Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

RMUoHP faculty named editor-in-chief. 08/27/2010

RMUoHP's PhD in Athletic Training faculty member William Pitney, EdD, ATC, was recently named as editor-in-chief of the Athletic Training Educational Journal. RMUoHP’s PhD in Athletic Training program is the only PhD program specifically for Athletic Training in the nation. Dr. Pitney is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University. In addition, Dr. Pitney is on the review panel for the Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. He has been actively involved on the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association Research Assistance Committee and has served on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Foundation free communication subcommittee. His research focus is related to professional socialization and the use of qualitative research methods.

RMUoHP holds 2010 Commencement Ceremony. 08/16/2010

RMUoHP held its 2010 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the historic Provo Tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Doctoral degrees were awarded in various fields, including Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Science (in the areas of clinical electrophysiology, orthopaedic physical therapy, and pediatric science), and Doctor of Philosophy (in the areas of athletic training, nursing, and pediatric science).

Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. William A. Sederburg, delivered the 2010 commencement address. Commissioner Sederburg addressed the graduates and discussed Utah’s 2020 Plan for Higher Education. The plan has an aggressive goal for 55% of Utahns ages 25 to 64 to receive a higher education certificate or degree by 2020. This goal is aggressive because it requires Utah to triple its growth beyond current trends of persons going to college. Dr. Sederberg also discussed the importance for local privately sponsored higher education institutions like RMUoHP to be involved in the plan.

Other dignitaries who attended include Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. William Sederburg, Associate Commissioner of Higher Education Cameron Martin, Aegis Therapies President Martha Schram, Provo City Mayor John Curtis, Deputy Mayor Dixon Holmes, and Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce President Steve Densley. The alumni speaker was Dr. Donna Diedrich, who graduated from RMUoHP with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Faculty and students came from across the country to participate in the commencement ceremony.

RMUoHP student and faculty receive award. 08/16/2010

RMUoHP’s PhD in Athletic Training student, Gregory Myer, was named the winner of the Journal of Athletic Training “Clint Thompson Award for Clinical Advancement” for his case report, “Longitudinal Assessment of Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factors During Maturation in a Female Athlete.” Dr. Myer received the prestigious award at the National Athletic Trainer’s Association’s Annual Meeting on June 23, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 
RMUoHP’s PhD in Athletic Training faculty member, Leamor Kahanov, EdD, ATC, was named first runner-up with her submission of “Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli in a Collegiate Gymnast: A Case Report.”

RMUoHP to hold 2010 Commencement Ceremony. 08/03/2010

RMUoHP will hold its 2010 Commencement Ceremony in the historic Provo Tabernacle on Saturday, August 7 in Provo, Utah. The procession will begin at 11:00 am and will conclude with a reception on the tabernacle lawn.  Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. William A. Sederburg will be featured as the ceremony's keynote speaker. Commissioner Sederburg served in the Michigan State Senate for twelve years and as the president of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, for nine years. In 2003, Dr. Sederburg became the fifth president of Utah Valley State College, where he led the school through its transition to its status as Utah Valley University (UVU). Dr. Sederburg was appointed as Commissioner in August 2008. He was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.  Dr. Donna Diedrich who graduated from RMUoHP in September of 2009 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree will be the commencement’s alumni speaker. Certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Diedrich is in her 29th year of active practice. Diedrich is a 15-year employee of Aegis Therapies, where she currently works as a Regional Director of Clinical Services, supporting managers, therapists, and customers across seven states.

RMUoHP Announcement of Evaluation for Initial Accreditation and Request for Comments 06/30/2010

RMUoHP will host at its Provo, Utah campus an evaluation for initial accreditation conducted by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU; www.nwccu.org) on October 27-29, 2010.  This is an initial accreditation evaluation following a specified procedure for application, institutional self-studies, site evaluations, and Candidacy for Accreditation.  On January 29, 2009, RMUoHP’s status as a Candidate for Accreditation was continued on the basis of the Fall 2008 Interim Candidacy Evaluation.  Candidacy is not accreditation and does not ensure eventual accreditation.  It is an indication that an institution complies with the NWCCU eligibility requirements and is progressing toward institutional accreditation.  RMUoHP invites comments regarding the University to be sent directly to the Commission no later than 30 days prior to the site visit dates.  The Commission’s address is:

NWCCU
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052-3981

Evidence-based Practice Symposium 06/22/2010

Registration is now available for the 5th Annual Evidence-based Practice Symposium on August 6, 2010 at RMUoHP.  Click here for more information!

