Rocky Vista University

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rocky Vista Health Center

Rocky Vista University (RVU) is a private medical school with its main campus located in Parker, Colorado, and an additional campus in Ivins, Utah. Established in 2006, RVU aims to provide quality healthcare education while inspiring students to serve with compassion, integrity, and excellence. The university offers programs leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, as well as Master's degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies.

History[edit | edit source]

Rocky Vista University was established in 2006 to address the growing need for physicians in the United States, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region. It welcomed its inaugural class in 2008, becoming the first osteopathic medical school in Colorado. The university expanded its reach by opening a second campus in Ivins, Utah, in 2017, further committing to its mission of educating future healthcare professionals.

Campuses[edit | edit source]

Parker, Colorado[edit | edit source]

The main campus in Parker, Colorado, features state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, lecture halls, and a library with extensive medical resources. This campus serves as the hub for the DO program and the Master's in Biomedical Sciences program.

Ivins, Utah[edit | edit source]

Opened in 2017, the Ivins campus supports the university's expansion and its mission to educate osteopathic physicians. This campus is equipped with modern facilities similar to those in Parker and focuses on providing education that meets the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities.

Academic Programs[edit | edit source]

RVU offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine, promoting preventive care and the body's ability to heal itself. The curriculum integrates basic and clinical sciences with an emphasis on osteopathic manipulative medicine.

In addition to the DO program, RVU provides a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) designed to strengthen the academic credentials of students seeking admission to medical or dental schools. The university also offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, preparing students for careers as physician assistants.

Accreditation[edit | edit source]

Rocky Vista University is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the accrediting body for osteopathic medical education in the United States. This accreditation signifies that RVU meets or exceeds the standards for educational quality and student achievement.

Student Life[edit | edit source]

Students at RVU have access to a variety of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that enhance their educational experience. These include interest groups in various medical specialties, community service organizations, and intramural sports. The university emphasizes a culture of wellness and support, offering resources for mental health, fitness, and academic advising.

Community Engagement[edit | edit source]

RVU is committed to serving the community through health education, free clinics, and wellness programs. The university's students and faculty are involved in numerous outreach activities, providing healthcare services and education to underserved populations in the region.

Future Directions[edit | edit source]

Rocky Vista University continues to grow and evolve, with plans for new programs and initiatives that will further its mission of providing exceptional medical education and addressing the healthcare needs of the community. The university's commitment to innovation, excellence, and service positions it as a leader in osteopathic medical education.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD