Hearing Sciences

Undergraduate School & Graduate SchoolContents

NIIGATA
UNIVERSITY OF
HEALTH AND
WELFARE01

1. Message from the President

02
03

Voices of International Students
2. Undergraduate School
2.1. Structural Chart

04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

2.2. Department of Physical Therapy
2.3. Department of Occupational Therapy
2.4. Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
2.5. Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology
2.6. Department of Clinical Engineering and Medical Technology
2.7. Department of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences
2.8. Department of Emergency Medical Sciences
2.9. Department of Radiological Technology
2.10. Department of Health and Nutrition
2.11. Department of Health and Sports
2.12. Department of Nursing
2.13. Department of Social Welfare
2.14. Department of Health Informatics
Voices of International Students
3. Graduate School
3.1. Structural Chart

19

3.2. Master’s Course
3.2.1. Objectives and Principles of Establishment

20
24
26
27
28

Messagefrom the Presiden

As the President of the Niigata University of He
and Welfare, it is my great pleasure to introd
3.2.3. Major in Health Sciences
our university to you. Our university was establis
3.2.4. Major in Social Welfare
in 2001 and the spirit of its foundation is to culti
3.2.5. Major in Health Informatics and Business Administration“effective QOL supporters”, health care professio
3.3. Educational Programs
who can assist and enrich Quality of Life of
3.3.1 Education Research Program
clients in the field of comprehensive health3.3.2 Advanced Specialized Professional Programsystems of Japan and throughout the world.
3.2.2. Major in Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences

3.3.3 Collaborating Program with the Japan International
Cooperation Agency

29

3.4. Doctoral Course
3.4.1. Objectives
3.4.2. Major in Health and Welfare

30

Voices of International Students

Our Undergraduate School now has six Facu
(Rehabilitation Sciences, Medical Technolog
Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Welfare,
Healthcare Management) and 13 Departme
The total number of students is about 4,500
they are taking a wide variety of courses in th

University Catalog 2020-2023

Contents
01

President’s
Message
1. Message
from
the President

02
03

Voices of International Students
2. Undergraduate School
2.1. Structural Chart

04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

2.2. Department of Physical Therapy
2.3. Department of Occupational Therapy
2.4. Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
2.5. Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology
2.6. Department of Clinical Engineering and Medical Technology
2.7. Department of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences
2.8. Department of Emergency Medical Sciences
2.9. Department of Radiological Technology
2.10. Department of Health and Nutrition
2.11. Department of Health and Sports
2.12. Department of Nursing
2.13. Department of Social Welfare
2.14. Department of Health Informatics
Voices of International Students
3. Graduate School
3.1. Structural Chart

19

3.2. Master’s Course
3.2.1. Objectives and Principles of Establishment

20
24
26
27
28

3.2.2. Major in Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences
3.2.3. Major in Health Sciences
3.2.4. Major in Social Welfare
3.2.5. Major in Health Informatics and Business Administration
3.3. Educational Programs
3.3.1 Education Research Program
3.3.2 Advanced Specialized Professional Program
3.3.3 Collaborating Program with the Japan International
Cooperation Agency

29

3.4. Doctoral Course
3.4.1. Objectives
3.4.2. Major in Health and Welfare

30
31

Voices of International Students
4. Special Features of NUHW
4.1. University-Designated Sports Clubs

32
33

4.2. Interprofessional Education
5. International Activities
5.1. History
Missions of theInternational
Center
5.2. International
Cooperation
Activities

34

2017)
5.3. Affiliated Universities and Institutions (as of 2020)blishment

Messagefrom the President

As the President of the Niigata University of Healthand Welfare, it is my great pleasure to introduce
our university to you. Our university was establishedin 2001 and the spirit of its foundation is to cultivate
Business Administration“effective QOL supporters”, health care professionals
who can assist and enrich Quality of Life of theirclients in the field of comprehensive health care
nal Programsystems of Japan and throughout the world.

on Sciences

pan Internationals of 2020)

Our Undergraduate School now has six Faculties(Rehabilitation Sciences, Medical Technologies,
Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Welfare, andHealthcare Management) and 13 Departments.
The total number of students is about 4,500 andthey are taking a wide variety of courses in these
Departments.
The Graduate School was opened in 2005, andnow has four master’s courses with majors in
Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences (Master ofMedical Science / Rehabilitation Science), Health
Sciences (Master of Health Science / Sciencein Nursing), Social Welfare (Master of SocialWork), and Health Informatics and Business
Administration (Master of Health Informatics andBusiness Administration). In addition, the Graduate
School has one doctoral course with a major in
Health and Welfare (Doctor of Health Science). As
of July 1, 2020, there are 98 students in themaster’s courses and 52 in the doctoral course.
Our faculty members and staff have been making
enormous efforts as “One Team” in “One Campus”
to foster effective QOL supporters. To this end, agreat emphasis has been placed on Interprofessional
Education (IPE) in the university curriculum since
its foundation because IPE is regarded as themost effective way to have the students learn teamapproach beyond borders among Departments.
We would like to encourage students with scientificinterests in professional health care to participate
in actual fields of health care as “effective QOL
supporters” in the future. We have been promotingworldwide collaborative research with professionals
abroad, especially with those of Asian countries.
We are looking forward to producing scientificachievements with international communities ofhealth care professionals who share a common
interest in health science and care.

Masatoyo Nishizawa , MD, PhD
President of Niigata University of Health and WelfareWork), and Health Informatics and Busin
Administration (Master of Health Informatics
Business Administration). In addition, the Grad
School has one doctoral course with a majo
Health and Welfare (Doctor of Health Science)of July 1, 2020, there are 98 students inmaster’s courses and 52 in the doctoral cours

Our faculty members and staff have been ma
enormous efforts as “One Team” in “One Camp
to foster effective QOL supporters. To this en
great emphasis has been placed on Interprofess
Education (IPE) in the university curriculum s
its foundation because IPE is regarded as
most effective way to have the students learn t
approach beyond borders among Departmen

We would like to encourage students with scieninterests in professional health care to partici
in actual fields of health care as “effective Q
supporters” in the future. We have been promo
worldwide collaborative research with professio
abroad, especially with those of Asian countWe are looking forward to producing scie
achievements with international communitie
health care professionals who share a com
interest in health science and care.

Masatoyo Nishizawa , MD, PhD

President of Niigata University of Health and We

Voices ofInternational
Students

Sa Rigaifrom China
Hello, everyone, my name is Sa Rigai.
I came from Inner Mongolia, China.
I graduated from the Inner Mongolia
University of Medical, majoring in nursing.
When I was a university student, I got apreliminary understanding of midwifery
through the clinical training in hospitals
and had a strong interest in that field.
After the graduation, I decided to study inJapan to deepen my knowledge.
When I studied Japanese language inTokyo, I was so lucky to meet one of thestaff of Niigata University of Health andWelfare. She introduced me to a brilliant
professor from the Department of Nursing.
I was so happy to know the serious andthoughtful teacher.
Now I am a research student andpreparing to attend graduate school. I
hope that I can get my master's degree
successfully and go back to my country to
work as a midwife. I really like the learning
environment here in Niigata. I am truly
grateful for this opportunity to study in
Niigata University of Health and Welfare.
I will study hard to live up to the teachers’
expectations.

2

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

No.

