Becoming a physician or physical therapist has always been a challenging journey. Students face years of preparation, competitive admissions, and the financial hurdles of applying to multiple graduate programs. For undergraduates in the Pacific Northwest, that path has now become more streamlined thanks to a new partnership between Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) and the University of Oregon (UO).
The two universities have established the WesternU–UO Pathway Program, designed to provide qualified UO students with a direct route into WesternU’s doctoral programs. Specifically, the initiative connects UO’s pre-health undergraduates to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at COMP-Northwest, which is in the process of being renamed the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at CHS-Northwest.
The collaboration between WesternU and UO is rooted in a shared vision: to prepare more healthcare professionals for the Pacific Northwest. The region, like much of the country, is grappling with shortages of both primary care physicians and rehabilitation specialists. These shortages place added pressure on healthcare systems and create barriers to care, especially in rural areas. By establishing a structured pathway, the two institutions aim to identify talented students early, nurture their potential, and ultimately encourage them to stay in the region as practicing healthcare providers.
Students who are accepted into the pathway program gain a significant advantage. They are guaranteed an interview at either COMP-Northwest or CHS-Northwest, depending on their chosen field of study. In addition, those applying to the DPT program benefit from an application fee waiver, reducing the financial burden that often comes with graduate school applications. Together, these benefits provide a clearer, more supportive process for students preparing to enter the next stage of their education.
The pathway program is more than just a shortcut to graduate school interviews. It is intended to foster academic success by identifying individuals who demonstrate the motivation, discipline, and academic ability to thrive in both their undergraduate studies at UO and their doctoral training at WesternU.
For UO students, particularly those pursuing pre-health tracks, this program represents a way to align their undergraduate coursework with long-term career goals. It also ensures that students are not navigating the transition to doctoral-level training on their own. Instead, they have access to guidance, resources, and a sense of direction that makes the demanding path to healthcare careers less intimidating.
WesternU, known for its focus on community-based, patient-centered education, benefits from attracting students who are not only academically strong but also committed to serving the needs of their communities. The pathway is a way of cultivating future graduates who embody both professional excellence and compassion for patients.
At the University of Oregon, advisors see this initiative as a direct response to growing student interest in healthcare careers. With many undergraduates aspiring to enter physical therapy or osteopathic medicine, the pathway program gives them tangible opportunities to strengthen their applications and reduce barriers to admission. The guaranteed interviews and waived fees are designed to ease both the psychological stress of the admissions process and the financial challenges students often face.
From WesternU’s perspective, the partnership represents an extension of its mission to train healthcare professionals who are not only skilled but also dedicated to improving access to care. Leaders at COMP-Northwest highlight that the program supports the creation of a new generation of osteopathic physicians who will embrace holistic, patient-centered approaches to medicine. At CHS-Northwest, administrators describe the collaboration as a natural pairing of two institutions whose strengths complement one another, united by the common goal of improving healthcare in Oregon.
The implications of this partnership go far beyond the academic lives of the students who enroll. By investing in educational opportunities that make it easier for motivated individuals to pursue advanced healthcare degrees, WesternU and UO are addressing a workforce need that has significant consequences for public health.
Osteopathic physicians are increasingly recognized for their whole-person approach to care, combining medical knowledge with a focus on the interconnectedness of body systems and lifestyle factors. Physical therapists, meanwhile, play an essential role in rehabilitation, recovery, and chronic disease management. With an aging population and a rise in conditions requiring long-term therapy, the demand for DPT graduates is climbing. By creating a stronger, more predictable pipeline into these fields, the partnership helps ensure that communities across Oregon and the wider Pacific Northwest will have greater access to the care they need.
Western University of Health Sciences, founded in 1977, is a nonprofit and independent health professions university with campuses in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon. The university offers degrees in a wide array of fields, including biotechnology, dental medicine, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine. Its clinical arm, WesternU Health, integrates patient care with student training, emphasizing collaboration across health professions.
The Lebanon campus is home to both COMP-Northwest and CHS-Northwest and serves as the central hub for the new pathway program. Through this initiative, WesternU further cements its role as a key provider of healthcare education in the Pacific Northwest.
The WesternU–UO Pathway Program represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare education. Rather than leaving aspiring physicians and physical therapists to navigate the admissions process alone, the program builds bridges, reduces barriers, and provides concrete opportunities for success.
For students, it means clarity, support, and a realistic chance to achieve their goals. For the community, it means more qualified healthcare providers trained in a philosophy of compassion and service. And for both institutions, it underscores the power of collaboration in shaping a healthier future.
As the program develops and welcomes new participants, its success will be measured not only by the number of students it admits but also by the difference those graduates make in the communities they serve. By clearing the path for tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, WesternU and the University of Oregon are helping to build a future where access to care is broader, stronger, and more equitable.
