Doctor of Philosophy
in Health Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences degree program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is a 12-semester, limited-residency, post-professional program designed to allow practitioners and educators to continue full-time work while earning their doctoral degree through a combination of online and face-to-face instruction. The PhD program includes specialty tracks in the following areas:
- Athletic Training
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Healthcare Leadership and Administration
- Healthcare Professions Education
- Human and Sport Performance
- Neurologic Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Science
With the combination of rigorous coursework and a student-driven dissertation, students are prepared by renowned instructors and scholars for employment in higher education, healthcare and research clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare venues.
Important Dates
Academic Model
PhD in Health Sciences Program Concentration Courses
Students are required to select a concentration area before enrolling in the doctor of philosophy program.
Concentration courses provide further knowledge, skill, and abilities essential to advanced clinical practice and support research areas students often pursue.
There are six concentration tracks available in the RMUoHP Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences Program.
Details and curriculums for each concentration can be viewed by clicking concentration titles in the tabs below.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Athletic Training
The limited-residency athletic training concentration track prepares students to become clinicians, researchers, and academicians. The curriculum combines a rehabilitation science core with an emphasis on adult learning theory so students utilize research theory to enhance evidence-based practices, learn advanced teaching strategies, and prepare manuscripts for publication. Advanced therapeutic intervention courses teach students to implement sound scientific principles in the treatment of athletes and other physically-active individuals.
SFMA and FMS Certifications:
Students who successfully complete the AT 631 Motor Control Movement Analysis course will be eligible to take the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Certification Exam.
Students who successfully complete the AT 652 Extensive Therapeutic Exercise course will be eligible to take the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Certification Exam.
Students must pay for the exam, but once successfully passing the exams, students will be certified in SFMA and FMS by Functional Movement Systems.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Health Promotion & Wellness
The limited-residency Health Promotion and Wellness track prepares students to be researchers with a multidimensional knowledge of wellness, including the physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and emotional aspects of wellness.
The program offers expanded study in the areas of behavior change theory and principles of health promotion, nutrition, population health, and ecological issues. The curriculum includes coursework in risk factors and risk reduction strategies, motivational coaching and resilience, integrative therapies, healthcare reform, and controversial topics in health promotion. The curriculum also integrates the International Consortium of Health and Wellness Coaches national competencies, which develops graduates who can serve as instructors and professors in health and wellness coaching programs.
We are currently seeking “Approved Program Status” through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching, which would allow students who successfully complete the required prerequisites to sit for the National Board Certification Exam to become a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Those prerequisites are as follows.
- Successfully complete the courses, WE623, WE710, and WE711 including all synchronous hours.
- Pass the Coaching Practical Examination at the end of WE711.
- Complete all other requirements set forth by the ICHWC, which currently includes, completion and documentation of 50 coaching sessions after passing the practical exam in WE711, and paying the application/exam fees.
- As ICHWC requirements are subject to change, students should refer to the website, https://ichwc.org/hwc-certifying-examination-application/ for the most updated information.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Healthcare Leadership and Administration
The Healthcare Leadership and Administration track prepares students to function as administrators, researchers, and scholars in a variety of healthcare settings, including public and private sectors and higher education.
This limited-residency track allows students to maintain professional obligations while earning a terminal degree that will distinguish them as leaders and scholars in healthcare. As healthcare continues to transform and demand fiscally-responsible outcomes, this program educates students in strategic change management, healthcare delivery science, and organizational change. Research theory is addressed to enhance evidence-based practice, health systems, communication, and healthcare law and ethics.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Healthcare Professions Education
The limited-residency Healthcare Professions Education track prepares professionals to function as academicians and researchers in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Graduates can become leaders in the healthcare professions education community through the completion of the doctoral program.
The curriculum offers a variety of courses with an emphasis on adult learning theory including practical applications for the development of healthcare education students. The adult learning emphasis affords students an interactive environment focusing on the designing and assessment of learning. Coursework includes instructional theory, design and delivery, and assessment of learning. The program also provides students an understanding of experiential and interprofessional education content, education technology, and curriculum development explicitly focused on healthcare professions.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Human & Sport Performance
The limited-residency Human & Sport Performance track is designed to increase the student’s competency of exercise science, injury prevention, health, and sport or occupational performance. Students will be trained in applied sport science, human performance evaluation, strength and conditioning methods, training program design for various populations, the use of advanced coaching theories and strategies, advanced nutrition, and the development and use of technology in various areas of sport and occupational performance.
