Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) is proud to celebrate 20 years of service, growth, and excellence in health sciences education.
Founded on February 16, 2005, PNWU was established as a nonprofit through the vision of local community leaders who sought to address the healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved areas in the Pacific Northwest. Today, PNWU stands as a beacon of innovation and commitment to our region’s healthcare workforce.
When the university was founded, it marked the first new medical school in the Pacific Northwest in 60 years. Since that historic moment, PNWU has remained steadfast in its mission: to prepare healthcare professionals to serve rural and underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. With over 1,500 alumni who embody this mission, PNWU has earned a national reputation for excellence in mission-driven education and service.
A Vision Fulfilled: Growth and Community Impact
PNWU began with a singular focus on providing exceptional health sciences education through its College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). Since its inception, the University has expanded into a five-program institution, with PNWU now offering graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, a Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program, and in Fall of 2025, its first class in the new School of Dental Medicine.
In just two decades, PNWU has built a thriving, 70-acre health sciences campus that serves as a collaborative hub for healthcare education. This campus is home to not only PNWU’s programs but also community partnerships with esteemed institutions like Washington State University’s Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy, as well as healthcare providers such as MultiCare Health System and Delta Dental of Washington. This collaborative environment enables students to benefit from diverse, hands-on training while contributing to the well-being of the community.
Today, PNWU has more than 650 students actively engaged in their studies across the University’s programs. The continued commitment to mission fulfillment is evident through the dedication of PNWU’s faculty, staff, and students, who are passionate about addressing healthcare disparities in underserved areas. Graduates of PNWU are renowned for their practice in rural communities, medically underserved areas, and primary care, and the University’s commitment to serving these areas remains stronger than ever.
Nationally Recognized for Mission Fulfillment
PNWU is proud to be nationally ranked for its mission fulfillment, with alumni who continue to make a profound impact in rural healthcare settings. As a leader in training healthcare providers to meet the unique challenges of underserved communities, PNWU’s graduates play an essential role in improving health outcomes and access to care throughout the region.
“We are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of PNWU’s vision and the lasting impact our graduates are making in communities throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Dr. Robbyn Wacker, Interim President of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. “This is just the beginning. As we continue our work, our ability to support our communities grows, with our steadfast commitment to rural healthcare, access to primary care, and excellence in education guiding us.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Rural Healthcare
In just twenty years, PNWU’s Yakima campus has evolved into a hub of health sciences innovation and education. Featuring six impressive buildings designed for mission-fulfillment, including innovative healthcare research and training facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the campus continues to grow, with a seventh building currently under construction.
In addition to the forthcoming School of Dental Medicine, PNWU continues exploring new opportunities to expand its educational offerings and partnerships to ensure the next generation of healthcare professionals are prepared to meet the evolving needs of rural and medically underserved communities.