RMUoHP holds Certification Course in the General Movement Assessment for Infants. 06/14/2010

From June 9-12, RMUoHP held two certification courses in the General Movement Assessment for Infants at its campus in Provo, Utah. Attendees were instructed by the internationally recognized developmental neurologist and researcher from the Netherlands, Dr. Mijna Hadders-Algra.  Over 60 occupational therapists, nurses, physical therapists, physicians, and speech therapists attended training sessions which focused on assessment of general movements in both preterm and term gestation infants and prepared participants to use movement observation methodology in identifying newborns and infants at risk for neurological and developmental dysfunction. Proceeds from the courses were donated to the Pediatric Research Fund through the RMUoHP Foundation.

RMUoHP appoints Vice President of Advancement and COO of RMUoHP Foundation. 06/08/2010

RMUoHP has appointed Les Smith, PhD as Vice President of Advancement and COO of the RMUoHP Foundation. Dr. Smith received a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. Dr. Smith has had a long and distinguished career in university administration, non-profit management and consulting. Previously, Dr. Smith served as Vice President of the Major Giving at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, Vice President of the Arizona State University Foundation, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Boston University, Vice President for University Advancement at Bradley University, Senior Vice President of the Clements Group, and Executive Director of the Deseret Foundation. He was an adjunct faculty member at three universities and at ASU he served as Assistant Dean of the College of Law. During his career, Dr. Smith has worked as a consultant to over a hundred colleges, universities and non-profit organizations.  In addition to his experience in higher education and consulting, Dr. Smith has served for six years as a trustee and is currently vice chair of the board at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and was recently named as a community board member of the Southwest Regional Medical Center in Mesa, AZ.

RMUoHP appoints new director of entry-level DPT program. 06/01/2010

RMUoHP has appointed J. Wesley McWhorter, PT, MPT, PhD as the new director of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, replacing Dr. Robert A. Sellin who will continue as a faculty member in the program. Dr. McWhorter received his BS. and PhD degrees from Brigham Young University in 1977 and 1988, respectively. He received his MPT degree from the U.S. Army-Baylor Program in Physical Therapy in 1979. Previously, McWhorter served as associate professor at UNLV’s department of physical therapy. RMUoHP also recently appointed Kevin Helgeson, PT, DHSc as faculty to the DPT program. Dr. Helgeson previously served as department chair and associate professor of Idaho State University’s department of physical and occupational therapy.

RMUoHP Director of Research receives award. 05/21/2010

RMUoHP Director of Research, Mitchell J. Rauh, PT, PhD, MPH, FACSM, received the American Physical Therapy Association’s Sports Physical Therapy Section Excellence in Research Award. The study for which it was awarded was “Prevalence and relationships between disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction and musculoskeletal injury among competitive female interscholastic runners." Dr. Rauh received the prestigious award during the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting which took place February 17-20, 2010 in San Diego, California. Dr. Rauh obtained his doctorate in Epidemiology with a special interest in injury epidemiology from the University of Washington. He has also received degrees in Health Sciences (University of Nevada-Reno), Public Health (San Diego State University), and Physical Therapy (University of Washington). Dr. Rauh’s current research interests include high school sport injury epidemiology and issues concerning the female athlete and military recruit. Dr. Rauh is a member and fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

RMUoHP appoints Medical Librarian. 05/21/2010

RMUoHP has appointed Joy Harriman, MBA, MS/LIS as Medical Librarian. Harriman has worked for over 20 years in the health care industry in library and information management, staff development, marketing, training, and research. Previously, she was associated with Texas Tech University Health Sciences of the Permian Basin, located in Odessa, Texas. From 2008 to 2009, she served as the Director of Development. From 2002 to 2008, Harriman was Associate Director for the Library of the Health Sciences and adjunct faculty in the Physician Assistant Program. Harriman graduated from the University of West Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Alabama. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Communication Arts, an M.L.S. and an M.B.A. Harriman also holds a distinguished level of certification from the Academy of Health Information Professionals. Harriman’s book, Creating Your Library’s Business Plan: A How-To-Do-It Manual with Samples on CD-ROM, was released March 2008, by Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

RMUoHP holds 21st Annual ENMG Symposium 04/05/2010

On March 19-20, 2010 RMUoHP sponsored the 21st Annual Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) Symposium at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Provo, Utah. Over 50 physical therapists and electromyography specialists from across the country participated in the symposium which featured research presentations and lectures on pathology and testing of nerves and muscles to assist in the identification of neuromuscular diseases. Proceeds from the conference were donated to the American Congress of Electromyography (ACE).  At the beginning of the conference, a check from last year’s proceeds was presented by Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, President of RMUoHP, to Dr. John Palazzo, past president of the ACE and graduate of RMUoHP. This year’s keynote speaker was Sohrab Gollogly, MD, PC. Dr. Gollogly’s presentation concentrated on “spinal implants.” Dr. Sohrab Gollogly is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who practices in Monterey, California.