1

2. Undergraduate School
2.1. Structural Chart
Undergraduate Course
Faculty of Rehabilitation
Undergraduate School

Department of Physical Therapy
Department of Occupational Therapy
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology

Faculty of Medical Technology
Department of Clinical Engineering and Medical Technology
Department of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences
Department of Emergency Medical Sciences
Department of Radiological Technology

Faculty of Health Sciences
Graduate School

Department of Health and Nutrition
Department of Health and Sports

Faculty of Nursing
Department of Nursing

Faculty of Social Welfare
Department of Social Welfare

Faculty of Healthcare Management
Department of Health Informatics

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

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Undergraduate School

2.2. Department of Physical Therapy
2.2.1. Objectives
The objective of our program is to nurture clinicians with a broad knowledge of and competencein physical therapy. Students are guided by the principle of compassion so that they can work as
members of medical and health service teams. In addition, we develop their potential as experimental
and clinical researchers so that they may become major contributors to the field of physical therapy.
2.2.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
Students have many opportunities to be involved in various research fields including:1) Three-dimensional motion analysis
2) Injured prevention and treatment for athletes
3) Structural and functional anatomy
4) Brain function in motion, perception, and emotion
5) Histology of neuromuscular system; and
6) Pain Research.
Our department has labs equipped with superb instruments such as VICON for motion analysis,
TMS/tDCS and gene analysis system for brain function, AMTI force plates/BIODEX/ultrasoundimage apparatus for athlete support, fluorescence microscope for histological study, and the animal
experiment facility for electrophysiological study. These facilities are accessible to students for the

Graduate School

purpose of hands-on training and research projects.
From the very beginning of the academic year, students are divided into small groups. A faculty
member is assigned to each group and gives them advice on every aspect of their campus life. In
order to maximize the competency of students in clinical settings, we adopt the Objective Structured
Clinical Examination (OSCE) in our curriculum. Students need to establish communication with‘simulated’ patients and demonstrate necessary clinical skills in front of examiners.
2.2.3. Qualifications and Careers
Upon successful completion of our program, students are eligible for the national physical therapy
licensure examination. Our exam pass rate has
been over 90%, which is far higher than the national
average. A major portion of our graduates start theircareers at various hospitals.
2.2.4. International Activities
In order to have our students see physical therapy
from much wider perspectives, we annually takethem to such foreign countries as the U.S.A, thePhilippines, and Australia.
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Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Undergraduate School

2.3. Department of Occupational Therapy
2.3.1. Objectives and Characteristics of the Curriculum
The objective of our program is to nurture competent Occupational Therapists (OTRs). Toward thisgoal, our curriculum is stratified to make gradual development of professional competency possible.
This is built for the students to proceed from basics to professional knowledge and skills. This concept
is depicted in Fig.1.Ultimately, through graduation thesis writing, students will build the necessary
skills not only as a clinician but also as a researcher.

Basic subjects including liberal arts
Professional knowledge and skills

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Fig. 1 Characteristics of the Curriculum
2.3.2. Qualifications and CareersU pon successful completion of our program, including
Graduate School

nearly 1,000 hours of fieldwork, students are eligible for thenational licensure examination for OTR. As a result of careful
educational practice, our exam pass rate has been over 90%
in the last five years. Our alumni work in a variety of areas
including medical agencies, healthcare centers, assistedliving facilities, and domiciliary care. Our graduate school isalso one of the choices available for the graduates.

NUHW students visiting a children’s OT roomat Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston (Sep, 2016)

2.3.3. International Activities
Until now we have conducted international exchange
programs with two foreign universities, namely, Mid-Western
University at Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and Queen’s University,
Kingston, Ontario, Canada. We offer students opportunities
to meet OTRs in other countries. Each program provides
the students with rewarding experiences and the hope for
their career in the future. In addition, we aim to improve theirEnglish-speaking skills through interactions with students of

OT Delegation from Queen’s University(July, 2018)

these universities.
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

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Undergraduate School

2.4. Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
2.4.1. Objectives
The objective of our department is to make students become clinical specialists who can take aleading role in advanced medical care by coping with increasingly complex and diverse needs inthe field of speech, language, and hearing sciences. In order to become professionals in this field,
students must have fundamental knowledge across diverse fields and a deep insight into speechlanguage pathology and audiology.
2.4.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
Our program focuses on acquiring knowledge about the basic and clinical medicine as well as a wide
range of special subjects. Our clinical training offers the students opportunities for on-site experiencesin which they can practice what they have learned through the coursework. The training is conducted
on and off the campus.
2.4.3. Qualifications and Careers

Graduate School

The students who have completed the accredited academic and clinical program can apply for taking
the National License Examination for Speech-Language-Hearing Therapists. Upon graduation, they
will be able to work in a variety of health care facilities, including rehabilitation hospitals, institutions forhearing impaired children and rehabilitation centers for speech/language disorders.
2.4.4. International Activities
Our inter national program provides students with
opportunities to visit educational institutions, university
hospitals, and other clinical facilities in the UnitedStates that specialize in speech/language and hearing
impairments. This exchange program helps the participants
renew and enlarge their perspectives on the professionof speech-language pathology and/or audiology throughfirsthand observation of the advanced technology in thisfield.

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Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Undergraduate School

2.5. Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology
2.5.1. Objectives
The number of elderly people in Japan is growing rapidly. Therefore, to maintain and improve their quality oflife (QOL) is the most urgent issue for our society. For this purpose, we need quite a number of health care
professionals who know much about assistive devices, who are able to evaluate the capabilities of physicallydisadvantaged people, and who can communicate effectively with their families and other professionals. The
objective of our department is to help the students become such health care professionals.
2.5.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
As required by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, our departmental curriculum contains all
the specific educational subjects related to medicine,engineering and prosthetics & orthotics. In addition, ourcurriculum includes subjects covering liberal arts, andhealth and welfare.

Graduate School

This department has been certified to be in "ISPO CategoryI", which is the highest standard of educational institutions
for training prosthetists and orthotists by the International
Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). This is the firstcertification awarded to a Japanese university.
2.5.3. Qualifications and Careers
Our students aim to qualify to take the national examination for certified prosthetists and orthotists, and Assistive
Products Consultants, Assistive Products Planner, and Housing Environment Coordinator for Elderly and Disabled
People. By doing so, our graduates have received many job offers from a wide range of welfare facilities, such as
welfare centers, assistive care centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, car industries, house industries, and so on.
2.5.4. International Activities
We have some international programs of short-term visits to foreign countries, where we visit several
universities, welfare facilities, and manufactures, including the largest companies in the P&O field. We
also promote research cooperation with the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Centre (SNMRC)
in Thailand on motion analysis and National Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan on prosthetics
and orthotics.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

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Undergraduate School

2.6. Department of Clinical Engineering and Medical Technology
2.6.1. Objectives
The aim of our department is to educate students to become clinical engineers and medical
technologists. We intend to develop a new type of specialists with double licenses: one for clinicalengineers who operate life supporting devices and other for medical technologists who perform
clinical examinations at a laboratory. We have a strong belief that in the near future this new type of
specialists will play an important role in medical care.
2.6.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
Our academic disciplines compose of compulsory subjects that can be completed in four years.
In their first year, students take such subjects as introduction to medicine, electrical engineering,
Graduate School

introduction to biomedical engineering, physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy. In their 2nd and 3rdyears, they take special subjects such as mechanical engineering, material engineering, clinicalhematology, clinical chemistry, clinical immunology, and so on. In their final year, they go out forclinical training at hospitals in order to acquire practical skills.
2.6.3. Qualification and Careers
We aim for the qualifications of the Certified National Clinical Engineers and the Certified National
Medical Technologist. Prospective places of employment are many and vary greatly among: university
hospitals, specialty hospitals, medical examination centers, food companies, pharmaceuticalcompanies, medical equipment manufacturers,
public health centers, public offices, educational
institutions and research institutions.
2.6.4. International Activities
We provide students with opportunities to meetclinical engineers and medical technologists inother countries. We especially aim to enhancetheir foreign-language skills through students’exchanges.

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Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Undergraduate School

2.7. Department of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences
2.7.1. Objectives
The Department of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences aims to nurture health professionals with thenational license for certified orthoptists, and the public qualification for the accompanying supporters
for the visually impaired. Our department trains orthoptists who are able to manage a wide range ofissues including the increasing number of people with visual impairments.
2.7.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
In order to develop reliable skills in ophthalmologic examination techniques, we offer practical andextensive on-campus trainings conducted in small groups and step-by-step progressive off-campus
internship programs in a variety of clinical institutions. To foster sophisticated research skills, students
Graduate School

are required to write a graduation thesis on themes that meet the needs of society. Supplementary
courses to secure the success in the national examination for certified orthoptists are also provided.
2.7.3. Qualifications and Careers
Students are able to acquire the public qualification for the accompanying supporters for the visually
impaired, and all graduates are eligible to take the national examination for certified orthoptists.
2.7.4. International Activities
Special lectures were given on the state-of-the-art artificial retina by Prof. Eberhart Zrenner fromthe Institute for Ophthalmic Research,
University of Tübingen, Germany, andalso on the optometr y education in
New Zealand by Mr. Andrew Kim, anundergraduate from the University of
Auckland, New Zealand. Furthermore, weare conducting a joint research projectwith the University of Tübingen, and are
currently planning study tours for ourstudents to a variety of universities abroad.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

