Full Accreditation Elevates PNWU’s Physical Therapy Program as First Graduates Begin Practice
On Thursday, May 29, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences officially received word that our School of Physical Therapy (SOPT) has earned full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
With the echoes of a commencement celebration honoring the graduation of our inaugural SOPT Class still reverberating from May 17, the achievement validates the rigor and mission-driven excellence of our Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“Full CAPTE accreditation is a critical milestone that affirms the quality of our program and our commitment to serving rural and medically underserved communities,” said Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Founding Dean of the School of Physical Therapy. “From day one, we designed this program to educate physical therapists who are not only clinically skilled but deeply dedicated to health equity and compassionate care.”
“Our inaugural DPT graduates are groundbreakers — leaders ready to meet the healthcare needs of the Northwest and beyond.
Dr. Wayne Miller, Provost of PNWU, added, “This accreditation reflects the university’s dedication to academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our inaugural DPT graduates are groundbreakers — leaders ready to meet the healthcare needs of the Northwest and beyond.”
Reflecting our DPT programs sustained excellence, CAPTE recommended full accreditation for our SOPT, extending for the maximum interval of five years, the longest possible term for new programs.
Igniting a Path
Twelve days earlier, Dr. Mariah Williams, PNWU-SOPT Class of 2025, walked across the stage of Yakima’s historic Capitol Theatre, carrying a diploma and the weight of a promise — to her family, her community, and every patient she will serve as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Williams, a proud Alaskan Native American and the first graduate student in her family, was drawn to physical therapy during one of the most traumatic moments of her life. When a close family member suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and fell into a medically induced coma, she rushed to the ICU. There, she witnessed physical therapists’ transformational role — not only restoring function but rekindling hope.
“In that moment, I realized physical therapy was more than just restoring function,” she said. “It was about understanding the whole person, connecting with them at their most vulnerable, and being part of their recovery journey.”
That moment ignited a path now shared by 27 fellow graduates of PNWU’s inaugural DPT class. Together, they embody the university’s mission to improve health outcomes in rural and underserved communities across the Northwest.
Joy in Connection
Dr. Natasha Kreuger, Class of ‘25, expressed a similar sense of joy and purpose – trademarks that seem to define the journey of her and all of her SOPT peers.
“I’ve found so much joy in connecting with others, learning across disciplines, and helping people understand what physical therapy can offer.”
“I’ve found so much joy in connecting with others, learning across disciplines, and helping people understand what physical therapy can offer,” she said. “Here’s to a future PT who’s already making a meaningful impact — and just getting started.”
The faculty who guide our students share that passion for service and innovation.
Leading the Way
Faculty within PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy (SOPT) are not only educators — they are changemakers, mentors, and mission-driven leaders whose work extends far beyond the classroom.
Across its curriculum and clinical experiences, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program integrates community-based care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-informed practice, shaping students into compassionate, capable providers ready to serve in diverse and underserved communities.
Among the many standout faculty is Dr. Tiffany Salido, Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy, who was recently nominated for the prestigious Service Provider Optimism Award by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Her leadership brings students into the heart of community-based care, exemplifying what it means to lead with both purpose and compassion.
Dr. Salido spearheads group exercise classes tailored for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, hosts weekend walking programs to promote mobility and connection, and lectures regularly at local Parkinson’s support groups—transforming lives while modeling advocacy for future clinicians.
This commitment to community health is a hallmark across the program’s faculty.
At this year’s PNWU President’s Award Ceremony, five of the ten core full-time DPT faculty were recognized for their excellence and innovation. Dr. Salido’s community impact was among the honorees, joined by Dr. Brad Callan, who was recognized for his outstanding teaching. Meanwhile, Drs. Rachael Arabian, Brad Callan, Jenni Fleckenstein, Tiffany Salido, and Antonio Vintimilla received institutional awards to launch innovative teaching methods designed to advance the training and development of physical therapy students.
The collective efforts of these faculty demonstrate a dynamic learning environment rooted in service, scholarship, and forward-thinking education.
Life-Changing Learning
That same spirit of innovation and impact came to life at PNWU’s recent DPT Research Symposium, where graduates presented a wide range of studies aimed at improving patient care and advancing the profession. Among them, Student Doctors Lindsey Carpenter, Grace Lynds, and Chad Simonson shared research on the benefits of high-intensity circuit training for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Their work, guided by Dr. Salido and supported by research mentors Drs. Chuck Martin and Ron Walser, highlighted the powerful intersection of physical activity and social engagement in supporting mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
“I hope our research will significantly enhance people’s quality of life.”
“I hope our research will significantly enhance people’s quality of life,” Dr. Carpenter shared. “I see this study as a steppingstone for future research exploring how exercise and community can better serve those with Parkinson’s.”
The symposium served as a showcase of the depth and breadth of the DPT students’ scholarly pursuits, including studies on concussion and whiplash injuries, interventions for postpartum pelvic pain, implicit bias education for health professionals, balance training, dry needling for pelvic floor dysfunction, and preoperative rehabilitation strategies for individuals undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Every presentation reflected a deep commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care — anchoring students not only in science, but in service.
This commitment was further demonstrated during the program’s Evening of Service, where graduating students presented their community wellness projects developed in partnership with regional organizations. From the Pegasus Project to the Harman Center, Yakima Special Olympics, and MultiCare’s Community Health Education ACT (Actively Changing Together) Program, each initiative targeted real-world challenges with tangible, community-driven solutions.
Together, these experiences—guided by dedicated faculty and rooted in compassion—reflect the soul of PNWU’s DPT program. Here, learning doesn’t end in the classroom; it lives in the community. And as these graduates prepare to step into their roles as healthcare providers, they do so with the knowledge, heart, and hands-on experience to lead lasting change.
Community Changemakers
The full CAPTE accreditation is a proud institutional milestone, but the true measure of success is seen in the courage, curiosity, and commitment of PNWU’s students and faculty. These graduates enter the workforce not just as therapists, but as advocates and community changemakers.
For Dr. Mariah Williams, that means fighting for dignity and equitable access in every patient interaction: “I want to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or financial status, has access to the care they need.”
Learn more about and apply for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at PNWU: pnwu.edu/admissions/pt/