PhD in Orthopaedic & Sports Science now available at RMUoHP. 04/05/2010

RMUoHP is pleased to announce the conversion of the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in Orthopaedic & Sports Science to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. RMUoHP has received approval from the state of Utah and from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to convert the program to a PhD. “We are pleased to offer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree for our Orthopaedic and Sports Science students. This degree is well-recognized in academic settings and will provide our graduates with a credential commensurate with their educational experience at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions,” said Dr. Lori Thein Brody, PhD in Orthopaedic & Sports Science Graduate Program Director. RMUoHP’s Orthopaedic and Sports Science courses are designed to enhance assessment skills and facilitate the student’s abilities to implement treatment programs emphasizing the return of functional activities. Anatomy, biomechanics, orthopaedic pathology, radiology, special tests and evaluation of orthopaedic dysfunction, and advanced manual therapy skills make up the specialty courses. This is the fifth program to receive approval for the degree conversion at RMUoHP. Other PhD programs include Nursing, Health Promotion and Wellness, Pediatric Science, and Athletic Training.  Applications are now being accepted; the next cohort begins in May 2011.

RMUoHP Graduate Program Director has fund named in her honor; RMUoHP alumnus receives Jeanne Hughes 03/01/2010

RMUoHP’s PhD in Pediatric Science Graduate Program Director, Jane Sweeney, PT, PhD, PCS, FAPTA, was honored during the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting on February 18, 2010 in San Diego, California with the Neonatology Lectureship Fund named in her honor. The Neonatology Lectureship Fund was established in September 2009 through the generous donation of Dr. Sweeney. The Neonatology Lectureship Fund was designated in specific support of the Neonatology Special Interest Group’s continued recruitment of accomplished, distinguished speakers in neonatology at the Combined Sections Meeting.  Also during the meeting, Vickie Meade, PT, DSc, MPH, PCS, alumnus of RMUoHP, received the Jeanne Hughes award. The Hughes Award is awarded to the best manuscript published in Pediatric Physical Therapy that is adapted from a thesis or dissertation.

RMUoHP appoints Director of Admissions. 03/01/2010

RMUoHP has appointed Bryce E. Greenberg, MBA/GM as Director of Admissions. Mr. Greenberg received his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.  “I have known Bryce for years,” said Dr. Larry Banks, Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost of RMUoHP. “He is highly experienced in enrollment management, and he has passion for student success. I am excited to have Bryce join our admissions team.”  Mr. Greenberg has over 11 years of extensive expertise in higher education and has worked with universities and colleges in admissions and operations. Mr. Greenberg has consulted with private non- profit and for- profit Universities and Colleges in the areas of enrollment management and student-centeredness services.  Mr. Greenberg is a member of Higher Education Professionals and the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals.

Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program granted CAPTE candidacy status. 02/17/2010

The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP), located in Provo, Utah, has been granted candidacy status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The announcement was made on January 28, 2010 by Mary Jane Harris, the Director of the Department of Accreditation for CAPTE. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director, Robert Sellin, PT, DSc, ECS, said the following regarding the announcement, “we are very fortunate to have a highly skilled team of educators who have worked diligently over the past year and half to make Candidacy possible. While Candidacy is not a guarantee of accreditation it is a very important step in the process which enables us to admit students to the program. The University is in a unique position to offer a needed educational service to Utah County and the western states area. We look forward to becoming a positive force on the delivery of health care both locally and nationally as our program matures.”  RMUoHP is pleased to announce the following faculty for the DPT program: Robert A. Sellin, PT, DSc, ECS; Jeffery D. Lau, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT; J. Wesley McWhorter, PT, MPT, PhD; Kevin Helgeson, PT, DHSc; Tim Flynn, PT, PhD; Mark Walker, PT, PhD; Robert S. Pozos, PhD; Ronald Scott, PT, EdD, LLM; Mitchell J. Rauh, PT, PhD, MPH, FACSM; Stephen C. Allison, PT, PhD; Lori Thein Brody, PT, PhD, SCS, ATC; and, Sandra L. Pennington, PhD, RN.  Aegis Therapies, one of the largest contract aging rehabilitation companies in the country, has provided funds for an endowed chair and three scholarships in the DPT Program.  Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with CAPTE that indicates the DPT program is progressing toward accreditation. Candidacy is the final stage before full-accreditation, which is granted during the first DPT class’s last semester. For RMUoHP’s DPT program, this will take place in December 2012. The first DPT class will begin on May 10, 2010. Applications are being accepted online at www.rmuohp.edu.

