RMUoHP Alumnus Dr. Allen Jones
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) alumnus Allen Jones, PT, DPT, learned from his family that education is important, no matter your age or experience. “My mother, Catherine Jones, obtained her doctorate degree in business strategic planning at the age of 70. She set the benchmark of excellence for the family.” Despite having over 32 years of clinical experience and owning his own practice, Dr. Jones wanted to follow after his mother’s achievement to fulfill his lifelong goal – obtain a doctoral degree.
“I graduated physical therapy school from the University of Connecticut in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and, 25 years later, my practice is employing graduates with a doctorate degree. As an employer, it was very important to me to have an equivalent degree of the staff that I hire.” His dedication (plus a recommendation of a close mentor) brought Dr. Jones to RMUoHP. In 2013, he began his RMUoHP journey in the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program.
A Lifelong Educational Journey
Dr. Jones reflects on an eye-opening experience from his first onsite visit at RMUoHP. “I was sitting in the classroom with my cohort, gazing at the snow top mountains. I was by far the most senior in age and the professor advised us to turn on our computers and ‘log in.’ Not being technologically savvy, I turned to my classmate and asked her how to log in. She looked at me in disbelief. It was at that time that I knew learning was a lifelong process and RMUoHP would continue the journey.”
But, despite the technological learning curve of that first onsite visit, Dr. Jones excelled in the program. He attributes his success to “being very dogmatic, practical, and efficient in completing the assignments, oftentimes two to three weeks in advance of the delivery dates.”
His strong work ethic helped him stand out, but his years of clinical experience made him an asset to his cohort. His role supporting other students made his education more memorable. “I was able to share with my cohorts my 32 years of clinical experience, as well as my knowledge in business,” says Dr. Jones. “It was rewarding to share in the learning experience of my fellow cohort members.”
Integrating Evidence-Based Practice
Across his entire doctorate experience, Dr. Jones says the greatest takeaway was the importance of evidenced-based practice as a physical therapist. “Evidenced-based practice coupled with physical therapy as an art entwined with clinical experience provides an excellent platform for healing patients in my practice,” says Dr. Jones.
Leadership through Service
He continues, “RMUoHP provided me the tools to become a change agent in my community as well as in my profession. Upon graduation, I continued to grow my practice, became a board member and, subsequently, the immediate president of the Virginia State Board of Physical Therapy, and was recently elected chairman of the Board of Health Professions for the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Dr. Jones also gives back to the profession through serving in the community and helping fund educational opportunities. “Since graduation I have been fortunate to serve the community and profession in multiple leadership positions and provided scholarships to entry-level physical therapy students at Hampton [University] and Old Dominion University.”
Achievement in Physical Therapy
With all that Dr. Jones has done, he says his greatest professional accomplishment is starting his own physical therapy practice, Dominion Physical Therapy. Since its establishment, Dominion Physical Therapy has six locations, where he employees nearly 100 associates. “It is wonderful to provide opportunity for our profession and the residents of my community,” says Dr. Jones. “My education impacted me and my work by executing the critical thinking skills that I learned at RMUoHP.”
Advice for Future Students
Dr. Jones shares great advice for students pursuing graduate education. “Effective time management allows me to balance family, community service, professional obligations, and also have time for me to enjoy the activities that make me smile.” Even working full time and earning a doctorate, Dr. Jones says, “I have four wonderful children, and I have rarely missed participation in their athletic games.”
He attributes his success to family support, work team, and self-management. These factors allowed him to maintain a balanced and well-rounded life while working toward his professional and educational goals.
RMUoHP currently offers the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program with a pediatrics elective track. Learn more about all the programs offered at the University by visiting the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions website.
Guest blog by Stephanie Bentley, Alumni Relations Manager.
