Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University Partner to Accelerate Physical Therapy Degrees

New articulation agreement allows eligible UVU students to complete bachelor's and doctorate in physical therapy in less time.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:09pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, pastel tones depicting a group of physical therapy students engaged in hands-on learning, with the background blurred into soft pools of light, conceptually representing the accelerated educational pathway created by the partnership.A new academic partnership between Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions aims to accelerate the path to becoming a physical therapist, helping to address the state's growing healthcare needs.Provo Today

Utah Valley University (UVU) and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) have announced a new articulation agreement that will allow eligible UVU students to complete both a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in an accelerated timeframe. Under the partnership, UVU students who meet the requirements can apply to enter RMU's physical therapy program one year early, with their first two semesters of graduate-level coursework at RMU counting toward their UVU bachelor's degree.

Why it matters

This partnership is expected to help address the growing demand for physical therapists in Utah, particularly in rural areas. Physical therapist jobs in the state are projected to experience 'much faster than average employment growth,' according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services. By allowing students to enter the field a year earlier, the agreement aims to prepare more highly skilled professionals ready to meet the state's evolving healthcare needs.

The details

Under the articulation agreement, eligible UVU students who complete prescribed pre-professional coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet RMU's admission requirements can apply to enter RMU's physical therapy program one year early. The first two semesters of graduate-level coursework at RMU will then count toward the completion of the student's UVU bachelor's degree in health science or exercise science. Once matriculated into RMU's program, students will pay RMU tuition.

  • The UVU and RMU partnership was announced in 2026.
  • The articulation agreement builds on a previous partnership established two years ago, allowing UVU students to pursue accelerated degrees in occupational therapy at RMU.

The players

Utah Valley University

A public, nonprofit university and the largest institution of higher education in Utah, with the majority of its students pursuing undergraduate degrees.

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

A private, for-profit university located in Provo, Utah, with approximately 1,700 students all pursuing graduate-level degrees and certificates.

Wayne Vaught

Provost of Utah Valley University.

Malissa Martin

Provost of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to offering clear, innovative academic routes that help students progress efficiently from undergraduate learning to advanced professional preparation.”

— Wayne Vaught, Provost, Utah Valley University

“This partnership with Utah Valley University reflects our shared vision to accelerate student success and prepare practice-ready physical therapists who are equipped to offer compassionate, evidence-based care.”

— Malissa Martin, Provost, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

What’s next

The new articulation agreement is expected to help address Utah's growing demand for physical therapists, particularly in rural areas, by allowing students to enter the field a year earlier.

The takeaway

This partnership between Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions demonstrates how higher education institutions in Utah are working to create innovative academic pathways that accelerate student success and meet the evolving needs of the state's healthcare industry.