Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) stands as a beacon for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking specialized, graduate-level education. Founded in 1998 by the visionary Dr. Richard P. Nielsen and Dr. Michael Skurja Jr., RMUoHP originated from a dream to consolidate advanced curricula into comprehensive degree programs. What began as Rocky Mountain University of Physical Therapy, offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with diverse specialty concentrations, quickly evolved into a broader institution dedicated to advancing health professions.

From its foundational DPT program, RMUoHP rapidly expanded its academic offerings, becoming an accredited institution by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities. A significant milestone was the introduction of the nation's first post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program by 2003, showcasing the university's commitment to innovation. Further enhancing its academic prowess, RMUoHP launched a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, a Doctor of Science in Health Sciences, and later a residency entry-level DPT program, continually adapting to the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.

The university is particularly renowned for its pioneering spirit in specialized fields. It was among the first to offer a limited-residency model Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology and holds distinction as one of the pioneer institutions for Speech-Language Pathology with a medical emphasis. RMUoHP's commitment to cutting-edge education culminated in the launch of the first College of Optometry in the Intermountain West in 2022, with its inaugural cohort beginning in May 2023. Under the leadership of President Dr. Cameron K. Martin since January 2023, RMUoHP now proudly awards 22 master's and doctoral degrees alongside 24 certificates and fellowships, empowering a new generation of healthcare leaders.