Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences, founded in 1977 in Pomona, California, stands as a premier private research university dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare. With its motto, "Educare, Sanare, Coniunctim" (To Teach, To Heal, Together), WesternU embodies a collaborative, patient-centered approach to education. Home to over 3,700 students across more than twenty academic programs, WesternU is renowned for its innovative interprofessional education and its extensive network of patient care facilities, impacting communities in both California and Oregon.

The university began its remarkable journey as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), pioneering osteopathic medical education west of the Rocky Mountains. This founding in 1977 marked a significant moment in medical history, helping to bridge gaps in health education. Over the decades, WesternU strategically expanded its offerings, becoming a full university in 1996 and establishing groundbreaking programs like the first new veterinary medical school in the U.S. since 1983. This commitment to meeting evolving healthcare needs defines its historical path.

WesternU's academic strengths lie in its diverse array of professional health programs, spanning medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, and more. Students benefit from a hands-on, collaborative learning environment, including access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Virtual Reality Learning Center and the Patient Care Centers. The university fosters a vibrant student experience by integrating real-world practice through its own clinics and supporting various nonprofit health organizations. Graduates are well-prepared for impactful careers, with the medical school notably ranking 13th nationally for graduates entering primary care residencies.

Beyond its educational mission, WesternU is a vital community partner, operating comprehensive patient care facilities ranging from medical and dental centers to a Pet Health Center. As the fourth-largest employer in Pomona, it contributes significantly to regional economic health. With its dual campuses in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon, WesternU continues to expand its reach and influence, consistently adapting to healthcare advancements and preparing a new generation of compassionate, skilled health professionals.