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Western University of Health Sciences

Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine (founded as COMP-Northwest) and College of Health Sciences-Northwest

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About WesternU

WesternU Oregon currently has two colleges in Lebanon, Oregon. A leader in osteopathic education, COMP-Northwest continues to earn national recognition as it enters a new era under a new name. Founded in 2011, the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, is the only osteopathic medical school in the state. For the second consecutive year, COMP-Northwest has been ranked as a Tier 1 medical school for primary care by the US News & World Report, one of only 16 schools in the country with this top ranking. 

WesternU embarked on further expansion in Oregon as a key part of the WesternU strategy to expand rural health education with the establishment of the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest) in 2021. CHS-Northwest’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program focuses on both didactic and clinical learning, with students and faculty working directly with community volunteers in the Practical Application Labs (PALs). 
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Academic Programs

The heart of the WesternU graduate experience is preparing students to become compassionate, leading health care professionals. Through innovative research opportunities, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge technologies and techniques, our students learn to approach every patient as a human being – to better their lives, improve their care, and strengthen their communities.
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Campus Expansion

As we look to the future, we are excited to expand further with the development of a permanent home for the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Health Sciences-Northwest, a new behavioral health program, and additional facilities. These developments will address critical health care needs, such as behavioral and rural health, while also enhancing access to services and education for the community.
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Student Doctors Serving the Community

WesternU brings the best of our humanistic education and community outreach to the Pacific Northwest. As humanists, our goal is to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. WesternU is about being and becoming – to help people discover who they are and who they can become. Our students, faculty and staff embrace the call to serve the community.

Choose Western University of Health Sciences

The heart of your education is human connection. At WesternU, you’ll learn to treat every patient as a whole person — blending science, empathy, and innovation to deliver care that changes lives and strengthens communities. Begin your journey toward becoming the kind of provider the world needs most.