Master of Science in Health Science Program (MSHS) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) welcomes new program director Dr. Darrin Smith. Leading an online graduate program designed to enable working health professionals to advance their career and educational goals, Dr. Darrin Smith emphasizes that learning is an ongoing process. “A successful professional is constantly reflecting on all components of the evidence-based model in order to achieve and further develop optimal outcomes for those we serve.” Working professionals enrolled in our MSHS program are able to immediately integrate their advanced education coursework while maintaining a full-time career. Additionally, the MSHS degree can be completed in short amount of time. Students have the option to select either a 5-semester track with a capstone experience or the 6-semester program involving a research thesis.
Dr. Smith brings a laudatory academic and professional career to the MSHS Program. He is a licensed, board certified athletic trainer who holds additional certifications in Performance Enhancement Training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, in addition to the Three-Dimensional Movement Analysis Performance System (3D MAPS) utilized by the Gray Institute. He double-majored and earned his BS degrees in Physical Education and Athletic Training at Concordia University Wisconsin. He received his Master of Exercise Science at Western Illinois University and in 2017 completed his PhD at RMUoHP in Athletic Training through the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences program. He primarily teaches athletic training coursework and his research interests are in biomechanics, motor control, and exercise rehabilitation. In addition to making numerous platform presentations, he has published in the International Journal of Athletic Training and Therapy and in SportEX Medicine. He currently holds an appointment as an Assistant Professor in Athletic Training at Concordia University as well.
Along with his responsibilities as Program Director, Dr. Smith currently teaches the Data and Decision Making course at RMUoHP. His favorite part of being Program Director, however, is fostering a culture and environment that supports a vibrant learning community, “I get to work with outstanding faculty who are invested in the learning process as well as the students they serve. The faculty that we recruit are leaders of evidence-based practice in their respective professions…some of the most renowned practitioners and researchers in the fields of rehabilitation and performance training.”
Students bring bachelor’s degrees and usually at least two years of professional experience when they enter the program. They are able to choose either Sport Performance or Rehabilitative Science as a specialty track. The faculty works closely with each student and does an outstanding job of teaching students how to navigate and apply evidence-based programming that produces real-world results.
