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Western University of Health Sciences

Collage of WesternU graduates at commencement

One of America's leading universities admired for its vision, education and innovation.

"Skilled hands and compassionate hearts will continue to be the signature of all our
graduates - exactly what is needed in health care today."
- Founding President Philip Pumerantz

Founded in 1977, Western University of Health Sciences is a nonprofit, graduate university
for the health professions. The university campus includes nine major buildings located on
22 acres in downtown Pomona.

WesternU is one of the largest graduate schools for the health professions in California. Alumni rank among the very top leaders in health care and medicine throughout the country and the world.

All of the health care programs have professional accreditations, and the university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

WesternU students in clinical practice

Major Goals

  • To provide top quality, learner-centered educational programs in selected graduate medical sciences to educate a health workforce that meets the needs of the State of California and the western United States.

  • To link educational, research, and service activities and programs in a learner-centered environment through partnerships with academic health centers and other health and education related organizations to improve the quality of life of the surrounding communities.

  • To provide top quality education programs so that our graduates get the best residencies, best career opportunities, and pass all required board licensing and certification exams.


Colleges and Degrees Offered

  • College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (founding college)
    • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

  • College of Allied Health Professions
    • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
    • Master of Science (MS) in Health Professions Education
    • Master of Science (MS) in Physician Assistant Studies

  • College of Graduate Nursing
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
    • Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN/FNP)
    • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
    • Master of Science Nursing Entry (MSN-E)
    • Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate

  • College of Pharmacy
    • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
    • Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies (MSPS)

  • College of Veterinary Medicine
    • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

  • College of Podiatric Medicine
    • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

  • College of Dental Medicine
    • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

  • College of Optometry
    • Doctor of Optometry (OD)

  • Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences
    • Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
    • Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS)

Student Demographics

  • 3,555 students are attending the university during the 2012/2013 academic year.
  • Gender - 62% of the students are female, 38% are male.
  • Average age is 28.
  • Student ethnicity
    • Asian/Pacific Islander 37%
    • White, Non-Hispanic 38%
    • Race/Ethnicity Unknown 16%
    • Hispanic 5%
    • Black, Non-Hispanic 3%
    • Native American 1%

  • Enrollment by college
    • COMP - 1110
    • Allied Health Professions - 391
    • Graduate Nursing - 313
    • Pharmacy - 560
    • Veterinary Medicine - 409
    • Optometry - 329
    • Dental Medicine - 279
    • Podiatric Medicine - 137
    • Biomedical Sciences - 44

Impact on the Economy

Western University of Health Sciences is an important player in the area's economy bringing millions of dollars to the region and local economy and provides hundreds of jobs for local residents.

  • The university has total assets of approximately $200 million.
  • The university's operating budget totals over $85 million.
  • The university - its students, faculty and employees - spends more than $12 million in the local area for goods and services.
  • The university attracts approximately $50 million in student financial aid and for two years in a row had a zero student loan default rate.
  • 85% of the university operating budget comes from student tuition.

Collage of WesternU students in instructional settings Impact in the Community

  • The College of Veterinary Medicine was the first to open in the country in 20 years and the first in Southern California.
  • WesternU has a medical center that offers primary care services to more than 10,000 clients a year regardless of their ability to pay. It is located only a few blocks away from the main WesternU campus.
  • There are 116 full-time faculty and 521 full-time employees working at WesternU.
  • The university also employs over 1,200 professionals as adjunct faculty members.
  • The university is home to the nationally renowned Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions.