Derek Gerber, PT, DPT, EdD is the new Dean of PNWU School of Physical Therapy Dr. Derek Gerber joined Pacific Northwest University in January 2026 as Dean of the School of Physical Therapy, bringing with him a career shaped by service, collaboration, and a deep commitment to helping others reach their potential. His professional path,…Continue Reading Helping Others Reach Their Potential: Welcoming Dr. Derek Gerber to PNWU
PNWU SOPT Students Advocate for the Future of Physical Therapy at APTA Legislative Impact Day
On January 21, a group of second-year students from Pacific Northwest University’s School of Physical Therapy (SOPT) traveled to Olympia, Washington, to participate in the annual American Physical Therapy Association of Washington (APTWA) Legislative Impact Day, joining physical therapy students and professionals from across the state to advocate for the advancement of their profession. During the event, PNWU…Continue Reading PNWU SOPT Students Advocate for the Future of Physical Therapy at APTA Legislative Impact Day
PNWU Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Bring Camaraderie and Movement to Local Parkinson’s Community
Students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Physical Therapy recently partnered with the local community to make a meaningful impact for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. As part of their commitment to hands-on learning and service, four Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, Jose Nato Palma, Ryan Beck, Helly Patel, and Ramon Alvarez,…Continue Reading PNWU Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Bring Camaraderie and Movement to Local Parkinson’s Community
PNWU DPT Student Leads Research to Improve Care for Parkinson’s Patients
Sheryl Lal, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student, recently had an opportunity to present her research at the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy annual conference. The research aimed at improving exercise interventions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The project, conducted in PNWU’s CAMS lab, compared high-intensity interval circuit training that incorporated both upper and lower extremity exercises to training focused solely on the…Continue Reading PNWU DPT Student Leads Research to Improve Care for Parkinson’s Patients
A Balancing Act
PNWU Hosts Fall Risk and Balance Screening Recently, students and faculty from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) joined forces with Washington State University nursing and pharmacy students to host a free Fall Risk and Balance Screening for older adults in the Yakima community. The interprofessional event—organized in recognition of Fall Prevention Month, was…Continue Reading A Balancing Act
Solutions in Motion
PNWU’s Second Annual DPT Research Symposium Highlights the Power of Community-Driven Science On Monday, October 20, from 5–6:30 PM, the Student Center at Delta Dental Equity Hall transformed into a hub of inquiry, innovation, and advocacy as PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy hosted its Second Annual Research Symposium. Open to students, faculty, and staff—and complete with light refreshments—the…Continue Reading Solutions in Motion
Simply Being Present
Dr. Rachael Arabian, PNWU Physical Therapy Professor, Brings Global Lessons Home to the Northwest “One of the most meaningful aspects was witnessing the impact of simply being present.” For Dr. Rachel Arabian, Assistant Professor in Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences’ School of Physical Therapy (SOPT), this was more than an observation — it was…Continue Reading Simply Being Present
Accelerating Impact
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…Continue Reading Accelerating Impact
History in Motion
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…Continue Reading History in Motion
Championing Health, Advocating for Access: A Journey Rooted in Service and Leadership
Mariah Williams, PNWU School of Physical Therapy Class of 2025 Student Doctor Mariah Williams’s journey to PNWU is paved by an unwavering commitment to care, service, and leadership. As a proud Alaskan Native American and the first graduate student in her family, Student Doctor Williams’s path to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy was ignited…Continue Reading Championing Health, Advocating for Access: A Journey Rooted in Service and Leadership