Health Care

Yakima County is one of Washington state’s premier centers for health care services.  Local facilities serve a seven county area with a population of over 500,000.  Technologically advanced equipment and first-class physicians in the Valley’s five hospitals and specialty clinics provide a full range of treatment including cardiac care and open heart surgery, neurological procedures, specialized cancer therapy, and dialysis treatment. A higher-than-average percentage of board-certified physicians represent virtually every medical specialty.

Yakima County’s health care sector is moving in exciting new directions.  Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) opened in 2008.  Its College of Osteopathic Medicine trains 75 doctors each year and the college is poised to expand enrollment to 125.  PNWU is also expanding to offer additional degrees for other health care professions.

Collaboration within the region’s medical community is often unparalleled and it results in success stories like the Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Children’s Village, its North Star Cancer Care Lodge. and Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center’s nationally recognized cardiac treatment and chest pain services.  As a growing center for health care education, specialized medical treatment, and health care-oriented businesses, Yakima County has the resources and partnerships in place to help health care companies thrive.