A new agreement between Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and Yakima Valley College aims to expand the pipeline of physical therapists entering the profession in the Pacific Northwest.

The recently signed articulation agreement will enable YVC students to more easily transition into PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy, which enrolled its first students in 2022 to prepare future professionals to practice in rural and medically underserved communities in the region.

“YVC and PNWU share a commitment to strengthening our region’s healthcare workforce,” said Kerrie Cavaness, interim vice president for instruction at YVC. “This agreement adds to the pathways we’ve created to streamline the process for YVC students to enter PNWU programs. Helping students save time and money as they pursue healthcare careers represents a significant step toward providing better care to the residents of Central Washington.”

“We are committed to reducing barriers for applicants interested in becoming movement experts who will work in underserved and rural communities in the Northwest,” said Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Founding Program Director for the School of Physical Therapy. “This aims to do that right here in the Yakima Valley.”  

Through the new agreement, students who have earned 30 or more college-level credits from YVC (including Math 146, Chem 161/162/163 and labs, Physics 114/115/116 and labs, Biol 160, Biol 241/242, Biol 260, and either Psych 100 or Psych 200) and meet PNWU’s other admission requirements will be guaranteed an admission interview with PNWU's School of Physical Therapy.

With the new physical therapy agreement, the two institutions now have established pathways to help YVC students enter all five of PNWU’s health sciences programs. Articulation agreements were announced in early September for entry into the College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Dental Medicine, and Master of Arts, Medical Sciences programs.   

“A majority of our students are first-generation college students and are students of color,” said Cavaness. “YVC and PNWU are proud to serve our diverse community, and these articulation agreements are an important way for us to remove barriers to students who feel a passion to care for others and want to do that close to home.”

The articulation agreements will help YVC advisors who work with students, particularly those who have an interest in healthcare but are exploring various career pathways, in refining their educational plans.  

“There are many career opportunities that are in high demand, and it’s common for students to need some help figuring out what’s the best fit,” said Cavaness. “Thanks to these articulation agreements, we can let students know there are multiple options close to home and exactly what steps they need to take.”  

About YVC 
Yakima Valley College is a public, two-year institution of higher education dedicated to strengthening our communities by providing opportunities for economic mobility, personal enrichment and sociocultural engagement. YVC offers five bachelor of applied science degrees, 55 associate degrees and more than 100 certificate of achievement programs. YVC students can enroll in programs in lower division arts and sciences, professional and technical education, adult basic education and English Language Acquisition at campuses in Yakima and Grandview and learning centers in Ellensburg and Toppenish. 

About PNWU
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) was established in 2005 by a visionary group of community leaders in Washington’s fertile Yakima Valley. Since the beginning, our non-profit university has pursued a single mission: addressing the healthcare needs of rural and medically underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

PNWU’s 70-acre Yakima campus boasts a collaboration-inspiring array of health sciences programs, including WSU’s Nursing and Doctor of Pharmacy satellite programs, our nationally ranked College of Osteopathic Medicine and School of Occupational Therapy, our School of Physical Therapy, Master of Arts in Medical Sciences program, and – beginning in Fall 2025 – one of the country’s most innovative new dental programs: PNWU’s School of Dental Medicine. 

Today, over 1,500 PNWU graduates lead the nation in mission fulfillment, and more than 600 current PNWU health sciences students train to join them in the critical work ahead. 

PNWU Contact
Paul Bubluski / 509.249.7771 / pbubluski@pnwu.edu