Visionary Healthcare Leader Will Further Elevate RMU’s National Prominence
As Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) continues to lead innovation and excellence in health education and practice, it has announced the appointment of Michael Nelson, DHSc, DMSc, MPAs, PA-C to the RMU Board of Trustees. A visionary in healthcare, Nelson’s career has included serving as the Program Director of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program and the Dean of the College of Medical Science at RMU. Currently, he is a clinically practicing Physician Assistant specializing in sports medicine.
“Dr. Nelson is an experienced healthcare professional who has helped advance RMU programs in significant previous roles,” said Michael Skurja, Jr., DPT, ECS (Emeritus), Chair of the RMU Board of Trustees. “His extensive medical and academic background will bring much value to the Board of Trustees as we lead RMU in its mission to advance knowledge and advance healthcare.”
Nelson was one of the MPAS program’s founding faculty, assisting in the development and accreditation of the program. In 2016, he was hired as the Associate Program Director and was appointed MPAS Program Director in 2018. Under Nelson’s leadership, in 2019, the MPAS program was granted Accreditation-Continued status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) for ten years. Nelson was also instrumental in starting the Doctor of Medical Science degree program at RMU.
Nelson is a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) specializing in regenerative medicine with previous experience in orthopedic surgery, spine surgery, family medicine, rural healthcare, and urgent care medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Idaho State University. Nelson also earned a Doctor of Health Science from A.T. Still University and a Doctor of Medical Science from RMU.
“As an institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and healthcare, RMU holds a special place in my heart,” said Nelson. “Having had the opportunity to work with the talented faculty, staff and students at this innovative university, I’m looking forward to further elevating the prominence of RMU’s stellar academic programs as a member of the Board of Trustees.”
About Rocky Mountain University
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is an exclusive graduate healthcare education institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1998 and located in Provo, Utah, RMU offers high-quality and evidence-based master’s and doctoral degree programs in various healthcare specialties with a diverse student body and faculty. Programs are offered through a blend of flexible online, hybrid, and on-campus residential programs within a vibrant campus nestled in the beautiful mountains of Provo, Utah. Learn more at rm.edu.
