Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest (COMP-Northwest), located in Lebanon, Oregon, is the Northwest branch campus of WesternU's College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) — one of the largest osteopathic health sciences universities in the country. Established in 2011, COM-NW trains DO physicians with an emphasis on rural Pacific Northwest medicine, interprofessional education, and primary care. Lebanon's location in the mid-Willamette Valley provides access to Oregon's diverse rural, agricultural, and coastal communities.
What makes it different
AACOMAS application with CASPer is not required. WesternU COM-NW is one of only two osteopathic medical schools in Oregon and offers unique access to the Pacific Northwest's rural, coastal, and agricultural health settings. WesternU's broader health sciences system provides interprofessional training opportunities across pharmacy, PA, optometry, and veterinary medicine.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout. Pre-clinical years in Lebanon; clinical rotations across Oregon, Washington, and affiliated Pacific Northwest sites including rural hospitals, FQHCs, tribal health facilities, and agricultural community clinics.
Research strengths
WesternU Heatherington COM (DO) has notable research strength in Rural Pacific Northwest health, Agricultural and environmental medicine, Primary care workforce, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Interprofessional education.
Interview
WesternU Heatherington COM (DO) interviews via Traditional panel interview with faculty and student. WesternU COM-NW conducts traditional panel interviews at its Lebanon, Oregon campus, involving faculty and a current student, typically 30–45 minutes. Interviewers explore motivation for osteopathic medicine, commitment to Pacific Northwest rural healthcare, and interprofessional values consistent with WesternU's health sciences culture. Lebanon is a small agricultural city in the Willamette Valley, and interviewers probe readiness for a rural Oregon clinical training environment. Casper is not currently required — verify on the official admissions page each cycle.
Intake
Approximately 100–125 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 2011, based in Lebanon, OR. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Rural Medicine, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Agricultural and Environmental Health.