PhD in Athletic Training now available at RMUoHP. 01/04/2010

RMUoHP is pleased to announce the conversion of the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in Athletic Training to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. RMUoHP has received approval from the state of Utah and from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to convert the program to a PhD, making it the first PhD program in Athletic Training in the United States.  RMUoHP’s PhD in Athletic Training program helps students build a solid foundation to conduct independent research, learn the latest evidence-based methods for clinical practice, and study the science and art of teaching. Students benefit from collaborating with other athletic training clinicians and educators from across the country while being instructed by leading experts in the field of athletic training. Malissa Martin, EdD, ATC/L, CSCS, the program director, has assembled a faculty of esteemed healthcare professionals from throughout the United States to teach in the program. This is the fourth program to receive approval for the degree conversion at RMUoHP. Other PhD programs include Nursing, Health Promotion and Wellness, and Pediatric Science.  Applications are now being accepted.

CAPTE conducts site visit at RMUoHP. 12/01/2009

On October 19-20, 2009, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) conducted an on-site visit at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) to assess the university’s developing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Dr. Robert Sellin, PT, DSc, ECS, Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, stated, “The CAPTE site visit was a very positive and constructive meeting and we await the written report summary from CAPTE.” The DPT program is scheduled to start in May of 2010, contingent upon gaining candidacy. The program will be the first residential program for the University, and the second residential Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the state of Utah. Applications are currently being accepted for the inaugural class. RMUoHP’s DPT program is currently in the Applicant for Candidacy phase of accreditation. The Application for Candidacy (AFC) was completed and sent to CAPTE on August 27th of this year. CAPTE pronounced the AFC “bona fide” on September 1, 2009. RMUoHP will find out in January 2010 if it has gained Candidate for Accreditation status.

RMUoHP VPAA/Provost Hartgraves retires; Banks joins team. 10/30/2009

On September 30, 2009, Dr. Stan Hartgraves, Vice President of Academic Affairs, retired from RMUoHP. Dr. Larry Banks is the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. “Dr. Banks is a great asset to this University”, said Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, President of RMUoHP.  “He brings a breadth, depth, and width of academic perspective and experience to this institution that will facilitate continued growth and development and maturation through the years.” Banks brings to the University his ground-breaking strategies for faculty hiring and training, student retention, and course and program development. His research compares the effectiveness of online, classroom, and blended learning to improve student retention and satisfaction. Banks is an expert in maximizing the tools of the modern classroom to achieve outstanding student success and has extensive teaching, platform development, and online course development experience.  Currently, Banks is an ACICS evaluator, McGraw Hill advisory board member, and has published a number of articles on learning with technology. He has his PhD in business administration and an MBA with an emphasis in technology management. Formerly, Banks was Vice President of Academics for Eagle Gate/Provo College Group, Colorado State Vice President for University of Phoenix, President of Mountain West College, and Vice President of National Accounts for Apollo Group.

RMUoHP holds 2009 Commencement Exercises. 08/03/2009

RMUoHP held its 2009 Commencement Exercises on August 1, 2009 at the historic Provo Tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Sixty-five doctoral degrees were awarded and 18 graduates returned to Provo to participate in the ceremony. Doctoral degrees were awarded in various fields, including the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Doctor of Science degree (in the areas of advanced neurology, athletic training, clinical electrophysiology, geriatric physical therapy, orthopaedic physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, and sports physical therapy). The University’s first Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing was also awarded.

Ms. Rebecca Austill-Clausen, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, delivered the 2009 commencement address. Ms. Austill-Clausen is president of Austill’s Rehabilitation Services, Inc., in Exton, PA. She is a member of Temple University and Harcum College Advisory Boards and the American Journal of Occupational Therapy Editorial Board. Ms. Austill-Clausen is a frequent workshop presenter and recipient of numerous awards for innovative quality services in private practice. The alumni speaker was Dr. Michele J. Monaco, who is the first graduate of RMUoHP’s Athletic Training Doctor of Science program. The Hartgraves’ Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Dr. Jane Sweeney, Graduate Program Director of the PhD in Pediatric Science program at RMUoHP. Faculty and students came from across the country to participate in the commencement exercises.