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Undergraduate School

2.8. Department of Emergency Medical Sciences
2.8.1. Objectives
The major purposes of this course are:1) To acquire a paramedic license, and
2) To pass the employment examination for public servants in response to the requests of students.
2.8.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
A paramedic is a healthcare professional in the pre-hospital setting, working mainly at a fire station
as a member of the ambulance crew.
In Japan, paramedics are authorized to perform the following procedures during resuscitation inaccordance with the physician's instructions:1) The use of suprapharyngeal airway devices, and2) Ringer’s lactate infusion.
Graduate School

Specially trained/certified paramedics can use the tracheal tubes under limited indication criteria topatients with cardiac arrest since July 2004, and the intravenous adrenaline or epinephrine since April
2006. Recently, they can also use glucose solution to hypoglycemic patients and Ringer’s lactate
infusion to patients in a state of shock. At all fire departments, each ambulance is usually boarded bythree or more emergency medical technicians, including at least one paramedic.
Through our curriculum, therefore, students are required to acquire such technical skills andemergency medical knowledge of medical practice implementations. In addition, they must be able toproperly determine a hospital that accepts an emergency patient.
2.8.3. Qualifications and Careers
In order to obtain a paramedic license, students need to pass the national exam, and if they want tobecome public servants such as firefighting officials, they need to pass the employment examination
for public servants.
2.8.4. International Activities
Our course will provide students with opportunities to attend overseas training programs and have handson experiences at emergency institutions such as fire stations and ambulance companies in Los Angeles,
California, and other countries. We strongly believe it is truly helpful for students to compare paramedic
systems of Japan and other countries.

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Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Undergraduate School

2.9. Department of Radiological Technology
2.9.1. Objectives
Our educational goals are to cultivate professional radiological technologists who have the knowledgeof medical radiological technology, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapeutic technology,
radiation protection, radiation safety and medical physics.
2.9.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
In order to develop the students' knowledge of professional technology, our teaching program ismainly focused on studying radiological technology, image interpretation (detection of abnormal
findings etc.) and related theories. There is also some complementary laboratory work focusing on
applying knowledge to practice and deepening theoretical understanding. At the end of the program,all the students are expected to have acquired sufficient knowledge to pass the national licensing
examinations of radiological technologists.
Our department prepares students for a number of careers upon graduation. They may practice asradiological technologists in public/private hospitals, clinics, and health care centers or work at private
medical equipment companies or biotechnology companies. And most importantly, students will befully supported by our department to secure an employment of their own choice.

Graduate School

2.9.3. Qualifications and Careers

2.9.4. International Activities
We provide students with opportunities to meet
radiological technologists or radiographersin other countries. In 2018, our department
entered into an exchange agreement withMahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Students have been there to study crosscultural communication.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

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Undergraduate School

2.10. Department of Health and Nutrition

Graduate School12

2.10.1. Objectives
The Department of Health and Nutrition trains
students to become registered dietitians withcomprehensive knowledge of nutrition andbasic skills required for diet-management.
T h e d e p a r t m e n t o ff e r s p ro g r a m s t h a t
make students capable of contributing torehabilitation of patients, cure of diseases,
promotion of health, and improvement ofquality of life.
2.10.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
Most of our academic disciplines comprisecompulsory subjects that are studied over a
course of four years.
In the first and second year, students areoffered subjects such as:1) Biochemistry2) Basic Medicine
3) Clinical Medicine
4) Anatomy and Physiology5) Food Science, and
6) Cookery Science.
In the third and fourth year, more specialized
subjects are learned such as:1) Nutrition
2) Public Health Nutrition
3) Clinical Nutrition
4) Food Service Management
5) Nutrition Educational Methodology, and
6) Research Practicum.
In the second year, students also take
Interprofessional Basic Seminar which aims toNiigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

promote collaboration with peers from otherdepartments. To acquire practical ability,
students in the third year are offered both
Objective Structured Clinical Examination(OSCE) by simulated patients, and Compulsory
Practicum for a total of 10 weeks in such places
as hospitals, nursing facilities, administrative
agencies, companies, and schools.
2.10.3. Qualifications and Careers
The department expects students tograduate with qualifications as registereddietitians, food specialists, supplementadvisers, licensed dietitians, and licensed
teachers of nourishment, Class I. Employment
oppor tunities are available at medical
institutions (such as hospitals), public healthcenters (administrative institutions), facilities
for health promotion, health facilities forthe elderly who need health care, researchlaboratories, food companies, universities,
and elementary and junior high schools.
2.10.4. International Activities
Our international training program provides
students who want to learn nutritional caresystems in foreign countries with opportunities
to visit one of the largest medical centersin the United State (cf. University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center). This program
helps students enlarge their perspectives
on the profession of nutritional care throughfirsthand observation of the advanced
technology in this field.

Undergraduate School

2.11. Department of Health and Sports
2.11.1. Objectives
Sports and exercises are now part of common culture for all people, not just for the young and the athletic but
for children and the elderly. They are also indispensable for everyone to lead healthy, rich, and vibrant lives in
the 21st century.
In our department, students explore their potential in competitive sport fields and endeavor to develop theirexpertise in health, management, and education. Our department aims at nurturing practicing professionals withhigh level of knowledge and skills that can promote people’s quality of life (QOL) through sports and exercises.
2.11.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
Students learn:
1)Health Medicine and Sciences to investigate sports and exercises from the viewpoints of anatomy, physiology,
psychology and medicine for health;2)Coaching Sciences to examine sports and exercises from the viewpoints of physiology, psychology,
biomechanics and nutrition;3) Sports Management to promote skills for management of sports facilities, local sports, and professional teams4) Sports Pedagogy to obtain teaching licenses in PE and elementary school.
2.11.3. Qualifications and Careers
Upon successful completion of our programs, all the students can obtain a teaching licenses in PE. They
will also be eligible for licensure examinations for athletic trainers authorized by the JASA, health fitness

Graduate Schoolfrom the viewpoints of sports management, industry and culture; andprogrammers and instructors authorized by the Japan Health Promotion and Fitness Foundation, CSCS
and CPT authorized by the NSCA, JFA C-license authorized by JFA, etc. Our graduates start their careers
in various workplaces such as companies, schools, sports and health industries, manufactures, service
businesses, and governmental offices. Moreover, as the number of elderly people increases in Japan andmore and more experts for health and exercise are required in much wider areas, the graduates’ chances for
employment in private and public health service facilities are also increasing.
2.11.4. International Activities
The faculty conducts an oversea training program for students aspiring
to be athletic trainers in which they attend classes and observe facilities
for athletic trainers at various universities. In this program, the participants
can experience different sports cultures by watching games andinteracting with professional athletic trainers.
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

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Undergraduate School

2.12. Department of Nursing
2.12.1. Objectives
Our department aims to nurture nursing professionals who are capable of thinking independently and practicing
on their own through a special simulation training program. Furthermore, students are encouraged to actively
contribute to medical and health service teams while collaborating with various specialists in all areas.
2.12.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum
Our curriculum enables students to selectively acquire various certifications. This integrated curriculum
ensures that all students will acquire the necessary qualifications to take national examinations forregistered nurses so that they make a broad contribution to the nursing profession. Additionally, students
may take elective courses for public health nurses, midwives and school nurse. From the first year ofstudies, we adopt the simulation training program which reproduces various clinical situations. Our
Graduate School

integrated and progressive nursing courses encourage students to study and synthesize knowledge andobtain technological skills in a manner similar to what would be demanded in actual clinical settings.
2.12.3. Qualifications and Careers
Students can acquire necessary qualifications to take the national examinations for registered nurses.
In addition, those who take elective courses can gain qualifications for the national examination for
public health nurses and/or midwives. License of School Nurse, Class I, is also obtainable. Most
graduates work as registered nurses or midwives at university hospitals, general hospitals, or clinics.
Some graduates advance to schools of midwifery. The placement rate for job applicants is 100%.
2.12.4. International Activities
The nursing department annually conducts three short-term training sessions abroad:1) Observational study tour at the pediatric specialty hospital, hospice, the United States. (2011present)
2) Exchange program with the University of East Anglia (UEA), UK. (2011- present)3) Exchange program with the Hong Bang International University, Vietnam. (2016- present)
Learning the realities of medical care in foreign cultures leaves a great impact on the participants. Inline with the agreement of international exchange programs, we have begun exchanging staff andstudents and launched joint research on nursing.