Program faculty are highly-regarded scholars and clinicians, which allows students to learn the latest research in the field, integrate theory into professional practices to increase knowledge and refine hands-on skills, and become effective scholars and connoisseurs of research and evidence-based practices.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Neurologic Rehabilitation
The limited-residency Neurologic Rehabilitation track builds upon the professional’s clinical degree and expertise, with rigorous coursework in evidence-based practice, rehabilitation systems physiology, applied neuroscience/neurophysiology, motor control and learning, clinical technology, and advanced neurologic interventions.
Courses embrace current evidence and integrating technology while focusing on advancing clinical practice and research with an emphasis on predicting movement systems diagnosis, prevention, plasticity, and participation. Students will gain the tools to further research and clinical practice, the degree required to teach in post-professional programs, and the experience to serve the growing aging population in the United States.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Pediatric Science
The limited-residency Pediatric Science track prepares pediatric therapists to develop and conduct research related to children or families and to teach in academic and clinical settings. The curriculum offers opportunities to expand expertise and professional contributions for children and families across multiple settings.
The concentration area focuses on the development of research, teaching, leadership, and scientific writing competencies specific to pediatrics. Coursework options include research practicum and specialty courses involving evidence-based therapeutic approaches from infancy through adolescence. The pediatric science concentration operates in a dynamic, interactive, interdisciplinary learning environment through a blended model of online and in-class learning.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Athletic Training
The limited-residency athletic training concentration track prepares students to become clinicians, researchers, and academicians. The curriculum combines a rehabilitation science core with an emphasis on adult learning theory so students utilize research theory to enhance evidence-based practices, learn advanced teaching strategies, and prepare manuscripts for publication. Advanced therapeutic intervention courses teach students to implement sound scientific principles in the treatment of athletes and other physically-active individuals.
SFMA and FMS Certifications:
Students who successfully complete the AT 631 Motor Control Movement Analysis course will be eligible to take the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Certification Exam.
Students who successfully complete the AT 652 Extensive Therapeutic Exercise course will be eligible to take the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Certification Exam.
Students must pay for the exam, but once successfully passing the exams, students will be certified in SFMA and FMS by Functional Movement Systems.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Health Promotion & Wellness
The limited-residency Health Promotion and Wellness track prepares students to be researchers with a multidimensional knowledge of wellness, including the physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and emotional aspects of wellness.
The program offers expanded study in the areas of behavior change theory and principles of health promotion, nutrition, population health, and ecological issues. The curriculum includes coursework in risk factors and risk reduction strategies, motivational coaching and resilience, integrative therapies, healthcare reform, and controversial topics in health promotion. The curriculum also integrates the International Consortium of Health and Wellness Coaches national competencies, which develops graduates who can serve as instructors and professors in health and wellness coaching programs.
We are currently seeking “Approved Program Status” through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching, which would allow students who successfully complete the required prerequisites to sit for the National Board Certification Exam to become a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Those prerequisites are as follows.
- Successfully complete the courses, WE623, WE710, and WE711 including all synchronous hours.
- Pass the Coaching Practical Examination at the end of WE711.
- Complete all other requirements set forth by the ICHWC, which currently includes, completion and documentation of 50 coaching sessions after passing the practical exam in WE711, and paying the application/exam fees.
- As ICHWC requirements are subject to change, students should refer to the website, https://ichwc.org/hwc-certifying-examination-application/ for the most updated information.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Healthcare Leadership and Administration
The Healthcare Leadership and Administration track prepares students to function as administrators, researchers, and scholars in a variety of healthcare settings, including public and private sectors and higher education.
This limited-residency track allows students to maintain professional obligations while earning a terminal degree that will distinguish them as leaders and scholars in healthcare. As healthcare continues to transform and demand fiscally-responsible outcomes, this program educates students in strategic change management, healthcare delivery science, and organizational change. Research theory is addressed to enhance evidence-based practice, health systems, communication, and healthcare law and ethics.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Healthcare Professions Education
The limited-residency Healthcare Professions Education track prepares professionals to function as academicians and researchers in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Graduates can become leaders in the healthcare professions education community through the completion of the doctoral program.
