Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) celebrated 82 master’s and doctoral degree candidates of various healthcare specialties during its Friday commencement ceremony.

Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, RMUoHP President

Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, founding president of RMUoHP, said, “We congratulate you for your persistence. Your dedication, your hard work. Your fortitude and your vision. You all set out to do what you wanted to do and to become what you want to become. We send you forth with our love, our blessings. You will always be members of the RMUoHP family whenever we see you. We’re proud of you. Good luck to you. God bless you.”

Since its founding in 1998, there have been approximately 2,400 graduates in healthcare specialties.

During his inspiring commencement speech, Kyley Black, said, “To you graduates who are going to be starting new jobs and new adventures, you are in a position to change lives, literally to change lives. Many of the people you will be dealing with will be broken, and quite possibly be at the lowest points in their lives. Be excellent. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be the best that you can be.”

Kyley Black

Black was born and raised in Salem, Utah. He grew up riding and racing motorcycles, snowmobiles, cars, and anything else he could race. In 2015, Kyley was in an accident that left him paralyzed at the T3 level. He continues to own and operate Ideal Machine and Manufacturing, where he has created a patent-pending sealing apparatus. His latest invention is an off-road seated Segway that allows someone who is paralyzed a means to enjoy the outdoors. He highly praises the healthcare professionals who helped him through his recovery and rehabilitation

RMUoHP students received degrees in the following programs:

  • Master of Science in Health Science – Sports Performance
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Advanced Practice, Pediatrics, Education
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Pediatric Science
  • Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Philosophy – Health Promotion and Wellness

RMUoHP graduates experience:

  • a 94% student satisfaction rate
  • more than a 99% job placement rate
  • an overall graduation rate of 87%
  • a national board pass rate of 98-100%