WesternU Oregon develops new pathway agreement with Sonoma State University

LEBANON, Ore., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) has partnered with Sonoma State University to develop a new pathway program for students interested in physical therapy or osteopathic medicine. Through this new partnership with WesternU Oregon, Sonoma State students interested in the health professions can more easily pursue either a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine (WesternU HCOM) on WesternU's Lebanon campus.

For students considering careers in health care, the transition from undergraduate study to a professional health program can involve navigating prerequisite coursework, competitive admissions processes, and unfamiliar application requirements. This program will support high-performing undergraduate students who are interested in health care with a clear path to graduate education. Students who participate in the pathway program are guaranteed an interview at WesternU HCOM or CHS-Northwest, with CHS-Northwest additionally providing an application fee waiver.

"Pathway programs are among the most meaningful ways we can support students who aspire to careers in medicine. Our agreement with Sonoma State University provides students with guidance, mentorship, and a structured route toward medical education. We are proud to partner with Sonoma State to help students realize their dreams of becoming physicians and serving communities in need," said WesternU HCOM Site Dean Heather Phipps, DO, MBA, FAAOS.

"We at the College of Health Sciences-Northwest are excited to see this collaboration with Sonoma State University come to fruition. Participating students from Sonoma State University may apply to our Doctor of Physical Therapy program for free and receive a guaranteed interview," said CHS-Northwest Site Dean Jonathan Perry, MSc, PhD. "Already, Sonoma State University students are submitting queries about our program, attending our recruitment events, and applying for admission. Agreements like this provide a secure pathway for college graduates to enter the health care professions so they can begin to address the health care shortages in our country."

Sonoma State is a public university located in Rohnert Park, California. The university offers a variety of programs that prepare students for careers in the health sciences and related fields, including biology, kinesiology, and psychology. Like WesternU, Sonoma State prioritizes personalized education and student support, creating a foundation for a partnership that will help students move confidently from undergraduate study into advanced training.

"This partnership is a great example of what career readiness should look like. Our students have the talent and commitment to pursue careers as health care professionals, but navigating the transition to graduate and professional programs can feel like finding your way through a maze," said Sonoma State Kinesiology Department Chair and Professor Lauren S. Morimoto, PhD. "This agreement with Western University of the Health Sciences gives students a clearer path forward and an opportunity to turn their undergraduate education into a career in the health professions."

About Western University of Health Sciences

About Western University of Health Sciences Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Lebanon, Oregon and Pomona, Calif., is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences, dental medicine, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and veterinary medicine. WesternU is home to WesternU Health, where the best in collaborative health care services is offered.

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SOURCE Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)