moving from Canada to Minnesota for chiropractic school doesn’t have to feel daunting. Reach out to an admissions counselor to learn more.