SUU and Rocky Mountain University Create Accelerated Pathways for Future Healthcare Professionals

Southern Utah University (SUU) and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership aimed at accelerating the educational journey for students pursuing careers in physical and occupational therapy.

Through this innovative collaboration, students can now complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in a reduced timeframe. After fulfilling prerequisite courses at SUU, students will commence their graduate studies at RMU. Notably, the first year of RMU coursework will retroactively count as senior-year undergraduate credits at SUU, enabling a seamless and efficient transition into advanced clinical training.

This streamlined pathway not only expedites entry into the healthcare workforce but also alleviates the financial burden associated with prolonged education. By reducing the overall time and cost required to obtain a physical therapy degree or an occupational therapy degree, students can embark on their professional journeys with greater ease and confidence.

James Sage, SUU's Associate Provost, emphasized the university's dedication to student success, stating, "This collaboration with RMU provides a streamlined, accelerated pathway for our students to earn graduate degrees and enter the workforce as physical and occupational therapists."

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Malissa Martin, RMU's Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, highlighted the shared commitment to removing educational barriers and strengthening the healthcare workforce. "By creating more efficient, affordable pathways into high-demand healthcare careers, we are helping students reach their professional goals faster while maintaining the high standards and clinical excellence RMU is known for," she remarked.

RMU's programs are nationally accredited and renowned for their emphasis on hands-on clinical experience. Students engage in extensive clinical hours, surpassing accreditation standards, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare industry upon graduation.

This public-private collaboration emerges at a pivotal time when rising education costs and evolving student loan programs are prompting institutions to explore innovative, cost-effective educational pathways. Recent initiatives by the Utah Legislature have also encouraged the development of accelerated programs to address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.

By reducing the time to degree completion and enhancing the return on educational investment, SUU and RMU are not only addressing student needs but also responding to broader workforce demands. Together, they are crafting a more streamlined, flexible pathway for future healthcare professionals—one that prioritizes student success, clinical excellence, and timely entry into the workforce.

For more information on this partnership and the accelerated healthcare programs offered, prospective students are encouraged to contact SUU's Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation or RMU's admissions office.