In a recent announcement, Western University of Health Sciences' College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) and its branch, COMP-Northwest, have once again been distinguished as a Tier 1 institution for primary care training by U.S. News & World Report. This accolade marks the second consecutive year that both campuses have achieved this notable recognition in the 2025 rankings.
Located in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon, respectively, WesternU and its affiliates find themselves among a select group of just 16 medical schools that have attained a Tier 1 ranking, illustrating their commitment to training excellent primary care providers. In the context of the rankings, Tier 1 schools are those that are placed in the top 15% of all medical schools evaluated, showcasing exceptional standards in medical education.
Paula M. Crone, DO '92, the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at WesternU, expressed immense pride in the dual accomplishments of COMP and COMP-Northwest. "This recognition underscores the relentless dedication of our faculty, students, and staff to advance healthcare through compassionate and community-centric educational practices," she stated. Dr. Crone emphasized that the achievement is reflective of WesternU's enduring mission to create outstanding physicians who contribute significantly to communities across the nation.
In addition to their Tier 1 ranking for primary care, WesternU COMP and COMP-Northwest have also secured the 6th position in the category of Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care. This particular ranking is based on statistics regarding the percentage of graduates who practice direct patient care in primary care settings from the years 2016 to 2018. Notably, during the 2025 National Residency Match cycle, an impressive 57% of the COMP-Northwest Class of 2025 and 58% of the COMP Class of 2025 successfully matched into primary care specialties.
Dean Lisa Warren, DO '01, MBA of both COMP and COMP-Northwest, highlighted the significance of this ongoing recognition, stating, "We are incredibly honored to be named a Tier 1 institution for the second consecutive year. This reflects our unwavering commitment to our students, communities, and the mission that is deeply rooted in humanism, as we prepare future physicians determined to make a meaningful impact on their patients and the broader health of the communities they serve."
Further exemplifying their commitment, COMP and COMP-Northwest ranked in additional categories including:
- - 123rd for Most Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas
- - 88th for Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
- - Tier 4 in Best Medical Schools Research
Western University of Health Sciences, known for its diverse educational offerings, also confers degrees across various disciplines including biotechnology, dental medicine, nursing, optometry, and veterinary medicine, among others. Through its affiliated service, WesternU Health, the university continues to promote a model of collaborative healthcare, reinforcing its status as a leader in health education.
The 2025 rankings from U.S. News & World Report serve as a crucial indicator of program quality and success, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their education and career paths. With such commendable recognition, WesternU's COMP and COMP-Northwest stand as exemplary institutions shaping the future of primary care in the healthcare landscape.