As part of its mission to advance whole-person health care education, University of Western States (UWS) introduced a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The innovative hybrid program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate occupational therapists.

“The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is a natural extension of our mission to advance integrated, whole-person health care through exceptional education and compassionate patient care,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. “By offering a flexible, academically rigorous pathway into this growing field, we are empowering more students to pursue impactful careers without putting their lives on hold.”

Created with working professionals and career changers in mind, the OTD program combines primarily online coursework with limited on-campus residencies, allowing students to complete most of their education within their own communities. Unlike many traditional programs, it does not require relocation.

Occupational therapy is among the fastest-growing fields in health care, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12 percent job growth through 2032. Demand continues to rise as aging populations, individuals recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic conditions increasingly prioritize services that support independence, recovery, and whole-person well-being.

“As the first occupational therapy program within our System, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, which includes UWS. “By offering a flexible and forward-thinking pathway into occupational therapy, UWS is preparing a new generation of practitioners to provide care that addresses not just physical needs, but the overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.”

The program has applied for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Upon full accreditation, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), and pursue licensure nationwide.

The first cohort of students will begin classes in January 2026. Applications are now open through the University of Western States website.

To learn more about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States, visit https://www.uws.edu/doctor-of-occupational-therapy/. For more information about the accreditation process, visit acoteonline.org or contact the ACOTE at 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, or call 301-652-6611.

With more people looking for natural ways to improve their health, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to fill a critical gap in modern medicine.

Chiropractic care is experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason. As health care shifts toward more whole-person, patient-centered approaches, chiropractic professionals are stepping into the spotlight, offering non-invasive, drug-free solutions for pain management, mobility, and overall wellness.

Growing Demand for Chiropractors

The numbers don’t lie: Chiropractic care is one of the fastest-growing fields in health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 10% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations.

On average, 3,100 job openings for chiropractors are expected each year over the next decade, fueled by factors such as:

• An aging population seeking alternative pain management solutions.
• The opioid crisis driving demand for non-drug pain management solutions.
• Increased recognition of chiropractic care as a key part of whole-person health care.

With more people looking for natural ways to improve their health, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to fill a critical gap in modern medicine. The academic world is responding to this trend, with at least three new chiropractic programs being launched in the past few years.

Why Students Are Choosing Chiropractic Careers

Chiropractic care is more than just spinal adjustments; it’s about whole-person health. Chiropractors focus on treating the root cause of pain and dysfunction rather than simply masking symptoms. This holistic approach aligns with the growing movement toward preventive and whole-person health care, making it an attractive career path for students passionate about improving lives.

Additionally, chiropractors enjoy:

• A rewarding career helping others live pain-free, healthier lives.
• Diverse career opportunities, from private practice to sports medicine and rehabilitation.
• A strong work-life balance, with many chiropractors having flexibility in their schedules.

What Sets University of Western States Apart

Not all chiropractic programs are created equal. University of Western States has been a leader in chiropractic education for more than a century. In an increasingly competitive landscape, UWS continues to distinguish itself through its forward-thinking, evidence-informed curriculum, offering students a level of experience that newer programs are still working to establish. Key benefits of our chiropractic program in Portland, Oregon, include:

• Evidence-Based Health Sciences Curriculum: UWS takes an evidence-based approach to ensure students master the clinical sciences, preparing them to deliver high-quality patient care.
• Collaborative Learning Environment: Students engage with peers across different health disciplines, enhancing their ability to work in whole-person health care settings and enhance patient outcomes.
• Hands-On Clinical Experience: Students gain valuable hands-on experience through UWS’ onsite chiropractic clinic, and community-based internships and preceptorships, allowing them to apply their knowledge in diverse patient care settings throughout the U.S. and Canada where they intend to practice post-graduation.

The Future of Chiropractic Careers

With an increasing number of health care systems incorporating chiropractic care, new career pathways are opening up in:

• Sports medicine: Helping athletes recover and optimize performance.
• Rehabilitation: Assisting patients in regaining mobility post-injury.
• Whole-person health care: Working alongside doctors, physical therapists and other professionals in multidisciplinary clinics or hospital settings.

For students considering a career in chiropractic care, there has never been a better time to start. University of Western States is committed to equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge and clinical experience needed to make a lasting impact in this expanding field.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the UWS Doctor of Chiropractic program and start your journey toward a fulfilling career in health care.

Our chiropractic program is in-person at our Portland, Oregon, campus, providing hands-on clinical experience through preceptorships, internships, and our on-campus clinic. The curriculum prepares graduates to sit for licensure exams in Canada, Oregon, or other states. Once licensed, you can complete your required continuing education courses.

Learn how to become a sports chiropractor.

University of Western States (UWS) is proud to announce its partnership with the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) to provide comprehensive sport and performance psychology services for the U.S. team competing at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. The collaboration underscores UWS’ leadership in sport and performance psychology, while creating hands-on learning opportunities for its students to gain experience working with elite athletes.

The USA Performance Psychology Team for the 2025 Deaflympics will be led by UWS’ Becky Clark, Ph.D., a three-time Deaflympian and gold medalist. UWS’ work will focus on equipping athletes with evidence-informed tools to optimize performance and mental health as they prepare for the global stage.

“This partnership is a unique and powerful opportunity to provide our students with immersive, culturally competent training while addressing the unmet mental performance needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of University of Western States. “We are honored to play a part in ensuring the U.S. team has the mental and emotional tools they need to succeed at the 2025 Deaflympics.”