RMUoHP celebrates its 10th anniversary. 08/01/2009

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) hosted 150 honored guests for the celebration of its 10th anniversary.  An Open House, held on RMUoHP’s Provo, Utah campus, was held on Friday, July 31. RMUoHP was delighted to welcome local healthcare leaders, government members, academia and the press, to celebrate along with the distinguished students, alumni, faculty and staff. Dignitary remarks by university founder, Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, President of RMUoHP, and university supporter, Mayor Lewis Billings were given on the successes that RMUoHP has brought over the last ten years.  “Thousands of people from all over the United States fly into Salt Lake and travel to Provo to visit, teach in and work with the university,” said Nielsen. “They eat in our restaurants; they stay in Provo’s hotels and contribute to our community.” RMUoHP joins Brigham Young University, University of Utah and Utah State University in being one of a handful academic institutions in Utah who offer doctoral degrees.

RMUoHP holds 4th Annual Evidence-based Practice Symposium. 08/01/2009

On July 31, 2009, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) sponsored the 4th Annual Evidence-based Practice Symposium in Provo, Utah.  More than 35 athletic trainers, nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists attended the symposium. Attendees listened to research presentations and lectures given by Stephen C. Allison, PT, PhD (Payson, AZ), Marthe J. Moseley, PhD, RN, CCRN, CCNS (San Antonio, TX), Rebecca D. Reder, OTD, OTR/L (Cincinnati, OH), and Craig R. Denegar, PhD, PT, ATC (Mansfield Center, CT). The 5th Annual Evidence-based Practice Symposium is scheduled to be held August 6, 2010.

PhD in Pediatric Science now available at RMUoHP. 06/29/2009

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is pleased to announce the conversion of the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in Pediatric Science to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. RMUoHP has received approval from the state of Utah and from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to convert the program to a PhD. “We are extremely pleased to offer the PhD in Pediatric Science for physical and occupational therapists seeking to expand their expertise and contributions to children and families,” said Dr. Jane Sweeney, Pediatric Science Graduate Program Director. “This program is unique with the entire focus on the science of pediatrics and development of advanced leadership, research, teaching, and scientific writing competencies specific to pediatrics.”

This PhD program offers coursework in developmental, behavioral, and movement science related to pediatrics. This is the third program to receive approval for the degree conversion at RMUoHP. Other PhD programs include Nursing and Health Promotion and Wellness.  Applications are now being accepted.

PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness now available at RMUoHP. 05/27/2009

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is pleased to announce the conversion of the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in Health Promotion and Wellness to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Health Promotion and Wellness. RMUoHP has received approval from the state of Utah and from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to convert the program to a PhD.  “The approval of the PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness is a major achievement for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions,” said Dr. Troy Adams, Health Promotion and Wellness Graduate Program Director and editor at the American Journal of Health Promotion. “Even more importantly, this new degree offers our future students the opportunity to get a quality degree from exceptionally high quality faculty without disrupting their family or leaving their employment.”The doctoral degree program offers coursework in epidemiology, theories of behavior change, ecological principles of health promotion, exercise testing and prescription, and population health issues. Students will learn to become socially responsible researchers, educators, and leaders, able to positively influence the health and quality of life of all people. The program begins in September of 2009. Applications are now being accepted.

RMUoHP appoints Director of Clinical Education. 05/06/2009

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) has appointed Jeffery D. Lau, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT, to serve as Director of Clinical Education for the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program. “Dr. Lau is a valuable asset to the institution,” said Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, President of RMUoHP. “We are pleased to have him as a member of our talented staff.”Dr. Lau has practiced in a variety of areas, including outpatient sports and orthopedics, industrial rehabilitation, skilled nursing/ long term rehabilitation, and hospital facilities, as well as in the educational setting during the last ten years. He received his undergraduate training at Utah Valley State College and Southern Utah University. Dr. Lau attended Creighton University and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 1999. He is an APTA credentialed clinical instructor, is Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and is certified by the North American Institute of Manual Therapy as a manual physical therapist (CMPT). “Joining the faculty and staff here at Rocky Mountain University is an honor,” Lau said. “It is an environment where students who are eager to learn receive top quality, enthusiastic, and personalized instruction from dedicated, qualified, and passionate instructors.”