The curriculum offers a variety of courses with an emphasis on adult learning theory including practical applications for the development of healthcare education students. The adult learning emphasis affords students an interactive environment focusing on the designing and assessment of learning. Coursework includes instructional theory, design and delivery, and assessment of learning. The program also provides students an understanding of experiential and interprofessional education content, education technology, and curriculum development explicitly focused on healthcare professions.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Human & Sport Performance
The limited-residency Human & Sport Performance track is designed to increase the student’s competency of exercise science, injury prevention, health, and sport or occupational performance. Students will be trained in applied sport science, human performance evaluation, strength and conditioning methods, training program design for various populations, the use of advanced coaching theories and strategies, advanced nutrition, and the development and use of technology in various areas of sport and occupational performance.
Program faculty are highly-regarded scholars and clinicians, which allows students to learn the latest research in the field, integrate theory into professional practices to increase knowledge and refine hands-on skills, and become effective scholars and connoisseurs of research and evidence-based practices.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Neurologic Rehabilitation
The limited-residency Neurologic Rehabilitation track builds upon the professional’s clinical degree and expertise, with rigorous coursework in evidence-based practice, rehabilitation systems physiology, applied neuroscience/neurophysiology, motor control and learning, clinical technology, and advanced neurologic interventions.
Courses embrace current evidence and integrating technology while focusing on advancing clinical practice and research with an emphasis on predicting movement systems diagnosis, prevention, plasticity, and participation. Students will gain the tools to further research and clinical practice, the degree required to teach in post-professional programs, and the experience to serve the growing aging population in the United States.
Start Date
May 4, 2020
Onsite Dates
TBA
Pediatric Science
The limited-residency Pediatric Science track prepares pediatric therapists to develop and conduct research related to children or families and to teach in academic and clinical settings. The curriculum offers opportunities to expand expertise and professional contributions for children and families across multiple settings.
The concentration area focuses on the development of research, teaching, leadership, and scientific writing competencies specific to pediatrics. Coursework options include research practicum and specialty courses involving evidence-based therapeutic approaches from infancy through adolescence. The pediatric science concentration operates in a dynamic, interactive, interdisciplinary learning environment through a blended model of online and in-class learning.
Why Choose RMU?
“The education and experiences that I have gained during my time at RMUoHP have set me apart from my colleagues and have allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I will graduate from the institution and be prepared to be an emerging leader in my field and ready to promote change at the local, regional and national level.”
“RMUoHP provides the most advanced education packaged in an unique educational structure that can meet the needs of graduate students of the new millennium. In addition, RMUoHP implements this unique educational experience with field scholars whose knowledge and professional experience could not be assimilated in a traditional graduate school framework. For these reasons RMUoHP is my #1 recommendation for students seeking top tier graduate education in health profession field of study.”
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UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (8060 165th Avenue NE Ste 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the US Department of Education.
“RMUoHP provides the most advanced education packaged in an unique educational structure that can meet the needs of graduate students of the new millennium. In addition, RMUoHP implements this unique educational experience with field scholars whose knowledge and professional experience could not be assimilated in a traditional graduate school framework. For these reasons RMUoHP is my #1 recommendation for students seeking top tier graduate education in health profession field of study.”
“The education and experiences that I have gained during my time at RMUoHP have set me apart from my colleagues and have allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I will graduate from the institution and be prepared to be an emerging leader in my field and ready to promote change at the local, regional and national level.”
“My PhD training experience at RMUoHP was truly incredible. My career has really taken off since starting PhD training. The program is fantastic for many reasons including the ability to participate in an intensive training process without having to move. This is very important for mid career professionals. Furthermore, the faculty that are a part of RMUoHP cultivate a culture of excellence.”
“Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is a great institution for any healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers by learning the most current up-to-date practices in their fields. The faculty are “the best of the best” in the United States in their respective areas.”
“As an Athletic Training Education Program Director and a small business owner, my available time to return for a terminal degree was restricted, especially as a practicing athletic trainer. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions provides me with a challenging and rigorous program, with highly reputable faculty in the field of athletic training from across the country, in a timeframe that allows athletic trainers to continue practicing in their field while advancing in a terminal degree program. The dynamics of the program provide students with support in and out of the classroom as well as implementation of current practices and theories of athletic training to the current job. I highly recommend Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions to any athletic trainer looking to attain a terminal degree. It is the only program that has taken into consideration the lifestyle and demands of the practicing ATC and tailored a highly reputable and demanding program for the athletic trainer.”