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Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

2.13.1. Objectives
The mission of the Department of Social Welfare is to educate students to become professional social

Undergraduate School

2.13. Department of Social Welfare
workers with national qualifications. The department addresses the issue of the enrichment of quality oflife (QOL) of all people, especially those in need of support because of various forms of life difficulties.
We educate our students so that they can 1) acquire technical knowledge and skills they will need in thefields of social work and 2) cultivate an appropriate sense of values. We also enhance career education
including various social activities so that they can find solutions to social problems.
2.13.2. Characteristics of the Curriculum1) Students are to fulfill the requirements to take the national examination of the certified social worker
as a prerequisite for graduation.
2) Students will be qualified to take the national examination for the certified psychiatric social worker
and care worker if they take one of the two additional courses.
3) Students can build their future careers by learning, in their first year, ethics, theories and practicalskills necessary for certified social workers.
classes and seminars.
5) Students can acquire real work skills through social welfare fieldwork and internships.
2.13.3. Qualifications and Careers
Students aim to qualify as certified social workers, psychiatric social workers, care workers, social
welfare secretaries, and child guidance counselors. Graduates find employment at prefectural and

Graduate School4) Students work in small groups and develop practical problem-solving and communicative skills inmunicipal governments, social welfare councils, child welfare facilities, disability welfare facilities,
elderly care facilities, medical institutions, among many other workplaces.
2.13.4. International Activities
Students travel overseas, for instance, to the U.S.A.,
the U.K., and Denmark to study cross-culturalcommunication with their counterparts at the
Department of Physical Therapy and Nursing. In 2015,
our department concluded the academic exchange
agreement with Kyonggi University in Suwon, South
Korea.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

15

Undergraduate School

2.14. Department of Health Informatics
2.14.1. Objectives
Two types of medical qualifications are mainly aimed for:<1. Health Information Manger>
The main duty of health information managers (HIM) in hospitals/clinics is to manage and secure
patient records. They work with computers to comply with federal mandates for electronic storageof patient information. HIMs must make sure not only that these records are accurate and complete
because they may be used for research or quality management but also must that databases are
secure and can only be accessed by authorized personnel.
<2. Medical Clerk>
Medical services are essential for the well-being and happiness of people. Presently, there are several issues
in the field of medical services in Japan: a shortage of medical doctors, too heavy a burden on them, drasticchanges in the environment of medical services, and problems surrounding medical insurance. To supply
quality medical services, it is necessary to reduce the burden on administrative work on medical doctors andlet them devote themselves to medical diagnosis and treatment. Under these circumstances, the profession

Graduate Schoolof “Medical Clerk” such as Medical/Doctor’s Clerk is being highlighted. Medical clerks have sufficientknowledge of health, welfare and medical information technology, so that they can not only assist medical
doctors greatly but also give patients dependable services with a profound knowledge of medicine-relatedsciences. Furthermore, they are able to alleviate the burden on medical doctors by doing various office works.
This department aims to train our students to become such highly skilled medical clerks.
2.14.2. Characteristic of the Curriculum
The Department of Health Informatics has subjects related to medical clerks such as information
technology on medical services and social work and hospital management. One of the distinctive
features of the curriculum is the variety of subjects in inter-related areas. Students can select subjects
according to their own interests.
2.14.3. Qualifications
We aim for the qualifications for medical clerks, doctor’s clerks, Health information managers,
Healthcare Information Technologists, and Information Technology Specialists.
2.14.4. International Activities
The department tries to collaborate with foreign universities and institutes for mutual development ineducation and research. In fact, the department has been in educational and research cooperation
with Far Eastern State Medical University in Russia since 2017 (short-term study abroad, conference
presentations, etc.). In addition, the department has an international exchange agreement with Fooyin
University in Taiwan since 2019.

16

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Voices ofInternational
Students

No.

2

Thiet
from Vietnam
Hello everyone. My name is Le Van Thiet.
I am from Viet Nam. I am pursuing amaster’s degree in the Field of Physical
Therapy at Niigata University of Healthand Welfare. I graduated from Hai Duong
Medical Technical University, and then I
worked as a physiotherapist in Hai Duong
Medical Technical University Hospital for
four years.
I’ve been receiving so much help fromInternational Centrer of NUHW since I
applied for MEXT scholarship in 2019.
My dream to study abroad came true
at NUHW. I felt very happy when I
finally came to Japan. In here, there are
distinguished professors who always
share their great knowledge with students,
affable friends and responsible office staff
who provide great support to me when I
face difficulty in studying and daily living.
Equipment and instruments for studying
are modern and standard. In addition,international students can get some finacial
support from NUHW, such as reducing
tuition. I believe that NUHW is one of thebest medical universities in Japan forinternational students.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

17

3. Graduate School
3.1. Structural Chart
Master’s Course
Major in Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences
Undergraduate School

Field of Physical Therapy
Field of Occupational Therapy
Field of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Field of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology
Field of Safety and Risk Management for Medical Technology
Field of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences
Field of Emergency Medical Sciences* Scheduled to establish in April 2021

Major in Health Sciences
Field of Health and Nutrition
Field of Health and Sports
Field of Nursing
Graduate School

Major in Social Welfare
Field of Policies Planning and Administration of Social Welfare
Field of Management of Social Welfare

Major in Health Informatics and Business Administration
Field of Health Informatics and Business Administration

Doctoral Course
Major in Health and Welfare
18

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

3.2. Master’s Course

Undergraduate School

3.2.1. Objectives and Principles of Establishment
The Master's Degree Course in our graduate school was established in April 2005. Currently, theGraduate School of Health and Welfare consists of twelve fields in five majors. We have produced alarge number of human resources contributing to the development of the communities and societies. A
total care aimed at protection of citizens' lives and the promotion of their health through an integratedsocial policy are the common goals in the fields of Health and Welfare. To achieve these goals,
various areas of specialty in all disciplines are required to cooperate with each other through a teamapproach. In the graduate school we aim to achieve an even higher level by providing an environment
where the students are involved in interdisciplinary education and research.
●Characteristics of the Curriculum
specialized professionals. Therefore, students can look ahead to their career options and select theirsubjects well in advance.
●General description of the common courses
Some of the common courses are chosen and studied concurrently in each specialty. The purpose
is to acquire, in an integrated manner, the knowledge which is necessary for advanced professionals

Graduate School

The curriculum of Master’s Degree Course is focused on training researchers, educators and highly

and for those who aspire to become researchers and educators. The framework is composed of threebasic specialties: studies on research methods, studies on a team approach and team medical care,and studies on basic knowledge for advanced technical knowledge.
●Overview of the specialized courses
The purposes of the specialized courses are to study the leading-edge theories and technologies
in each area of expertise and to provide guidance for the improvement of students’ capabilities andpractical competence to conduct investigative research. Ultimately, in special research, we teachstudents how to complete a master’s thesis, which is a compilation of each student’s research project,based on all the theoretical concepts and methods the student will have learnt by then.
●Interdisciplinary research
We are conducting several interdisciplinary research projects with many graduate students.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

19

3.2.2.

