A new medical school in Washington plans to produce graduates interested specifically in working in the areas that need them most, namely the rural areas in the Pacific Northwest. The College of Osteopathic medicine, which just recently broke ground, is expected to open by the fall of 2008, which puts it's first graduating class (estimated to be around 70 students) ready in 2012.

Graduates are not actually required to work in rural areas, but a desire to service rural communities is part of the selection process for admission. The university also plans to continue actively seeking grants and other funds for further expansion into other health-related programs and colleges on the campus.