A series of agreements between Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and Yakima Valley College will make it easier for students in central Washington to pursue careers in critical healthcare professions.  

The new articulation agreements will help YVC students more easily transition into PNWU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy, School of Dental Medicine, and Master of Arts, Medical Sciences programs.   

“YVC has a strong tradition of preparing skilled healthcare professionals, both through our own healthcare degree and certificate programs, as well as future dentists, doctors, pharmacists and other fields,” said Kerrie Cavaness, interim vice president for instruction. “We’re pleased to partner with PNWU in creating clear pathways for our students to start their academic work here at YVC and then enter their desired program. This will help students save time and money on their journey to entering healthcare professions that are in high demand here in Central Washington.” 

“PNWU and YVC have a history of working together to educate healthcare professionals that will serve the communities in the Yakima Valley,” said Dr. Wayne C. Miller, provost and chief academic officer at PNWU. “These new agreements solidify our common goals and strategies to accomplish this mission.”  

Cavaness also noted that, since more than two-thirds of YVC students are students of color and approximately 80% are first-generation college students, the articulation agreements will strengthen diversity in the region’s medical community and foster socio-economic mobility.  

“Our institutions serve a diverse and vibrant community and these articulation agreements are an important way for PNWU and YVC to work together to remove barriers to students who have a dream of entering healthcare careers and contributing to the health and well-being of our region,” said Cavaness. 

The articulation agreements provide for the following: 

  • Dental Medicine – Each year, up to two seats in PNWU's School of Dental Medicine will be designated for YVC students who complete prerequisites at YVC and meet PNWU’s other admission requirements.
  • Master of Arts in Medical Sciences – Each year, up to six seats in PNWU's Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program will be designated for students who have earned 30 or more college-level credits from YVC and meet PNWU’s other admission requirements.
  • Occupational Therapy – Each year, up to two seats in PNWU's School of Occupational Therapy will be designated for students who have earned 30 or more college-level credits from YVC (including Biology 160, Biology 241, Biology 242, English 204, Philosophy 120 and Psychology 200) and meet PNWU’s other admission requirements.
  • Osteopathic Medicine – Students who have earned 30 or more college-level credits from YVC and meet PNWU’s other admission requirements will be guaranteed an admission interview with PNWU's College of Osteopathic Medicine.

In addition to the four completed articulation agreements, PNWU and YVC are working to establish another articulation agreement to create a similar pathway into PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy. 

Since many students start their studies at YVC with a general idea about their future careers but are still deciding on a specific career pathway, Cavaness said the articulation agreements will help YVC advisors who work with students in refining their educational plans.  

“Many students start college knowing that they want to pursue some career in health care, but they’re not sure what all of the options are,” said Cavaness. “With the articulation agreements, we can let students know there’s an option that’s close to home and exactly what steps they need to take.”  

Dr. Miller noted that enhancing opportunities for YVC graduates to enter all five of PNWU’s health sciences programs will be especially beneficial for local communities. 

“YVC and PNWU recognize that there are many non-traditional students in the Yakima Valley that face obstacles in obtaining their education not experienced by traditional students,” said Dr. Miller. “These new agreements remove some of those obstacles, which will ultimately result a more diverse healthcare workforce in our communities.”   

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.