PNWU’s mission is once again earning national recognition, with our School of Occupational Therapy (SOT) ranked among the top 25% of all OT programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
“These national rankings are proof that a university can stay true to its mission and still achieve excellence,” said Dr. Heather Fritz, Founding Dean of the School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. “At PNWU, we don’t compromise on our commitment to underserved communities — and these recognitions affirm that our mission-driven approach is working.”
Launched in 2021, the School of Occupational Therapy was established to meet critical health care workforce needs across the rural and medically underserved communities of the Northwest. In just a few short years, it has already emerged as a national leader — delivering an education rooted in evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and hands-on experience.
“We are fulfilling our mission with excellence, and we’re a young university making an impact far beyond our years.”
“These rankings mean something real: that underserved communities are finally starting to receive the health care they urgently need,” said Dr. Wayne Miller, PNWU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “They are direct reflection of our deep and unwavering commitment to our mission, which is threaded through everything we do at PNWU. We are fulfilling our mission with excellence, and we’re a young university making an impact far beyond our years.”
In addition to this outstanding recognition for OT, U.S. News & World Report also once again honored PNWU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM) for its mission-aligned outcomes:
- 3rd in the nation for Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
- 4th in the nation for Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care
- 10th in the nation for Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
“This recognition affirms that our mission isn’t just words on paper — it’s measurable, it’s visible, and it’s working,” said Dr. Robbyn Wacker, Interim President of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. “Every step forward is taken with the same purpose that launched this university: to serve,” she said. “To be rising in the rankings without compromising our mission is not just a milestone — it’s a promise kept.”
Founded as a grassroots non-profit university in 2005 by Yakima community leaders, PNWU was created to combat health care shortages in underserved areas across the Pacific Northwest. Since graduating our first class of physicians in 2012, we’ve sent more than 1,500 DOs — and soon a growing number of additional healthcare professionals, including OTs, PTs, dentists and more — into communities across the region.
“This is a milestone for our institution and our communities — because when we rise, so do the people we serve.”
“Our students and alumni embody the promise of health equity and access,” added Dr. Fritz. “They bring our values into the communities they serve, delivering care with compassion, skill, and purpose. This is a milestone for our institution and our communities — because when we rise, so do the people we serve.”