Major in Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences

Undergraduate School
Graduate School
201) Field of Physical Therapy●Overview
For deeper insight into the disorders of pathophysiology and pathokinesiology, we in the Field of
Physical Therapy, conduct basic and clinical research on physical disorders of clients. We educate
our students to become highly skilled professionals capable of expanding the scientific basisof physiotherapy and coordinating multiple resources available in order to maximize the level ofactivities of daily living (ADL) and the quality of life (QOL) of our clients.
●Characteristics
Motion analysis
We use a combination of various measurement tools, including a three-dimensional movement
analysis device with nine cameras and six force plates, EMG, stabilograph and BIODEX.
Cerebral function analysis
For the purpose of analyzing variations of cerebral activities during motor learning, we make fulluse of 48-channel near-infrared light spectroscopy imaging devices and a brain electromagnetic
stimulation device.
Prevention of falls and arthralgia
We conduct field research pertaining to the prevention of falls of elderly people and preventive
intervention against arthralgia.
Clinical studies based on evidenceWe provide the knowledge and skills necessary to validate all the accumulated experiences
effectively and scientifically and to address questions that arise from clinical activities in each areaof physical therapy.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Rehabilitation Science (M.Rehab.Sc.) in Physical Therapy

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Graduate School3) Field of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences●Overview
In addition to conducting experimental research and clinical studies on the structures, functions
and pathological conditions affecting the language and auditory systems, the Field of Speech,
Language, and Hearing Sciences also aims at determining the scientifically and clinically closely
related “eating” and “deglutition” functions, and the principles of higher brain functions. It involves
interdisciplinary research on the disorders, mechanisms, evaluation, training, methods of treatmentof those functions. By elucidating the mechanism of mutually associated disorders of various
types, the Field of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences educates human resources capableof implementing effective treatments and support aimed at improving the QOL of people withdisabilities in the speech, language, hearing, swallowing and/or cognitive functions.
●Characteristics
Development of human resources equipped with professional expertise and applied skills
We promote basic and practical research and clinical studies. Our goal is to train human resources
with deeper knowledge and applied skills.
Practice of wide-scope researchrooted in clinical studies
We are engaged in wide-scope andclinically-rooted research themes.
Hence, our research is not only limited
to language and hearing disabilities
or to the evaluation of the dysfunction
and training.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Rehabilitation Science(M.Rehab.Sc.) in Speech-Language
Pathology and Audiology

Undergraduate School2) Field of Occupational Therapy●Overview
Occupational therapy is the art and science aiming at the re-construction of the occupational (liferelated) functions of people with physical or mental disorders. It is the field in which treatment,
guidance and support are performed through the engagement in meaningful and purposefulactivities in accordance with the clients’ needs. In the Field of Occupational Therapy, we conduct bothbasic and clinical research for the evaluation and treatment of life dysfunctions caused by physicalor mental disorders. In this field, we raise highly skilled professionals capable of conducting
evaluation, treatment, guidance, and support not only from the perspectives of physical and mental
functions, but also from those of human activities and society. In addition, on the basis of highly
specialized knowledge, we educate brilliant researchers capable of contributing to the developmentof occupational therapy, and competent educators in charge of the training and education ofoccupational therapists.
●Characteristics
In the field of occupational therapy, experts in each area teach students the knowledge and skills toverify effectively and scientifically the life functions of the clients in order to respond to the needs ofthe real world.
●Conducting research in a wide range of specialties
In the field of occupational therapy, both basic research (e.g. kinesiology) and clinical studies (e.g.
research on the hand surgery) are conducted.
●Education provided by experts in each area
In the field of occupational therapy, the teaching staff plays an active and leading role in eachacademic society in the fields of hand therapy, study of higher brain functions, study of internalorgan disorders, and sensory integration and ADL.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Rehabilitation Science (M.Rehab.Sc) in Occupational Therapy

21Undergraduate School
Graduate School
224) Field of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive Technology●Overview
The “Support for Self-Reliance”, which is our aim in the Field of Prosthetics & Orthotics and Assistive
Technology, not only aims to achieve partial functional improvement, but also supports the elderly
and people with physical disabilities through the utilization of prostheses and welfare devices so thatthey may live on their own in all life scenarios. This field offers the possibility of analyzing scientificevidence pertaining to the human body and aims to train highly specialized professionals capableof providing multifaceted support to the targeted individuals in terms of their QOL and self-reliance.
This is conducted through the collaboration with specialized professionals such as medical doctors,
physiotherapists and occupational therapists and human resources capable of applying the resultsof research to the creation and adaptation of prostheses and welfare devices.
●Characteristics
We educate human resources who will possess not only production-oriented skills in medicine andwelfare devices but also the ability to cooperate with other types of professionals. The teaching staff
possesses a variety of skills and plays an active and leading role overseas. Most professors haveengaged in a kind of international activities (e.g. studying abroad, education, activities with NGOs)
and hence can provide proper advice to the students who are interested in working abroad.
For the first time in Japan, we have opened a course on shoes and gait. Ahead of all graduate
schools throughout the country, we started a“the Human Science of Shoes” in anticipationof the future fusion of exper tise in the
manufacturing of shoes and prostheses.
●Facilities
We use state-of-the-art tools made in Germany
or in the Netherlands. We consider ourselves
as one of the best institutions in the worldin terms of the number of machines and thebreadth of working space per student.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Rehabilitation Science (M.Rehab.
Sc.) in Prosthetics and Orthotics
5) Field of Safety and Risk Management for Medical Technology●Overview
This field was established in a master's course at a graduate school for the first time in Japan.
Currently, in the field of medical technology in hospitals in Japan, the concepts of quality control,risk management, safety management and international standardization are being introduced for the
improvement of medical safety.
Medical technology safety management is indispensable especially for advanced medical
treatment. We will train our students to become professionals with expertise in this field who canoffer safe medical treatment to patients. We also believe that our contribution to the international
medical community will be further accelerated by incorporating the concept of international
standards in our current medical technology.
●Characteristics
In order to provide safe team medical treatment to patients, it is necessary for staff members
to understand each other's specialty and cooperate with one other. And the operation of risk
management system is essential, too. With this consideration in mind, we engage in constructing
a medical safety management system, analyzed factors in medical accidents and incidents,
providing guidance on the acquisition of ISO 15189 accreditation, and conducting researchon quality control, safety management of medical devices, medical safety, inter-occupational
communication, and international standards for medical examinations. In particular, we endeavor toadvance our research at a global level, keeping abreast with the domestic and international trends
in medical technology and the latest development of international standards.
●Master´s Degree
Master of Medical Science (M.M.Sc.) in Safety and Risk Management for Medical Technology

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Graduate School7) Field of Emergency Medical Sciences * Scheduled to establish in April 2021
●Overview
In the Field of Emergency Medical Sciences, we develop effective paramedic operation systems
and foster human resources with scientific thinking skills. To provide paramedical activities
effectively, it is important for paramedics to acquire knowledge of emergency medical sciences andemergency medical service (EMS) system, and skills needed for intervention and transportation.
Such knowledge and skills should be improved through this field of ours and on-the-job training. In
addition to this, it is necessary to develop more effective activities through discovery from cumulated
data and its generalization and systematization to create appropriate EMS system and academic
frameworks corresponding to changes and development of medical environment.
●Characteristics
The Field of Emergency Medical Sciences includes several research fields, such as resuscitation,
civil education regarding the “chain-of-survival” concept and disaster medicine.
In this field, research subjects are as follows:- Prompt prediction of successful defibrillation from VF waveform in adult patients with out-ofhospital sudden cardiac arrest.
- Development of effective off-the-job training methods for emergency medical personnel in disasters.
- E stablishment of the optimum “Medical Control” system according to the medical resources ofeach rural area.
- Analysis of physical demands related to EMT's activities.
In the field, the faculty members play an active and leading role in each area of expertise, including
the studies of resuscitation, disasters and so on.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Medical Science (M.M.Sc.) in Emergency Medical Sciences

Undergraduate School6) Field of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences●Overview
This field is not only for orthoptists but also for anybody
who is interested in visual sciences. The interdisciplinary
curriculum is focused both on the clinical ophthalmology andon the fundamental visual sciences, including physiology,
psychology, physics, and computer science. The goal of
the field is to raise competent international-minded QOL
supporters who can deal flexibly with the needs of society
and who can engage in team medicine and team care.
●Characteristics
Invention of new inspection methods in ophthalmology
The orthoptist is an expert in the inspection of visual performance. However, many of the current
inspection methods are often difficult to apply to the elderly people and small children. This isbecause these methods require subjective responses from those people and their responses are often
not adequate or accurate for effective diagnoses. Therefore, clinical sites need inspection methods
that can evaluate visual performance efficiently and accurately in a short time. Our field aims to findprinciples of visual performance and to develop new methods of visual performance inspection.
Development of new testing equipment in visual engineering and optics
In ophthalmology, new testing methods have been developed one after another such as opticalcoherence tomography. However, for the developer of testing equipment, it is difficult to examine theclinical content. In our field, students can receive guidance from the interdisciplinary supervisors
with a variety of backgrounds, including clinical medicine and optical engineering.
Study of the visual brain function
Visual information first enters the eye and go through the complex processes in the brain, then theprocessed information is outputted as motor responses such as the movement of eyes, hands, orand other organs. The study of vision is comprised of not only the study of eye balls but also that of
the whole brain functions. We examine the visual brain functions with the methods of psychophysics,
electrophysiology, and functional brain imaging.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Medical Science (M.M.Sc.) in Orthoptics and Visual Sciences233.2.3.

