Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, CA
Quick Facts
“Educare, Sanare, Coniunctim (Latin)”(To Teach, To Heal, Together)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Western University of Health Sciences
Pioneering health education across over 20 programs and two dynamic campuses.
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) stands as a beacon of health education, a private research university rooted in a commitment "To Teach, To Heal, Together." Founded in 1977 in Pomona, California, WesternU has grown to serve over 3,700 students with more than twenty academic programs spanning a wide array of health professions. It distinguishes itself not only through its comprehensive offerings but also by operating extensive patient care facilities in California and Oregon, providing invaluable real-world experience for its students and vital services to communities.
WesternU's history is marked by innovation and leadership. It began as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), the first osteopathic medical school west of the Rocky Mountains after a complex period in medical education. This pioneering spirit continued as WesternU established the first new veterinary medical school in the United States since 1983, and later expanded to include colleges of dental medicine, optometry, and podiatric medicine. This continuous growth underscores its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.
Academically, WesternU fosters a rigorous yet collaborative environment. Students benefit from professional accreditation across all programs and advanced learning tools, such as a Virtual Reality Learning Center that revolutionizes anatomy education. Beyond the classroom, WesternU is deeply integrated into community health, with its patient care centers offering services from medical and dental care to eye care and veterinary services. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are not only exceptionally skilled but also deeply empathetic, ready to make a significant impact in primary care, a field where WesternU consistently ranks among the nation's top institutions.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1977 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific.
- ✦Offers over twenty academic programs across two main campuses in Pomona, CA, and Lebanon, OR.
- ✦Pioneered as the first osteopathic medical school west of the Rocky Mountains.
- ✦Founded the first new veterinary medical school in the U.S. since 1983.
- ✦Ranked 13th nationally for the percentage of medical graduates entering primary care residencies (U.S. News & World Report, 2019).
- ✦Utilizes a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Learning Center for anatomy education across multiple colleges.
- ✦Operates comprehensive patient care facilities, including medical, dental, eye, pharmacy, and pet health centers.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
10 notable schools within Western University of Health Sciences
College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
The founding medical school, offering the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.).
College of Pharmacy
Established in 1996, contributing to pharmaceutical education.
College of Graduate Nursing
Established in 1997, known for California's first online Family Nurse Practitioner program.
College of Veterinary Medicine
Opened in 1998 as the first new veterinary medical school in the U.S. since 1983.
College of Dental Medicine
Opened in 2009, providing comprehensive dental education and services.
College of Optometry
Opened in 2009, focusing on eye care education and optometry services.
College of Podiatric Medicine
Opened in 2009, dedicated to education in podiatric medicine.
College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest
An additional medical school campus opened in Lebanon, Oregon in 2011.
Physician Assistant Program
Opened in 1990, evolving into a master's level program by 2000.
Physical Therapy Program
Opened in 1992, with a Doctor of Physical Therapy program launched in Lebanon, Oregon in 2021.
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