WesternU and Oregon State University partnership establishes a DO and DPT Pathway Program
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) and Oregon State University (OSU) signed an agreement to establish the WesternU-OSU Pathway Program designed for OSU pre-health students who wish to matriculate as candidates for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, or the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest).
The aim is to foster the development of motivated, high-achieving students who show exceptional promise, to enrich their academic experience through expanded educational opportunities, and to broaden access to doctoral education for students across the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon State students accepted into the pathway program are guaranteed an interview at COMP-Northwest or CHS-Northwest, with the latter also waiving the application fee.
“This collaboration creates an incredible opportunity for OSU students interested in osteopathic medicine and physical therapy who want to stay connected to their roots while earning a top-tier education,” said OSU Associate Director of Health Professions Advising Maureen Leong-Kee, MA. “Applying to professional schools can be stressful and full of unknowns, but now students who have excelled academically and professionally will benefit from streamlined access to apply, interview, and matriculate at this outstanding institution. This initiative underscores OSU’s commitment to expanding pathways for students pursuing careers in the health professions.”
“COMP-Northwest’s partnership with OSU reflects a shared commitment to advancing health care in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said COMP-Northwest Site Dean Heather Phipps, DO, MBA, FAAOS. “This pathway program is designed to open doors for students who aspire to become osteopathic physicians. By providing a clear route to admission and the support necessary to succeed, we are cultivating a diverse physician workforce that will serve patients and communities, particularly in Oregon’s rural and underserved areas.”
“We at CHS-Northwest are excited about this new pathway agreement between our Doctor of Physical Therapy program and OSU,” said CHS-Northwest Site Dean Jonathan Perry, MSc, PhD. “More than ever, there is a dire need for health care practitioners both locally and nationally. An agreement of this nature represents a commitment to the shared responsibility and opportunity to close this gap in health care supply. It is a leap forward in strengthening the network between undergraduate and graduate programs and between separate institutions of higher learning in Oregon. I appreciate all the hard work that went into this agreement from both personnel at Western University of Health Sciences and Oregon State University.”