Major in Health Sciences

Undergraduate School
Graduate School
241) Field of Health and Nutrition●Overview
The Field of Health and Nutrition consists of two courses: the “Education Research Course” andthe “Clinical Nutrition Specialist Course”. The former offers programs for advanced study in healthscience that prepares graduates for teaching, research, administrative, and leadership positions at
academic, medical, public health, and other institutions. The latter course provides professionallytrained registered dieticians with comprehensive knowledge about clinical nutrition and advanced
skills in nutritional treatment. This course prepares graduates to be successful in nutrition support
team (NST) in medical institutes. Each faculty member in this field is an experienced professional
who has been involved in research of food science, cookery science, clinical nutrition, nutritional
education, nutrition physiology, gustatory physiology, exercise physiology, motor control, perception,social facilitation, pattern of eating and other nutrition-related areas.
●Characteristics
Fostering highly trained educators and researchers
The “Education Research Course” fosters highly trained educators and researchers in healthscience related to diet, nutrition, and exercise. Specifically, career options at various universities
and vocational schools are conceivable. It is necessary for these professionals to be able to findtheir own research theme and conduct research on their own, organize the results into a research
paper and publish it. The “Education Research Course” offers programs for developing basic skills
involved in research.
Fostering professionally trained registered dietitians
Recently, emphasis has been placed on the importance of nutrition support teams (NST) for abetter nutritional care and management of patients. Therefore, highly trained registered dieticians
are in a great demand in medical institutions. Dieticians in NST require comprehensive knowledge
about clinical nutrition and advanced skills in nutritional treatment. The goal of the “Clinical Nutrition
Specialist Course” is to provide professionally trained registered dieticians with the knowledge andskills necessary for employment by hospitals or nursing care facilities.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Health Science (M.H.Sc.) in Nutrition

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Graduate School3) Field of Nursing●Overview
We have designed a special course in the Field of Nursing. Specialized courses comprise of cancer
nursing, women’s health nursing, child nursing, nursing management, geriatric nursing, mental
health nursing and chronic care nursing, and community care. Health problems and life problems
have become diversified and complicated, and consequently, the environment surrounding nursing
has changed dramatically. In this field, we expect the students to acquire the ability to conduct
theoretical research for nursing practices as well as practical capabilities in nursing. We alsoemphasize the ability to solve problems in terms of the QOL of the people with complex nursing
problems at all levels of health, i.e. from the period of disease prevention, recovery, and up to theend stage diseases.
●Characteristics
There are eight specialized areas in our field:
cancer nursing, women’s health nursing, childnursing, nursing management, geriatric nursing,mental health nursing, chronic care nursing, andcommunity care.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Undergraduate School2) Field of Health and Sports●Overview
In the Field of Health and Sports, we
provide education and research on
human science, social science andnatural science involved in sports andexercises. We reinforce the scientificbase of health and sports throughresearch on methodological problems
in sport science, and at the same time,
we train highly skilled professionals
w h o w i l l c o o rd i n a t e s p o r t s a n d
exercises in a multidisciplinary manner.
In addition, we conduct research on
kinematics in physical training, healtheducation, and coach training.
●Characteristics
Acquisition of specialized licenses (health and physical education)
By obtaining a predetermined unit score, people who already have one type of teacher’s license
for junior and/or high schools (health and physical education) can be granted specialized licenses(health and physical education). If classified according to academic frameworks, the Field ofHealth and Sports that responds to a wide range of research needs involved in sports would be
multidisciplinary and connected to all fields. In order to answer to various needs of graduate
students, we have further divided the field into three areas: the system of sports medical sciences,
sports management, and sports pedagogics. Outstanding staff members capable of responding tovarious tasks are assigned as supervisors.
Plenty of opportunities for employment
Because of its multi-disciplinary nature, our field is related to multifaceted jobs. The graduates are
expected to start careers in a wide variety of places such as educational institutions, government
offices, companies in general, and many others.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Health Science (M.H.Sc.) in Sports25

3.2.4.

Major in Social Welfare

Undergraduate School

1) Field of Policies Planning and Administration for Health and Welfare●Overview
In the Field of Policies Planning and Administration for Health and Welfare, we conduct
interdisciplinary research on the development and implementation of health care and welfare
policies at the local and national levels. By providing the students with necessary skills, we educate
government administrators with advanced skills as policy-makers, who are competent in project
development, its implementation and evaluation. We also train administrators with managerial
abilities in charge of the administrative operations of healthcare and welfare institutions.

Graduate School
262) Field of Management for Health and Welfare●Overview
In the Field of Management for Health and Welfare, we conduct research on the theory of social
work and on practical examples with the main focus on generalist social work practice. In addition,
we conduct theoretical and practical research on care management methods and technology ineach field of health and welfare. And we educate leaders in lifelong training, such as supervisors,
instructors, and care managers in areas related to health and welfare, assistance for the elderly, andsupport for people with disabilities.
●Characteristics
Diversified teaching staff and multidisciplinary education/research system
In our field, the staff with specialized expertise provides education and works on research
integrating theory and practice in various sciences.
Respect for individuality and interactive communication
Classes are given not as a one-sided lecture, but as an opportunity for active discussions and Q & A’s
between graduate students and teachers, or among graduate students themselves.
Selection of career options using highly-specialized knowledge
In choosing their careers, many graduate students make use of the knowledge and the research
results that obtained in this specialty. As a result, they have a good chance of finding a suitable job.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

3.2.5.

Major in Health Informatics and Business Administration

Graduate School

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Undergraduate School

1) Field of Health Informatics and Business Administration●Overview
The Major in Health Informatics and Business Administration opened in April 2014. In the Field
of Health Informatics and Business Administration, we train specialists for a new era of medical
services in which health information and hospital management require highly specialized knowledge
and skills. The purpose of this field is to foster health information managers who can not only
help determine critical paths which delay the improvement of patient satisfaction and quality andefficiency of hospital management, but also assess possible shortcuts for better services.
●Characteristics
Coping with advancement of research, medical practice and education
While striving for an advancement in health science research and education, we will train educators,
researchers as well as highly specialized personnel in clinical settings.
In addition, we developed external education with a system composed of CISCO and two cloudsystems (Dropbox and Google drive) in 2017. This system is for advanced research meetings and is
expected to be effectively utilized for research and education externally.
Coping with systematic and organizational prevention of medical accidents/malpractices
Systematic and structural determination of the causes of medical accidents (malpractices) and theirpreventive measures has become urgent matter in recent years. Experts in the health information
management and hospital management are expected to be key persons in constructing a medical
safety system in the hospital. Main components of clinical governance are: evidence-based
medicine, clinical guideline (e.g. critical path), clinical audit, clinical indicators, and patient safety
Coping with medical insurance system
Since the introduction of a new medical insurance system of DPC (Diagnosis Procedure Combination)in 2003, the work of Health Information Manager (HIM) has become essential for the smooth operationof the system. Thus, mastering the necessary knowledge and skills is highly required and this canbe achieved through a better understanding of ICD-10 by WHO, knowledge of medical information
technology, the medical insurance system, compliance issues for healthcare providers, and advanced
skills of medical clerk for supporting doctors’ daily examination and research activities.
Coping with advanced and increased hospital administrative work in the aging society
As doctors’ administrative work advances and increases, we are more required to foster specialists
in information technology and improve their systematic skills in order to maintain or, better yet,
improve the quality of medical services and guarantee patient’s safety.
Coping with changing social conditions and system reforms
We aim to foster professionals with technical and comprehensive knowledge and skills required
across all the services of health and welfare. We expect our students to contribute to thedevelopment and maintenance of the welfare systems of local communities.
●Master’s Degree
Master of Health Informatics and Business Administration (M.H.I & B.A.)

