Western University of Health Sciences: An Overview
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is a private, non-profit graduate school for health professions, with campuses in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon. Known for its commitment to interprofessional education, WesternU is recognized as a leader in healthcare education, fostering collaboration among students from diverse health disciplines.
Brief History
WesternU originated as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) in 1977, founded by Dr. Philip Pumerantz and a group of medical pioneers, starting with just 36 students. It has since expanded to offer various programs across multiple healthcare fields, including pharmacy and optometry. Today, it is one of the largest graduate schools for health professions in California.
The university has grown in both academic offerings and physical facilities, featuring state-of-the-art resources. It has also built a strong reputation for community service, providing healthcare to underserved populations.
Academics
WesternU offers degree programs through nine colleges:
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP)
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Graduate Nursing
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- College of Dental Medicine
- College of Optometry
- College of Podiatric Medicine
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences
These programs prioritize hands-on experiences and interprofessional collaboration, equipping graduates with a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Notably, COMP is one of the few osteopathic medical programs on the West Coast, and WesternU offers a veterinary medicine degree that is rare nationally.
Rankings
WesternU is recognized for its excellence in primary care training and the success of its graduates. Although rankings can change over time, the university commonly appears among the top health sciences schools in various categories, particularly for its service to minority and underserved communities.
Prospective students should check specialized resources like U.S. News & World Report for up-to-date rankings.
Contacting Admissions
Interested individuals can reach out to the Office of Admissions for assistance with applications or information about programs.
- Address: Office of Admissions, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766-1854
- Phone: 909-469-5335 – for general admissions inquiries
- Email: Prospective students can fill out a request form on the university's website for personalized information.
Each college within WesternU may have specific admissions requirements and contacts. Prospective applicants should refer to the admissions pages of the respective colleges for detailed information.