PNWU Celebrates First-Ever Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduates
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) celebrated a historic step forward for rural and underserved communities, as well as the mission-driven university itself.
In a momentous inaugural celebration, 28 graduates from PNWU’s inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) class received their degrees, officially becoming the first Doctors of Physical Therapy in university history.
The ceremony marked more than just a personal achievement for each graduate — it was a celebration of a trailblazing cohort that helped bring PNWU’s vision for the School of PT to life.
“Our students came here to become physical therapists, but they leave behind so much more: a legacy of leadership, resilience, and compassion.”
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to walk this journey with our graduates, from their first classroom discussions to this powerful moment of celebration,” said Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Founding Dean of PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy. “Our students came here to become physical therapists, but they leave behind so much more: a legacy of leadership, resilience, and compassion. Their commitment to serving rural and underserved communities speaks directly to the mission that PNWU was built upon, and as they graduate, their presence, empathy, and expertise will transform the lives of those in greatest need.”
From rigorous labs and classrooms to immersive clinical rotations, the DPT Class of 2025 helped to establish our revolutionary program alongside the faculty who guided them. Their experiences reflect PNWU’s mission to educate and train health professionals dedicated to serving where they are needed most.
Developed to directly address regional health care access gaps, the DPT program integrates interprofessional learning, early patient engagement, and a community-centered approach to care. Many of the program’s first graduates aim to return to their hometowns across the Northwest, delivering life-changing care with compassion, cultural humility, and evidence-based practice.
As they turned their tassels, the graduates not only marked the end of their time as students — they launched a new legacy of healing, leadership, and service.
