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WesternU / College of Health Sciences / College of Health Sciences-Northwest

College of Health Sciences-Northwest

Innovative, ever-evolving curriculum prepares graduates for the health care positions of tomorrow.

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Overview ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a 3-year program (8 semesters) designed to provide students with a didactic and clinical education experience that provides the current knowledge and skills necessary to practice physical therapy in a variety of clinical settings. The curriculum plan has been developed using the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, APTA code of ethics, clinical practice guidelines, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) curricular development documents, and current research.
Doctor of Physical Therapy-Oregon
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CHS-Northwest is proud to partner with Pacific Northwest communities to provide
valuable experiences to students and much-needed health care for the region.

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Serving Our Communities

CHS-Northwest offers Practical Application Labs (PALs) within the curriculum. PALs is a series of five laboratory-based classes where students work with volunteer patients under the direct supervision of a DPT-Oregon program faculty member. This is a win-win situation where students are provided authentic learning opportunities throughout the curriculum and volunteer patients from underserved and rural environments are provided with physical therapy evaluations and interventions.
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CHS-Northwest students participate in a Community Service and Outreach course where they complete 30 hours of volunteer service within the community. One example of multilayered community service is the CHS-Northwest food bank. The food bank serves three purposes: first, the non-perishable food items are used in student education where students learn to train patients how to reach and access items from a shelf or cupboard; second, the food bank serves as a backstop against student food insecurity; third, at the end of each semester remaining food bank items are donated to community shelters.

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Commitment TO HUMANISM

Humanism is at the core of WesternU and encompasses values that we regard to be vital to our mission in health care, education, and community. These values include acceptance, altruism, compassion, diversity, empathy, fairness, inclusion, integrity, kindness, and respect. We embrace Humanism as a primary principle that shapes our actions, interactions, and institutional culture. Embracing Humanism empowers us to grow as individuals and as a community. It is a lifelong and daily commitment—one that requires intention, action, and reflection. Only through this ongoing practice can we truly embody WesternU Humanism and fulfill our mission to teach, to heal, together.
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CHS-Northwest Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE)

Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) provides an integrated, interdisciplinary, discussion-based approach to learning. IPE occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Once students understand how to work interprofessionally, they are ready to enter the workplace as a member of the collaborative practice team. This is a key step in moving health systems from fragmentation to a position of strength. IPE is provided in the first two years of the DPT-Oregon program.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Your journey to an exciting career in health care is just getting started. Please review the program admissions requirement or request more information and we’ll reach out to you. You may also consider scheduling a virtual advising appointment. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your goals!

CHS-Northwest Virtual Tour

The College of Health Sciences-Northwest Physical Therapy program is based on the new, expanding, and ever-changing role of the physical therapist. Our state-of-the-art facilities, community clinics, labs, research, and advanced technologies allow our students to perform medical screening, have a strong knowledge base of the medical and clinical sciences, and be able to perform high-level problem solving and clinical decision-making.

Engage yourself in 360-degree views, videos and photos that showcase CHS-Northwest.
Explore CHS-Northwest Campus

CHS-Northwest RECENT NEWS

A group of people walk on a tree-lined campus path next to Sonoma State University banners on a sunny day.

WesternU Oregon develops new pathway agreement with Sonoma State University 

A group of people in white coats stand in front of an audience, holding up black cases and smiling, as part of a ceremony in a large indoor auditorium.

A warm welcome: Lebanon community embraces 154 incoming WesternU students 

A group of students in white coats stands in a row, holding papers and reading aloud during an indoor ceremony.

CHS-Northwest celebrates DPT Class of 2029 at annual white coat ceremony 

Graduates in academic regalia walk past applauding faculty outside a tent with a banner reading "Western University of Health Sciences Commencement.

WesternU CHS-Northwest Commencement 2026: Find your calling 

A group of people in matching polos and lab coats pose and smile in front of a "Rural Health Care Exploration Fair" banner at an indoor event.

WesternU Oregon hosts second annual Rural Health Care Equity Fair

Eight people in matching gray shirts stand and smile in front of a red table and banner reading “Rural Health Care Equity Fair” at an indoor event.

WesternU Oregon to host community at annual Rural Health Care Equity Fair 

Five people, including a person in a white coat, gather around a model of a human joint in a classroom, discussing or learning together.

WesternU Oregon expands pathway opportunities through new partnership with Portland State University

People stand in a well-lit room viewing and discussing research posters displayed on partition walls during a poster presentation event.

Collaboration drives innovation at the 11th annual WesternU Oregon Research Symposium

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WesternU and Oregon State University partnership establishes a DO and DPT Pathway Program 

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WesternU CHS-Northwest and Lane Community College partnership strengthens PT and PTA student training 

Let’s Connect!

Upcoming Events

  • DPT Drop-In Advising Session

    Thursday, October 1 at 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
    For prospective students who are interested in becoming physical therapists, Western University of Health Sciences hosts a virtual advising session designed to help you learn more about our Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

    WesternU’s DPT Recruiters, Martin Williams and Ryan Vidales, will host this virtual advising session designed to help you learn more about our Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in Pomona, CA and Lebanon, OR, respectively. 

    During this session, you are encouraged to ask questions regarding admissions, curriculum, clinical rotations, or any other topics related to your pursuit of an DPT degree.  This is an open and informal session where you will receive personalized guidance in a relaxed, supportive environment. 

  • Beyond Access: Supporting Students with Disabilities in the Health Professions

    Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
    What does it look like to pursue a career in healthcare while navigating a disability? Join Western University of Health Sciences for an informative conversation about disability support, accommodations, and student resources available throughout our health professions programs.

    Hear from the Director of the Office of Disabilities and Health Policy and a student leader as they discuss the history and mission of disability support at WesternU, the types of academic accommodations and resources available to students, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment within health professions education. The conversation will also provide an opportunity for prospective students to ask questions and learn more about the student experience.

    This webinar is open to all prospective students—including students with disabilities who are considering a health professions career and anyone interested in learning more about how students with disabilities are supported at WesternU. If you require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the event, please respond to this email by September 24th, 2026. 

  • October 2026 Experience WesternU – Oregon

    Saturday, October 10 at 8:30 AM Pacific Standard Time
    Get to know WesternU, our programs, and our community. Choose your program of interest and join us on our Lebanon, Oregon campus to:

    – Hear directly from faculty members about program curriculum and highlights
    – Explore our classrooms, labs, hands-on learning spaces, and more
    – Connect with current students and learn about their experiences
    – Participate in hands-on, interactive workshops
    – Learn about navigating the admissions process and preparing to meet our application requirements
    – Gain insights into setting yourself up for admissions success