Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM), established in 2008 and located in Yakima, Washington, was purpose-built to address physician shortages in the rural Pacific Northwest. Yakima is a majority-Hispanic agricultural community in central Washington, giving students direct exposure to agricultural worker health, migrant farmworker communities, and rural primary care challenges. PNWU-COM has a strong mission of training physicians who will remain in the Pacific Northwest to serve underserved populations.
What makes it different
Applications via AACOMAS. PNWU-COM's Yakima location is uniquely positioned for agricultural worker and migrant health training — a rare focus among US medical schools. Approximately 40% of Yakima's population is Hispanic/Latino, offering rich cultural competency training. PNWU-COM has produced a high proportion of graduates practicing in Washington State, consistent with its founding mission.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout, contextualised to rural and underserved Pacific Northwest communities. Years 1–2 at the Yakima campus; Years 3–4 clinical rotations at PNWU-affiliated rural and community health sites across Washington, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest. Strong community health center and FQHC rotation network.
Research strengths
PNWU-COM (DO) has notable research strength in Agricultural worker health, Rural health disparities, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Migrant health, Pacific Northwest community health.
Interview
PNWU-COM (DO) interviews via Traditional faculty interview with a community-health focus. PNWU-COM conducts traditional faculty interviews on its Yakima, Washington campus, typically one or two sessions lasting 30–45 minutes. The interview day includes a campus tour, financial aid overview, and faculty and/or student interaction. Questions heavily emphasize rural medicine commitment, underserved community health, agricultural worker health, and the specific Pacific Northwest context. Interviewers probe whether applicants understand and are committed to practicing in underserved regions of Washington, Oregon, or the broader Pacific Northwest.
Intake
Approximately 145 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 2008, based in Yakima, WA. Programmes offered: Rural Medicine, Primary Care, Agricultural Worker Health, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Family Medicine.