27

3.3. Educational Programs

Undergraduate School
Graduate School28

3.3.1. Education Research ProgramThis program is intended for those who want to 1) study scientific subjects of their own interest, 2)
have higher professional knowledge, 3) become leading professionals or educators in their fields, and
4) become researches in the future. We support our students so that they can not only obtain higher
professional knowledge but also master theories and skills needed for research and presentations.
They are expected to complete a master’s thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.
3.3.2. Advanced Specialized Professional Program●Clinical Nurse Specialist (Cancer Nursing) Course
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a qualification awarded to nurses who have passed the ClinicalNurse Specialist Qualification review conducted by the Japanese Nursing Association. To obtain thisqualification it is necessary to complete a master’s program at a nursing graduate school grantedby the Japan Association of Nursing Programs in Universities. The cancer nursing curriculum of thisuniversity satisfies this condition.
●Clinical Manual Therapy Course
The Clinical Manual Therapy Course includes clinical practice and is more practical than the
Education Research Program which concentrates on research. The goal of this course is to acquire
advanced knowledge and skills useful in clinical practices, which has been a long-standing need offront-line physiotherapists.
●Acute Phase Physical Therapy Course
Acute Phase Physical Therapy Course is based on clinical practice and clinical research provided
in Kobe City General Hospital and our university. The goal of this course is to acquire advanced
knowledge and skills in acute phase physical therapy and in clinical research, which has been a longstanding need from front-line physical therapists working in acute phase.
●Clinical Nutrition Specialist Course
Emphasis has recently been placed on the importance of nutrition support team (NST) in the nutritionalcare and management of patients. The dieticians in NST require comprehensive knowledge aboutclinical nutrition and advanced skills in nutritional treatment. The goal of this program is to provide
these knowledge and skills to professionally trained registered dieticians who may be employed at
hospitals or nursing care facilities.
●Certified Social Worker Course
The purpose of this course is to provide counseling and assistance. By drawing on their highly
specialized knowledge and skills, the workers are able to provide personalized support, coordinate
with experts in other fields, and enhance community welfare in dealing with welfare issues in many
areas. Our graduate students can earn credits (common core courses and specialized courses in
welfare for the elderly) to become certified social workers by taking certain courses in the graduate
program in social work.
3.3.3. Collaborating Program with the Japan International Cooperation Agency●Purpose of the program
The graduate students who take this program can work in their assigned foreign country as a memberof the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). The purpose of this program is to enhance thestudent’s qualities and skills as a valuable human asset for international health cooperation throughpractical experiences in a foreign country.
●Characteristics
1. The students can receive instructions from the graduate
course teachers while staying in an assigned country
and obtain the master’s degree by summarizing theirexperiences and reflections into a research paper.
2. They can improve skills for effective international healthcooperation before/after starting their new posts asmembers of JOCV by through practical exercises focusedon health problems in developing countries.
3. They can refer to the experiences of others through the network of people related to the graduate
course and JOCV when they need to consider their local duties and future careers.
Note :The applicants need to have Japanese nationality and pass the screening test by JICA.
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

3.4. Doctoral Course

Graduate School

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Undergraduate School

3.4.1. Objectives●Philosophy and purpose
In the Doctoral Course, our philosophy is to go beyond the framework of each field (i.e. health,
medical care and welfare) and provide integrated services to citizens according to theirlifestyles, diseases or disorders. We educate the students and have them carry out research ininterdisciplinary areas. We train outstanding educators, researchers and professional leaders.
There are three interdisciplinary research fields. First, in the field of “Mind and Body Functions”
we conduct research on motion, behavior, sensation and higher brain functions through basic andclinical studies, with the purpose of preventing and reducing disorders. Second, in the field of the“Welfare Ergonomics”, we aim to support elderly people and those with disabilities so that they
can live independently. We do so through an effective adaptation of a barrier-free environment andwelfare tools. Thirdly, in the field of “Community and Global Health and Welfare”, we research on theevidence, projects and policies related to health promotion and welfare in the region. This is to build
up a better society. We teach scientific theories about health and welfare, and apply them to basic
research, clinical studies, and investigative research, which are the core of professional learning ineach specialty. In addition, our aim is to produce results that can contribute to the development of
the society.
3.4.2. Major in Health and Welfare●Overview
In this major, we aim to train human resources capable of consistent multidisciplinary carethrough health, medical care and welfare. Through the three fields of research mentioned above,
we train professionals capable of responding to complicated environmental changes in health,
medical care and welfare. As for the students’ career options after the completion of the course,
they may continue to be engaged in universities, graduate schools, training institutions, researchorganizations, or medical institutions. As advanced professionals who share a common view, our
graduates will meet the needs of the current time through multidisciplinary care and are expected toplay an active role in each field.
●Characteristics
Since there are only a small number of doctoral programs in health and welfare in Japan, ourstudents will be able to conduct research that meets the needs of society.
The current situation is that only a few graduate schools have a Ph. D. program in this field and ouruniversity is one of them. Particularly in our university, we expect the students to become educators,
researchers, highly specialized professionals and policy-makers, and to develop this field of study
throughout the whole of society.
Curriculum focused on research and on research theses
The doctoral course is a three-year program, and the curriculum is composed of 10 required creditsof which six pertain to research (academic dissertation), and is mainly focused on the writing oftheses.
Flexible timetable with a small number of students
C lass schedules can be determined according to the convenience of the students and theprofessors who attend the course; therefore, students can also take the classes from a remotelocation. Because classes are given in the evenings or on Saturdays, students can also work
during their period of study. In the case of foreign students from overseas, they can consult withthe professors and conduct research that involves both their home country and Japan, and write athesis.
Professors from various academic disciplines providing support for researchOur graduate school has specialists who play an active role in multiple areas of specialties involved
in health and welfare. Therefore, various subjects are instructed with full support of professionals
from medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, nursing,sport science, prosthetics & orthotics and assistive technology, welfare equipment technology,
biomechanics, engineering, and social works.
●Doctoral Degree
Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc)

29

Voices ofInternational
Students
Sandanifrom Sri Lanka
Hi, my name is Sandani Samarasinghe. I
came from Sri Lanka. I had wanted to go
to Japan since I was a high school student
and started learning Japanese. I graduatedfrom University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, andworked as a Japanese instructor in thebureau of foreign employment. At that time
there was a technical internship program
between Japan and Sri Lanka.I got a rareopportunity to be a part of the programand it made me interested in the field of
elderly care and care giving. I was able
to find the information about NUHW anddue to my past working experience ofJapanese student visa field I have heard a
lot about NSG Group.
Currently I’m doing my research andcontinuing thesis in the field of social
welfare, under the supervision andguidance of people who are experts intheir area of studies. Also I have valuable
opportunities to improve my Japanese
proficiency as well as English by joining
university English club. There are so many
activities and student support programs in
NUHW and I can highly recommend themto international students. Niigata, Japan,
itself is a very nice city with two million
inhabitants, and is one of the greenest
among Japanese cities. In summary, I
will always keep my stay in Niigata ingood memories. I have gathered a lot ofexperiences. They are not only a benefit
to my knowledge but also in my character.
I will try to keep up some habits I havelearned in Japan.

30

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

No.

3

4. Special Features of NUHW
4.1. University-Designated Sports Clubs

Swimming ClubThe 30th Universiade Napoli 2019:
Men’s 50m Freestyle, Men’s 50m Butterfly and Women’s 100m Breaststroke: Silver Medal
Track and Field ClubThe 87th All Japan University (national intercollegiate) 2018:
Men’s High-jump: Gold Medal
The 88th Japan National University Championships 2019:
Men’s High-jump: Gold Medal

Special Features of NUHW

Our university designates 10 competitive sport clubs as enhanced support clubs with the aim
to foster top athletes and instructors. Taking full advantage of being a comprehensive university
specialized in the fields of medicine, welfare, sports, and nutrition, NUHW is well organized to support
its athletes by multi-professional specialized staff including sports trainers, rehabilitators, and nutrition
counselors.

