Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo offers a unique space dedicated to training future healthcare professionals. Founded over 25 years ago by Richard Nelson, Michael Skurja Jr., and Larry Hall, the university has a strong focus on meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
Cameron K. Martin, the university’s president, emphasizes the importance of listening to patients’ experiences. Having personally faced significant health challenges, including a brain hemorrhage, Martin understands the impact of well-trained healthcare providers. He believes that these experiences shape how the institution approaches education.
For Martin, Rocky Mountain’s mission is personal. He passionately conveys the need for education that emphasizes patient care and prepares confident professionals.
### The Roots of Innovation
The university started with humble beginnings. The founders brainstormed possible degree programs while sitting in a Sizzler booth, dedicated to addressing unmet needs in healthcare education. They focused on using their personal resources to kickstart the school, which now serves about 1,700 students.
Today, RMU provides a variety of programs from master’s degrees in nursing and speech-language pathology to doctoral degrees in physical therapy and optometry. The institution has embraced innovation; offering online courses was groundbreaking when they started. Now, it’s standard practice in many academic settings.
### Academic Excellence and Student Investment
Martin highlights that unlike many universities in Utah that receive public funding, RMU relies solely on tuition. This drives their focus on maintaining a strong return on investment (ROI) for students. The school remains committed to keeping tuition flat, allowing students to predict their total expenses from day one, which sets them apart from institutions that raise tuition annually.
Notably, RMU boasts impressive metrics: a 91% retention rate, an 87% graduation rate, and a 97% employment rate for graduates. What’s even more striking is the zero percent student loan default rate, offering peace of mind to graduates.
According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare professions are among the fastest-growing fields in the country. As high demand continues for roles like nurses, therapists, and optometrists, RMU’s graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
### Community and Learning Connections
RMU is deeply engaged in the local community. The university’s foundation manages health clinics that provide essential care regardless of patients’ insurance status. This not only fulfills community needs but also allows students to gain real-world experience under faculty supervision.
Additionally, Martin is working to develop partnerships with nearby institutions. For example, students from Utah Valley University can complete their undergraduate studies before transitioning into RMU’s graduate programs. This collaboration aims to streamline their education and make them job-ready faster.
### Confident Professionals Ready for the Field
A tour of the university showcases various training facilities, where students practice vital skills. From physical therapy to optometry, students are equipped to handle real patient scenarios. Martin encourages faculty to draw from their clinical experiences, enriching classroom discussions with practical stories.
Dr. David Paulson, a physical therapy instructor and military veteran, encapsulates the university’s ethos: teaching students not just the technical skills, but instilling confidence through rigorous training while offering continuous support.
With a strong foundation, innovative programs, and community involvement, Rocky Mountain University is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to face the challenges of today’s medical landscape.
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