Dr. Clark will lead a multidisciplinary team of certified mental performance consultants, licensed therapists, and five UWS doctoral students specializing in sport and performance psychology. The group will provide virtual and in-person support to athletes throughout 2025 and on-site at the Games in Tokyo. Services will include individual mental performance consultations, group training, and clinical mental health support.

The partnership between UWS and USADSF is a reflection of both organizations’ commitment to advancing performance psychology and mental health in historically underrepresented groups, particularly within the realm of Deaf Sports.

“This collaboration with University of Western States represents a pivotal step forward in supporting our athletes’ mental performance and mental health,” said Jeffrey Mansfield, president of USA Deaf Sports Federation. “By tapping into UWS’ expertise in sport and performance psychology, we aim to empower our athletes with the tools they need to excel. This collaboration ensures our Deaflympians are resilient athletes prepared for any situation and able to optimize their performance at the highest level.”

A core component of the program is equipping UWS students with cultural competence in Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and strategies to overcome communication barriers. The doctoral students will gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit, and their participation will be considered a unique study abroad opportunity for the 2025 academic year.

UWS faculty members Dr. Sarah Castillo, Ph.D., and Dr. Gily Meir, Ph.D., will join the effort, bringing years of expertise in sport and performance psychology to the team. The partnership also includes Skip Flanagan, UWS sport and performance psychology doctoral student, co-founder of the National Deaf Athlete Center and former professional baseball player, whose expertise and insight will enhance the program’s impact.

“This initiative provides an unprecedented level of performance and mental health support for Deaflympians,” said Dr. Clark. “We are committed to supporting these athletes in optimizing their overall performance and mental well-being and ensuring they are at their best on the world stage.”

Event marked significant milestone for growing Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program

University of Western States (UWS) held its inaugural White Coat Ceremony for students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) program on Friday, April 11, at 3 p.m. PT on the UWS campus.

The White Coat Ceremony serves as a powerful rite of passage in health care education, marking the students’ transition from the classroom to clinical settings. The donning of white coats symbolizes professional readiness to begin working with patients and take on the responsibilities of a healthcare provider.

The inaugural class of students will now enter the next phase of their clinical training, working with patients under the supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians. This ceremony celebrates both the accomplishments of UWS’s first naturopathic medicine cohort and the program’s role in preparing health care providers in integrative, whole-person care.

“The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program represents a bold step forward for UWS as a leader in whole-person health,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of University of Western States. “This inaugural ceremony celebrates the students who chose to lead the way and reinforces our shared mission to transform lives through a human-centered approach to health care.”

Launched in fall 2023, the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program was designed in response to the growing demand for clinicians trained to treat the root causes of illness through personalized, prevention-focused care. As chronic illness and mental health challenges continue to rise nationwide, there is an urgent need for practitioners who can integrate nutrition, functional medicine, and evidence-informed approaches – all central elements of the UWS curriculum.

“This cohort has demonstrated admirable dedication and a strong work ethic as they embraced the responsibility and the honor of being our first class of naturopathic medicine students,” said Dr. Marcia Prenguber, Dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine. “That hard work has prepared them for the next phase of their clinical training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel as practitioners.”

The naturopathic program reinforces UWS’s impact in the Portland community, where students receive hands-on training, which provides low-cost care to the public Connected Whole Health Clinic. By expanding access to affordable health care while offering real-world experience to its students, UWS continues to demonstrate how higher education institutions can drive both community wellness and student success.

The ceremony featured remarks from university leadership and faculty, a keynote address by Portland-based naturopathic physician Georgiana Cullen-Kerney, the ceremonial white coat presentation, and a reception that followed.

University of Western States (UWS) and University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) have reaffirmed an agreement on a high-quality accelerated pathway for UFV Bachelor of Kinesiology students to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from UWS. Qualified students can save up to a year of study by integrating their studies, maintaining the rigorous academic and clinical training needed for success while completing both degrees in less time.

UFV students who meet specific academic criteria can apply credits earned in the UWS DC program toward their UFV bachelor’s degree. This approach not only streamlines the path to a chiropractic career but ensures students receive a strong evidence-based education that prepares them for real-world patient care.

“UWS and UFV have created opportunities for aspiring chiropractors to gain the advanced, high-caliber education needed to meet growing demand for non-invasive, evidence-based care,” said Dr. Nathan Long, President of University of Western States. “This renewed agreement reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence and removing barriers for students to provide them with a clear, efficient path toward meaningful careers in health care.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of chiropractors in the U.S. will grow 10 percent between 2023 and 2033, as people seek nonsurgical, drug-free pain treatment to improve overall wellness.

“This collaboration is a shining example of the kind of partnerships and innovation The Community Solution Education System wants to promote,” said Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, of which UWS is a proud member. “By working together, UFV and UWS are helping students achieve their academic and professional goals more efficiently while preparing them to meet the needs of patients.”

UFV’s Bachelor of Kinesiology program provides a strong foundation for chiropractic education, focusing on human movement, anatomy, exercise physiology, and hands-on experiential learning. With small class sizes and specialized tracks in exercise science and pedagogy, the program aligns seamlessly with UWS’ rigorous Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum.

“UFV Faculty and students are excited about the learning opportunity this partnership provides. Access to a high-quality DC program in close proximity to UFV is important to UFV students” notes Dr. Lara Duke, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences at University of the Fraser Valley. “UFV is excited these students can return to the Fraser Valley for practicum opportunities and employment upon completing their DC degrees.”

Through partnerships like this, UWS continues its commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-informed health education, with a focus on fostering strong clinical skills and building meaningful patient relationships. The renewal of this partnership with UFV highlights both institutions’ shared dedication to offering students a clear, supportive path toward successful careers in health care.