Pacific University

News and Stories | Healthcare

Rebecca Schoon stands in front of the Oregon State Capital. She is in the foreground, with blong black hair and wearing a black shirt. The white dome of the Oregon Capital building with the gold "Pioneer" statue is just behind her head.

An Opportunity To Set Groundbreaking Healthcare Policy

With her appointment to the Oregon Health Plan Governance Board, Public Health Professor Rebecca Schoon will be in the room as Oregon works to develop the first universal healthcare system in the U.S.

"Oral Health Was The Doorway"

Jessica Scruggs DHS '09, the 2026 Pacific University Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award winner, carries the lessons she learned as a dental hygiene student forward as a healthcare leader.

A dental therapist practices dental techniques on mouth model.

Pacific Launches Master Of Dental Therapy Program

The second accredited master's program in dental therapy in the U.S. will train a new tier of professionals to bridge the gaps in oral care in rural and underserved communities.

A Student Relaxes With A Book Inside Pacific's New Sensory Room

Making Room For Students Across The Neurodiverse Spectrum

Nicollet Young OT '25 channeled her own experience as an autistic student in the occupational therapy program to help others, resulting in the development of sensory rooms on Pacific's campuses.

Pacific University School of Pharmacy Students Looking At A Computer

Pacific, Oregon Community Colleges Partner To Streamline Paths To Pharmacy Careers

Partnerships with Chemeketa and Umpqua community colleges will provide students at those schools with a direct path to Pacific's graduate pharmacy program.

Keagan Weis and Bismaad Gahra Practice Giving A Hearing Screening

Pacific's Audiology Program Honored For Community Impact

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation names the Pacific's audiology program, and its Pacific EarClinic, as its 2025 Provider of the Year, recognizing Pacific's commitment to providing hearing care to low-income patients.

Pacific, COPE Health Solutions Enter Academic Partnership

Pacific's partnership with the COPE Health Scholars program provides entry-level pathways to those exploring healthcare professions.

Jamie Condiss PT '19 Works With A Patient

A Passion For Helping: Pacific Physical Therapy Celebrates 50 Years

Oregon's oldest physical therapy program continues to educate clinicians that provide top-rate, state-of-the-art care for patients.

Pacific Healthcare Experts Discuss Back To School Eye, Ear & Oral Care

As children prepared to head back to school, faculty experts from Pacific University's dental hygiene, audiology, and optometry programs provided advice to KOIN AM Extra on caring for your child's teeth, hearing and sight before school begins.

Elbarbry Honored For Research Work In Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Pacific University pharmacy professor has been honored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for his publication surrounding his research on natural compounds that could help the treatment of high blood pressure.

High school students at health sciences day

Pacific’s Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute (OHWI) Receives Grant to Engage Future Health Professionals

Pacific University’s Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute (OHWI) has been awarded a $12,000 grant from Worksystems, Inc. The grant will go toward an upcoming four-day healthcare career exploration program, which targets underserved high school sophomores and juniors from Hillsboro High School.

Pacific University's Push to Train Dental Therapists Wins Support From Oregon Legislature

Pacific University faculty members and supporters have advocated for several years for recognition for a new class of dental care provider. This month, the Oregon Legislature signed on.