Ethan Kreiswirth, PhD, ATC, and RMU Athletic Training program alumnus (class of 2012) is now heading the Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) program here at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Before coming back to RMU, Dr. Kreiswirth was the director of the athletic training program at Concordia University in Irvine, California. He was also with USA Boxing as the Head ATC, Director of Education for ROCK USA, and Medical Director of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Along Kreiswirth’s career, he became research colleagues associates at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, such as Dr. Malissa Martin and Dr. Greg Myer. So when he was offered the position as MSHS Program Director here at RMU, he did not hesitate.
It is evident that Dr. Kreiswirth has confidence of the level of education and student satisfaction here: “One of the best things about RMU is its commitment to education and learning. There is no doubt that our faculty and its drive to be the best at delivering student-centered education is number one at RMUoHP.” In addition, Dr. Kreiswirth describes the culture here to be inviting, trustworthy, committed, humble, student-centered. He commented that the faculty are engaging and are willing to listen to students and their needs, and that because of this, RMU has a strong culture of educators who bring current curriculum and evidence-based practice to the forefront of education today.
“I enjoyed RMU as a student and knew what education RMU could deliver.”
Dr. Kreiswirth understands the demands of graduate school and has the desire to communicate that to his students. He states, “I’m still a kid at heart and know what it’s like to struggle through graduate education. Life gets in the way many times, and we have to deal with some things as they come along.” Since the program is primarily online, Dr. Kreiswirth, as well as other MSHS faculty, make sure to always stay available via email, phone, or Skype. Dr. Kreiswirth personally prefers to engage with students via phone so that he can gain as much information as possible to aid them in their master’s degree experience.
The Master of Science in Health Science is an online graduate program for bachelors-prepared individuals who are looking to begin or advance their healthcare careers through graduate education in the specialties of Sport Performance or Rehabilitative Science. This program is designed for individuals who are employed as strength coaches, personal trainers, certified athletic trainers, military personnel, coaches, and physical educators (to name a few) who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree related to their respective professions.
The program provides an excellent foundation for those interested in doctoral education or becoming specialized practitioners. Those interested in continued graduate studies have the option to complete a master’s thesis capstone project, and those more interested in applied settings can complete a non-thesis capstone project. The MSHS program combines innovation and evidence-based practice to advance students professionally.
The most unique aspect of the program is the flexible online learning schedule that allows the student to balance their home and professional commitments, teaches them to be a leader in their field, and prepares them for professional advancement and career mobility.
Dr. Kreiswirth’s advice to those who are interested in graduate education would be to talk with more than one program director and faculty member and to reach out to universities’ student ambassadors because the information that one can learn from them is invaluable. Kreiswirth also states, “Prospective students should have decent writing skills to communicate critical thoughts on papers and projects that are a part of graduate education. Furthermore, they should have the willingness to want to engage with other students, learn from the material given, as well as from others.”
Dr. Kreiswirth hopes that the main takeaway for a graduate of this particular MSHS program would be that they embrace current scholarship and understand research to become an expert in their respective field. Dr. Kreiswirth attests that Rocky Mountain of Health Professions assists students in just that: “RMU is a great place to learn, network with exceptional faculty, and create a strong culture of evidence-based learning. Today, master’s degrees are needed to get that step up into your next position. RMU provides effective learning, engagement, and most of all, we care! I love what I do, and I hope to reflect that in my courses as well as the direction of this program.”