Men’s Soccer Club
Produced many J.LEAGUE (professional soccer league) players
Women’s Soccer Club
Produced many Nadeshiko LEAGUE (women’s soccer league) players
Men’s Basketball ClubThe 70th All Japan University (national intercollegiate) Men’s Basketball Tournaments:
5th Participation since the creation of the club in 2005
Women’s Basketball ClubThe 71st All Japan University (national intercollegiate) Women’s Basketball Tournament:
11th Participation since the creation of the club in 2005
Women’s Volleyball Club
Produced many V.LEAGUE (professional volleyball league) players
The 66th Imperial Princess Chichibu Cup All Japan University (national Intercollegiate) Women’s
Volleyball Championship:
Participated for six consecutive years
Baseball Club
Produced two NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) players
Dance ClubThe 32nd All Japan Dance Festival Kobe / Original Dance Competition University Section:
Won the Special Award
Table Tennis ClubThe 67th Fall Session of Hokushinetsu Regional Student Table Tennis Championship 2019 (Division 2):
Won the 1st place and promoted to Division 1

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

31

4.2. Interprofessional Education
Learning Team Approach in Interprofessional Education (IPE)–Beyond the Departmental Borders
Since NUHW is a comprehensive university consisted of various departments related to health, welfare
and sports professions, students are expected to learn some of the characteristics of other professions
Special Features of NUHW

as well as practical skills useful for team work to serve as a member of “QOL supporters” in the future.
As is shown in the Fig. 1 below, the core curriculum is composed of subjects related to IPE and are
cumulatively learned from the first year onwards, aiming to produce competent team workers.
In IPE Seminar II, an IPE subject for seniors, the students from different departments make teams andtry to solve some specific problems that clients, real or virtual, may experience in life. Throughout thisseminar, the participants discuss the problems of the clients and/or their families earnestly in orderto establish the best care plans for them. They make presentations of the plans on the last day of theseminar.
During the trial phase of IPE from 2004 to 2007, our university was the only one that conducted IPE in
the district of Niigata. Last few years, four different universities around the city of Niigata join our IPE
seminar. Moreover, international students from abroad, that is, from the Philippines (Angeles University
Foundation and the University of Santo Thomas) and from Taiwan (National Yang-Ming University andChun Shan Medical University), and from Vietnam (Hai Duong Medical Technical University) are also
participating in the seminar. Thus, the circle of IPE is spreading widely.

Core Curriculum and Interprofessional Education

1st
Yr

2nd
Yr

ing
Shar ion
Miss

3rd
Yr

ing
Knowlems
Prob

4th
Yr

g
lopin
Deve IPhroac
App●IPL of Health & Welfare●Basic Seminar●Study of QOL●IPL Seminar Ⅰ●Introduction toTeam Approach●Risk management of
Health & Welfare

king
Wor ther
Toge●IPL Seminar Ⅱ●Regional IPL seminar

Basic Liberal Arts ⇒ Basic and specialized IP subjects⇒

Professional practices

Note: IP = Interprofessional; QOL = Quality of Life; IPL = Interprofessional Learning
Cf. CAIPE Defining IPE. https://www.caipe.org/about-us

Fig. 1 Educational goals of interprofessional education and the corresponding subjects for each academic year
32

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

5. International Activities
5.1. History
International Exchange Committee was organized. Since then, the committee has been playing animportant role in the international affairs of the university. The purposes of this committee have been:
1) to develop good relationships with foreign universities and academic institutions and to upgrade
the ability of research and education of NUHW; 2) to propagate scientific knowledge and experiencesof the university to the world; and 3) to improve students’ proficiency in English, and to have themobtain sufficient ability to work abroad. Initially, the committee focused on international collaboration
on health issues through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and was under theInternational Activities

Niigata University of Health and Welfare was established in 2001. Just after its establishment, thepolicies of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Now the committee is responsible for establishinga memorandum of understanding (MOU) with foreign universities.
In 2016, the International Center took over the functions of the International Exchange Committee andits acting committee was launched for the purpose of further expanding supports for international
students.

5.2. International Cooperation Activities
NUHW and Hai Duong Medical Technical University in Vietnam started “The Project for Creating A
Model of Visiting Home Care Patients in Hai Duong City in Cooperation with Healthcare Professionals
in Communes” in 2020, which was adopted as JICA Partnership Program (JPP). JPP is a technicalcooperation implemented by JICA to contribute to the social aid and economic development ofdeveloping countries at the grass-roots level in collaboration with partners in Japan.
The objective of the project is to develop an interprofessional home care model in cooperation
with health workers in the local areas to support home care patients and their families through theimplementation of interprofessional education (IPE) at Hai Duong Medical Technical University andhome care practice in the community in Hai Duong city.

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

33

5.3. Affiliated Universities and Institutions (as of 2020)
NUHW has so far agreed on academic cooperation with the following 20 universities/faculties:
1) The Far Eastern State Medical University, (FESMU), Khabarovsk, Russia
2) California State University, Fresno, CA, U.S.A.
3) Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Angeles City, Philippines
International Activities

4) The University of Hawaii, at Manoa (UH Manoa), Honolulu, HI, U.S.A.
5) The University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila, Philippines
6) The University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, Norfolk, UK
7) Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
8) Kyonggi University, Suwon City, Korea
9) Hong Bang International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
10) National Yang Ming University, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
11) Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Hai Duong City, Vietnam
12) Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
13) The Catholic University of Pusan, Pusan, Korea
14) Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science, Cyberjaya, Malaysia
15) Pacific National University, Khabarovsk, Russia
16) Hung Kuang Universitity, Taichung City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
17) Fooyin University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
18) The Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Center (SNMRC), Nonthaburi, Thailand
19) Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.), and
20) The Philippine Cerebral Palsy Incorporated, Makati, Philippines

34

Niigata University of Health and Welfare 2020-2023

Messagefrom the President
As the President of the Niigata University of Healthand Welfare, it is my great pleasure to introduce
our university to you. Our university was establishedin 2001 and the spirit of its foundation is to cultivate“effective QOL supporters”, health care professionals
who can assist and enrich Quality of Life of theirclients in the field of comprehensive health caresystems of Japan and throughout the world.
Our Undergraduate School now has six Faculties(Rehabilitation Sciences, Medical Technologies,
Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Welfare, andHealthcare Management) and 13 Departments.
The total number of students is about 4,500 andthey are taking a wide variety of courses in these
Departments.
The Graduate School was opened in 2005, andnow has four master’s courses with majors in
Medical and Rehabilitation Sciences (Master ofMedical Science / Rehabilitation Science), Health
Sciences (Master of Health Science / Sciencein Nursing), Social Welfare (Master of SocialWork), and Health Informatics and Business
Administration (Master of Health Informatics andBusiness Administration). In addition, the Graduate
School has one doctoral course with a major in
Health and Welfare (Doctor of Health Science). As
of July 1, 2020, there are 98 students in themaster’s courses and 52 in the doctoral course.
Our faculty members and staff have been making
enormous efforts as “One Team” in “One Campus”
to foster effective QOL supporters. To this end, agreat emphasis has been placed on Interprofessional
Education (IPE) in the university curriculum since
its foundation because IPE is regarded as themost effective way to have the students learn teamapproach beyond borders among Departments.
We would like to encourage students with scientificinterests in professional health care to participate
in actual fields of health care as “effective QOL
supporters” in the future. We have been promotingworldwide collaborative research with professionals
abroad, especially with those of Asian countries.
We are looking forward to producing scientificachievements with international communities ofhealth care professionals who share a common
interest in health science and care.

Masatoyo Nishizawa , MD, PhD
President of Niigata University of Health and Welfare

Editorial members
Yusuke Oribe (Editor in Chief)
Rika Imanishi
Rie Imai (Proof Reader)
Yoshimitsu Takahashi
Akane Ohno (Administrative Staff)

Special thanks to
Masayoshi Kubo (Chief of International Center)
Osamu Masuda (Deputy Chief of International Center)
Hirotake Yokota
Satoru Amano
Sayuri Ito
Kaoru Abe
Yutaka Takei
Kenichi Shibuya
Katsuo Kanda
Yusuke Kurebayashi
Kosuke Takano
Naomi Sugahara (Administrative Staff)
Hiroyoshi Arashida (Administrative Staff)

Contact Information
International Center
Niigata University of Health and Welfare
1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata
950-3198 JAPANURL: http://www.nuhw.ac.jp/e/published in September 2020

N IIGATA U N IV ERS ITY OF HEAL TH AND WEL F ARE

www.nuhw.ac.jp/e/www.nuhw.ac.jp/e/0101 1.1.Message
Message
from
from
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the
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1398Shimami-cho,
Shimami-cho,Kita-ku,
Kita-ku,Niigata-shi,
Niigata-shi,Niigata,
Niigata,950-3198
950-3198JAPAN
JAPAN

2.1.
2.1.Structural
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2.2.
2.2.Department
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Univer sity C atalog 2020-20 23

Contents
Contents

2.3.
2.3.Department
Departmentof ofOccupational
Occupational
Therapy
Therapy

2.4.
2.4.Department
Department
of of
Speech,Speech,Language,
Language,andandH