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Academics

Core to the mission of Western University of Health Sciences is the rigor and relevance of our academic programs. We are eight colleges with one goal – providing a pipeline of health care experts to the communities that need them. The evolution of knowledge, skills and competencies mandates dynamic curricula that is steeped in both time-tested tradition and emerging innovation. Each college is led by a dean who represents their profession nationally and informs the credentialling of their future generations. As one of the most comprehensive health science universities in the country, our students benefit greatly from the wide scope of interprofessional cultures and courses that inform the unique identity of our two campuses.

Deans Council

WesternU is privileged to have the collective leadership of its eight deans to collaborate on both strategic and operational goals that ensure the vibrance and viability of the university, colleges and programs. Establishing and sharing best practices in health science education and training is a distinctive value of having eight colleges and numerous specialized academic health care professionals. As a comprehensive interdisciplinary team, the Deans Council aligns WesternU curriculum with the future of health care and positions our students for success in their chosen profession.

Learn more about the WesternU Deans Council.

Colleges 

A key differentiator for Western University of Health Sciences is being the most comprehensive health science university in the nation. We proudly support eight colleges, each with a unique culture that is aligned with their specific health care specialties and programs. The variety and diversity of our health care professionals fosters a robust and dynamic culture that parallels the interdisciplinary care teams of health care systems. Interprofessional education is a signature element of all curriculums across our campuses. Our students learn to work together and appreciate the expertise that comes from diverse, team-based care.

Learn more about WesternU’s colleges.

Research and Biotechnology  

The science of wellness, medicine, and treatment is the foundation of all health care. Advancements that foster longevity and mitigate disease are critical goals for all healthcare professions and specialties. WesternU faculty are actively engaged in the rigor and discipline of achieving these goals and furthering the knowledge base for the world. Inspiring our future health care professionals to uphold the traditions of scholarship, methodology, ethics and theory are key to improving the health outcomes and overall wellness of the communities they will serve. Our research and clinical faculty actively mentor students in research opportunities, many of which are paving the way to a healthier world.

Learn more about Research and Biotechnology at WesternU.

Photo of students around a patient

WesternU Among Best Medical Schools Makes U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Rankings

For the second consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has named Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) and COMP-Northwest as a Tier 1 institution for primary care training. WesternU could not be more proud of its faculty, administration, staff and students for this incredible achievement. WesternU has also been recognized for the most graduates in Primary Care, Practicing in Professional Shortage Areas and a Tier 4 medical school for Research. This is affirmation of our commitment to creating healthy communities.

Tier 1
Best Medical Schools: Primary Care

Tier 4
Best Medical Schools: Research

  • #6 – Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care
  • #88 – Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
  • #123 – Most Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas
  • Photo of Miklos Peterfy

    Dr. Miklos Peterfy Awarded Grants from NIH and DOD

    The R01 Grant from the National Institutes of Health and Discovery Award from the Department of Defense supports COMP professor’s investigation of the role of insulin clearance in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.
    Image of a patient in the dentist chair and the dentist sitting next to him

    Partnership with CA Dental Association Launches Opioid Prescribing Course

    The College of Dental Medicine and the Department of Online Education worked in collaboration with the California Dental Association to create a course called ”Responsibilities and Requirements for Prescribing Controlled Substances (Schedule II Opioid Drugs)” currently offered through CDA’s continuing education portal.