It was obvious long before the pandemic that we need well-prepared and compassionate workers in the health and medicine fields. Health and medicine are crucial to our everyday lives—and some students are made to thrive in the field. If you’re considering pursuing a health science major, these schools are a great place to start your search. All the colleges and universities on this list are located in the Western US and offer fantastic, comprehensive health science programs in varying disciplines—and you connect with all of them quickly and easily! You’ll find a green “Connect me” button underneath each featured Health and Medicine school. If you’re interested in learning more, just click the button—then they'll reach out to you with more info. This could be your launch point to an excellent health care career!
Central Washington University
Central Washington University 
is a public institution in Ellensburg, Washington, where over 10,000 students prepare for impactful healthcare careers. CWU’s new Health Sciences Building features professional-grade simulation spaces, including an ambulance simulator and an environmental chamber. Students can choose from diverse majors like Clinical Physiology, EMS Paramedicine, and Public Health, or utilize specialized advising to complete prerequisites for medical and nursing schools. With nearly 100 annual graduates in health professions and a 100% job placement rate in select programs, CWU effectively connects academic theory with clinical practice.
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University is a private nondenominational Christian university in Lakewood, Colorado—just minutes from downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. CCU’s more than 9,800 students benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and high-ranking programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. The University offers diverse pathways, from Pre-Med and Pre-Physician Assistant to CCNE-accredited Nursing degrees, all taught with a focus on "redemptive healthcare" that treats the whole person by combining technical excellence with a servant's heart.
Pacific University
Pacific University
is a private university consisting of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Health Professions, and Optometry on a 55-acre campus in Forest Grove, Washington—25 miles west of Portland. The University offers average class sizes of 19 students, a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and an enrollment of 3,893 students. Undergraduates choose from more than 60 fields of study, including Exercise Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Public Health. Pacific offers pre-professional and pre-med tracks for undergraduates as well as a professional bachelor’s degree program in Dental Hygiene.
Washington State University
Washington State University is a leading public research institution with campuses across Washington, including Pullman, Spokane, and the Global Campus for online learning. WSU provides students with an affordable education backed by strong career outcomes and high internship placement rates. The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine trains future physicians to serve communities in need, while globally connected programs and nationally recognized faculty ensure graduates are well-equipped to tackle critical national and international challenges.
Interested in earning a health sciences degree at a school elsewhere in the country? Check out all our featured Health & Medicine School Profiles to discover more options!