“Attending RMUoHP has been life altering for me in so many ways. I am honored and proud to be apart of a wonderful family and institution. Attending this university has undoubtedly been one of the most significant decisions of my life! Keep doing great things RMUoHP!”
“I strongly believe that the education I received from RMUoHP has helped me transformed into a thinker, a reflector, an independent scholar, and above all, a lifelong learner.”
“The RMUoHP program helped me to achieve all my professional goals by academically preparing me for success. Thank you so much for this experience!”
Why Apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences Program?
Student-Centered Faculty: Our faculty members are well-known within the health sciences community and their professional disciplines. They are a diverse faculty who are experts in online and blended educational models and who are focused on the success of our students.
Prestigious Dissertation Committee: Our students work with a dissertation committee of renowned researchers from across the country. These highly-respected scholars work side-by-side with students to assist their dissertation research through various means, including Skype, Google, FaceTime, and phone.
Rigorous Coursework: The Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program is made up of a core of research courses, evidence-based practice, and scientific and professional writing. The coursework in each concentration field is designed to make students into well-rounded scholars, practitioners, and experts in their fields.
Blended Academic Model: At RMUoHP, you don’t have to uproot your family and move across the country to continue your education. The PhD in Health Sciences program allows you to stay in your current location and continue working full-time while pursuing your doctoral degree from a well-respected institution.
Be a part of the future of health sciences
Do you aspire to become an independent scholar, educator, leader, and healthcare professional who can act as a patient advocate? If so, the RMUoHP Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program is the industry-leading educational experience you need to reach your goals.
If you are ready to take the first step toward your future, we encourage you to explore the online program information, attend a virtual information session, and talk with a program advisor who can help you decide if the RMUoHP PhD in Health Sciences program is right for you.
Residential Research Assistantship
The Residential Research Assistantship offers an opportunity for students interested in being mentored by a residential faculty and to reside on campus during the dissertation phase of their doctoral program. The option consists of three semesters during which the student will have the opportunity to assist with on-going research led by residential faculty in a laboratory, field or community setting. The student’s dissertation emerges from a larger faculty research project, thus fostering research that would be a catalyst for developing a line of inquiry extending beyond the completion of the dissertation.
Learn more about the PhD in Health Sciences program
Interested in talking with a graduate from RMUoHP’s Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program? A program advisor can help connect you to current students and alumni who can help you learn what makes RMUoHP’s Health Sciences program different from other health sciences doctoral programs. Our faculty are some of the most renowned healthcare leaders and experts in the country. Earning your doctorate in health sciences from RMUoHP also gives you the opportunity to learn from the brightest minds in your field.
Our student-centered dissertation process allows students to drive their dissertation topics, and with an extensive database of potential dissertation committee members, students receive high-quality mentoring from nationally-known experts in their fields. Students are given opportunities to prepare and publish scholarly work during the didactic phase of the program.
We are committed to the development
of health science professionals who can:
Conduct/Disseminate Scholarship
Research and publish evidence-based, sound, ethical, cost-effective studies in the field of health science.
Make Significant Scientific Contributions
Expand the current body of scientific knowledge in the discipline and make advances for the future.
Educate Effectively
Use expertise and best practices to teach current and future healthcare providers, consumers, and society at large about health sciences.
Demonstrate Ethical Leadership
Become competent clinicians, researchers, educators and leaders in society and the industry.
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences Faculty
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences Scholarships
PhD in Health Sciences News
Success Stories: Creating Meaningful Career Pathways – Athletic Trainer & Alumna Dr. Racheal Lawler
Racheal Lawler, PhD, ATC, was often told that there were things that she wouldn’t be able to do as an athletic trainer because she was [...]
Creating Your Own Dissertation Pathway
At Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students select and drive their own dissertation topic, relevant to their professional goals, and [...]
Faculty & Alumni Reconnect at APTA Combined Sections Meeting
Guest Post by Stephanie Bentley, RMUoHP Alumni Relations Manager. Last week at the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting in Washington, DC, alumni, students, [...]
