Private health sciences university training osteopathic physicians and allied health professionals for rural and underserved communities.
PNWU offers five graduate and professional programs: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (4-year), Doctor of Physical Therapy (3-year), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2-year), Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (1-year), and Doctor of Dental Medicine (4-year). The College of Osteopathic Medicine is the largest program, with years 1–2 focused on classroom-based learning including gross anatomy, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and basic sciences, followed by years 3–4 of clinical rotations across 18 sites in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. PNWU partners with Washington State University to host WSU PharmD and Nursing students on campus.
The 64-acre campus features Butler-Haney Hall (anatomy lab, OMT lab, classrooms, library), Cadwell Center (classrooms and WSU PharmD lab), Watson Hall (School of Physical Therapy and WSU College of Nursing), the Multicare Learning Center (53,000 sq ft with in-patient/out-patient simulation labs, occupational therapy performance lab, pediatric sensory gym), and Delta Dental Equity Hall (dental program, opened February 2024). The University Conference Center provides additional classroom and study space.
As of Fall 2023, PNWU enrolls 650 students, with 52.8% female and 46.7% male matriculants. The average student age is 26; 23% are from rural areas and 29% from medically underserved areas. Matriculants are primarily from the five-state region (70% in 2023–24), with 54.3% from Washington. Students participate in clubs, student government, volunteer opportunities at the Union Gospel Mission Medical Clinic, the Roots to Wings co-mentorship program, and faculty research through the Office of Scholarly Activity.
All PNWU programs use the Centralized Application System (CAS). Applications are currently open for Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Master of Science in Occupational Therapy applications open July 17, 2026. Prospective students should contact the Office of Admission at admission@pnwu.edu or 509.249.7888.
PNWU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. The university's mission is to educate and train healthcare professionals emphasizing service in rural and medically underserved communities, primarily in the Northwest. The inaugural medical school class graduated in May 2012 with 69 students earning the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.