Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Four women in lab coats posing for a photo.
WesternU / College of Health Sciences / Doctor of Physical Therapy-Oregon

Doctor of Physical Therapy-Oregon

Welcome

Now that you’ve decided to embark on a career in physical therapy, the next question is where to obtain your degree? Consider WesternU Oregon. We offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that prepares you to be an integral member of an interprofessional healthcare team.

At WesternU Oregon you will study basic sciences, complete specialized courses, and engage in the clinical experiences you need to pass your licensure exam and become practice-ready. When you graduate you will be prepared to take on the increasing role that physical therapists currently play in the healthcare system.

 

A student in a grey "WesternU" t-shirt practices physical therapy techniques on another student lying on a table in a classroom setting.

WesternU Oregon DPTE Purpose Statement

The purpose of the WesternU Oregon Department of Physical Therapy Education is to educate and develop service-oriented leaders in the profession of Physical Therapy who will provide humanistic care in rural, underserved, and/or vulnerable communities of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education at Western University of Health Sciences – Oregon campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alecandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 541-259-0470 or email dpteoregon@westernu.edu.



CAPTE has a mechanism to consider formal complaints about physical therapy education programs that allege a program is not in compliance with one or more of CAPTE’s Evaluative Criteria or has violated any of CAPTE’s expectations related to academic integrity. In reviewing and acting on a complaint, CAPTE cannot and does not function as an arbiter between the complaint and the institution. Should CAPTE find that a complaint has merit and that the program is out of compliance with the Evaluative Criteria or the integrity statement(s), CAPTE can only require the program to come into compliance with the Evaluative Criteria. CAPTE cannot force a program into any specific resolution of the situation that resulted in the complaint. Students or other interested parties may file a formal complaint about a PT program with CAPTE at any time. To obtain the materials necessary for submitting a complaint, contact the APTA Accreditation Department at (703) 706-3245 or at accreditation@apta.org.


Complaints Which Fall Outside The Realm of Due Process

Any stakeholder of Western University of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy Education – Oregon has the right to file a complaint and receive due process. Current students, prospective students, faculty, and staff should follow the established University policies available to these constituents. All other stakeholders, including, but not limited to employers of graduates, clinical education sites, and the public, may file a complaint under this policy. Complaints may be related to program policies, procedures, or other aspects of the program, including working with faculty and staff. Western University of Health Sciences prohibits any form of retaliation against any party making a complaint against the school or program, its faculty, or its students.

Procedure:
Complaints should be submitted in writing (mailed or emailed) and must be filed within one year of the event(s) in question. The written complaint must contain, at a minimum, the complainant’s name and signature, contact information, the date of submission, and a summary of the complaint. Anonymous complaints and phone calls will not be accepted.

A written complaint must be mailed or emailed to the Department chair/Program Director:

Sandra Saavedra PT PhD MS
Department of Physical Therapy Education – Oregon
College of Health Sciences Northwest
Western University of Health Sciences
2665 S. Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355
ssaavedra@westernu.edu
Office: (541) 259-0476

Complaints about the Program Director/ Department Chair should be mailed to:
Jonathan Perry PhD MSc
Site Dean – College of Health Sciences Northwest
Western University of Health Sciences
2665 S. Santiam Hwy, Lebanon, OR 97355
jperry@westernu.edu
Office: (541) 259-0478

The department chair (or site dean) or her/his designee will initially respond to the complainant within three weeks of receiving the complaint. The department takes all program-related complaints seriously. If possible, the matter will be reconciled at this point.
If the complainant believes that additional review is necessary, the site dean will review the complaint and address it. If further review is needed, then the last line of complaint is with the Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Paula M. Crone, DO
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Western University of Health Sciences
309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766
200 Mullins Drive, Lebanon, OR 97355
Office: (909) 469-5563
pcrone@westernu.edu

The complaint and documentation associated with the complaint will be kept in a locked file in the department chair’s office (or site dean’s office for a complaint against the department chair chairperson) for 5 years.


Financial Fact Sheet

Complete Program cost information can be found on this Financial Fact Sheet.


Upcoming Events

  • Funding Your Future: Navigating Financial Aid for Graduate Programs

    Wednesday, July 23 at 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time

    Do you have questions about applying for financial aid? Join our webinar to connect with a financial aid representative, as they share important deadline dates and different loan and scholarship opportunities created to assist you throughout your educational journey. You’ll also have a chance to ask them your questions during an open Q&A session. Your family and other members of your support system are welcome to join us! We’re excited to offer our financial aid webinar in both English and Spanish. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot today!

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy Open House – Oregon Campus

    Saturday, July 26 at 9:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

    Join us for an on-campus Open House for the accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.  Located at the College of Health Sciences-Northwest campus in Lebanon, Oregon, prospective students can learn more about WesternU, admissions, DPT education, professional development, and our unique community. During this event you will: •    Hear directly from faculty members about curriculum, experiential education and clinical rotations. •    Explore classrooms, hands-on learning spaces and the pro bono clinic. •    Participate an in interactive workshop. •    Understand the required prerequisites and the overall admissions process. •    Connect with current students and learn about their experiences.