Aegis Therapies Partners with Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions to Create Scholarship Program

FORT SMITH, Ark., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegis Therapies announced a new partnership with Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) in Provo, Utah, under which Aegis will provide transitional physical and occupational therapy doctorate program scholarships for selected therapists.

Aegis is one of the country's largest contract rehabilitation therapy providers, serving more than 1,000 long-term care facilities, hospitals and other locations in 38 states. RMUoHP offers comprehensive post-professional education programs for therapists motivated to pursue doctorate degrees.

"We are pleased that Aegis has generously offered the Aegis Therapies Scholarship to select employees who are driven to excel in their profession and receive a post-professional education," said Stan Hartgraves, Vice President of Academic Affairs for RMUoHP. "Both of our organizations share a commitment to excellence. We are proud to be able to work together with Aegis to provide their employees with a meaningful and obtainable education, which they can receive while remaining in their home community for the majority of the program."

The RMUoHP curriculum is designed to provide practicing clinicians with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors commensurate with contemporary evidence-based practice and education standards. The RMUoHP program prepares professionals for leadership roles in healthcare, academia, and research.

Aegis Therapies and RMUoHP are proud to introduce the "first class" of occupational and physical therapists from Aegis Therapies to embark on a 10- month journey towards a transitional doctorate degree. From a pool of 62 very impressive and well-qualified applicants, the selection committee at Aegis selected six employees who started in the transitional doctor of physical therapy (DPT) and transitional doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) degree programs in September.

The employees who are currently enrolled in the DPT program are: Jill McNally, Neligh, Nebraska; Brian Ong, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; Ericka Luft, Etters, Pennsylvania; and Megan Swan, Monongahela, Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Kevin Brogley, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania and LaDessa Forrest, Wichita, Kansas are enrolled in the OTD program.

"We are excited to be able to partner with Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions to provide our employees this opportunity to grow and excel as leaders in their profession," said Martha Schram, President of Aegis Therapies. "This is the first class in what we hope will be an ongoing initiative."

Schram noted that Aegis Therapies plans to sponsor future seminars with RMUoHP's prestigious faculty, numbering approximately 120, to provide Aegis therapists as well as external therapists with continuing education opportunities.

Additionally, Aegis Therapies is committed to evidence-based practice and will be building on the synergies with RMUoHP by conducting clinical research. This research will contribute greatly to the industry, to therapists and most importantly to patients.

About Aegis Therapies

Aegis Therapies is one of the largest and most successful contract rehabilitation companies in the country, with operations at more than 1,000 locations in 38 states, and more than 6,000 employees. Aegis specializes in therapy that is needed by nursing home, assisted living or home-bound patients with medically complex conditions. Aegis programs are structured around an older-adult Model of Care, and include Freedom Through Functionality, a strength-training program featuring specially modified Nautilus equipment. Aegis has invested in the infrastructure, employee support and training to effectively measure and quantify therapy impact. The focus on positive, measurable outcomes and clinical excellence helps older patients achieve more independence through physical, occupational and speech therapy. For more information, visit the Aegis Web site at www.AegisTherapies.com.

About Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

RMUoHP offers post-graduate degrees in healthcare, including doctoral programs for athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers and educators. RMUoHP's programs follow a unique, non-traditional model that enables students to complete advanced degrees without relocating. Curricula emphasize specialized education in advanced clinical, research, and academic areas. For more information about RMUoHP, visit the Web site at www.rmuohp.edu.