RMUoHP appoints transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Graduate Program Director. 05/04/2009

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is pleased to announce Marian Gillard, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, as the new Graduate Program Director of the transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (tOTD) program. Dr. Gillard adds to RMUoHP's reputation in faculty excellence with over 25 years of teaching experience.  Dr. Gillard has spent her career as an occupational therapy practitioner, educator, and researcher in the Philadelphia area.  She holds a PhD in Psychoeducational Processes from Temple University, with a BS and MS in Occupational Therapy from Temple. Her favorite areas of instruction include occupation-based models of practice, use of narrative reasoning in the clinical reasoning process, and research design. Dr. Gillard is an expert in interactive, distance learning, and has presented her research both nationally and internationally on the topic.   Dr. Gillard has served on the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Representative Assembly for four terms, and is a recipient of the Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s award for “Exemplary Leadership, Innovative Educational Approaches, and Dedicated Scholarship”.  “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Gillard as the new director to continue the tradition of innovative education,” said Dr. Stan Hartgraves, Vice President of Academic Affairs at RMUoHP. “She brings a wealth of academic and clinical experience to the University, and as a Fellow of the AOTA, is well recognized by her peers.”

Join the RMUoHP Facebook Group! 04/17/2009

The RMUoHP Facebook Group is open to any Facebook members! To join our online community, click here, go directly to the website at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65731417009, or, in the Facebook search engine, search "Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions" and join the group associated with the University logo.

RMUoHP holds 20th Annual ENMG Symposium. 04/07/2009

On March 13^th and 14^th Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) sponsored the 20^th annual Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) Symposium at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Provo, Utah. Over 50 Physical Therapists and Electromyography specialists from across the country participated in the symposium which featured research presentations and lectures on pathology and testing of nerves and muscles to assist in the identification of diseases including carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal nerve problems, and other nerve disorders.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Jun Kimura, world renowned neurologist and author of Electrodiagnosis in Diseases of Nerve and Muscle: Principles and Practice. Dr. Kimura has made significant contributions to the field of clinical neurophysiology and his publications in peer-reviewed journals are numerous. He has maintained joint professor appointments between the University of Iowa and Kyoto University for several years. Dr. Kimura has served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Muscle & Nerve Journal, President of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, and President of the World Federation of Neurology.

RMUoHP Graduate Program Director speaks at International Conference. 04/01/2009

Dr. Martha Hartgraves, Graduate Program Director of the transitional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program, spoke at the 2nd International Conference in Rehab Medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 20, 2009. Since the scope of practice and the philosophical basis of the occupational therapy profession are not well defined in Mexico, the boundaries between some professions have become blurred. Dr. Hartgraves was asked to address this issue and spoke about the connections between related professions. More than 300 people attended the conference, including physicians, therapists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

RMUoHP receives NWCCU approval for site visit for initial accreditation. 03/16/2009

RMUoHP's second post-candidacy site visit last October went quite well:  in January 2009 the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (http://www.nwccu.org/) voted to continue RMUoHP's candidacy status and approved the next site visit for initial accreditation.  A sincere "thank you" is offered to all who contributed to the highly successful October 2008 site visit.  The site visit for initial accreditation promises to be as challenging as the initial candidacy site visit in 2005.  Candidacy is a five-year process.  RMUoHP gained this status in November of 2005; thus, RMUoHP is officially on the Commission schedule for the initial accreditation visit in October of 2010.  This initial accreditation visit will require a concerted effort by the University's Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, and all other concerned parties.  As RMUoHP nears the date of the next visit, we will once again call on the good will and volunteerism of all our constituents. Please join us in this monumental effort!

PhD in Nursing now available at RMUoHP 01/21/2009

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is pleased to announce the conversion of the Doctor of Science (DSc) in Nursing to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. Having previously received State of Utah Division of Consumer Protection approval, in November RMUoHP also received approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to convert the program to a PhD. “This change of status for the Nursing program from DSc to PhD degree represents an important landmark for the University,” said Dr. Stan Hartgraves, Vice President of Academic Affairs for the University. “Specifically, this action by NWCCU demonstrates that the RMUoHP DSc degree has rigor and meets the benchmark of creating new knowledge for the profession.” The doctoral program offers expanded study in the areas of research, theory-based practice models, leadership, ethics and social responsibility, health policy, and role competence. Graduates will be socially responsible researchers, educators, and leaders. The program begins in May of 2009. Applications are now being accepted.

RMUoHP Apparel 03/01/2008