On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) marked a historic milestone by hosting dual commencement ceremonies celebrating the achievements of more than 200 graduates across the university’s four mission-driven health sciences programs.
The ceremonies reflected the university’s continued growth and its commitment to preparing health care professionals who serve where they are needed most.
For the first time in the university’s history, PNWU honored the inaugural graduating classes of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) programs, alongside graduates from its Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program and College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM).
“This year’s ceremonies are powerful proof that PNWU’s founding vision is being realized.”
“This year’s ceremonies are powerful proof that PNWU’s founding vision is being realized,” said PNWU Provost Dr. Wayne Miller. “For the first time, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and osteopathic physicians marched side by side, ready to serve the rural and underserved communities of the Northwest.”
The morning ceremony recognized 22 MAMS graduates, 28 DPT graduates, and 14 MSOT graduates. The afternoon ceremony honored 139 newly minted Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine and featured PNWU’s Military Promotions Ceremony, recognizing graduates who have committed to serve as medical officers in the United States Armed Forces.
“The Class of 2025 represents the growing impact our graduates are making in communities across the region.”
“‘Revolutionizing Community Health’ is more than just a tagline at PNWU — it’s a lived reality,” said Dr. Thomas Scandalis, Dean of PNWU-COM. “The Class of 2025 represents the growing impact our graduates are making in communities across the region.”
This year’s commencement comes on the heels of national recognition for PNWU’s contributions to rural and underserved health care. According to U.S. News & World Report, PNWU-COM ranks:
3rd in the nation for
Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
4th in the nation for
Most Graduates in Primary Care
10th in the nation for
Most Graduates in Medically Underserved Areas
Additionally, PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy was recently ranked among the top 25% of OT programs in the nation.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to walk this journey with our graduates.”
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to walk this journey with our graduates,” said Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Founding Dean of the School of Physical Therapy. “They leave behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and compassion that will continue to grow wherever they go.”
As the Class of 2025 enters the health care workforce, they carry forward the heart of PNWU’s mission — and the promise of healthier communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.