Rocky Vista University (RVU), located in Ivins, Utah, is a private institution dedicated to training osteopathic physicians and healthcare professionals for rural and underserved communities. Established in 2006, RVU opened its Southern Utah campus in 2017, complementing its original site in Parker, Colorado. The university's mission emphasizes compassionate, hands-on medical education, producing graduates who excel in primary care. With a focus on osteopathic medicine, RVU stands out in higher education by prioritizing practical training and community service.
Jobs at Rocky Vista University attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about innovative medical training. The Ivins campus benefits from its scenic location near St. George, offering a unique blend of professional growth and outdoor lifestyle. Opportunities span teaching, research in biomedical sciences, clinical practice, and support roles, all aligned with RVU's commitment to excellence in healthcare education.
Founded by a group of visionary osteopathic physicians, Rocky Vista University addressed the physician shortage in rural America. The first class enrolled in 2008 at the Colorado campus, with the inaugural graduates in 2011 achieving a 99% first-time COMLEX pass rate. The Utah campus expansion responded to growing demand in the Intermountain West, now serving over 600 students across programs.
RVU's mission, "To produce physicians who specialize in full-person healthcare," drives its job openings. Careers here involve contributing to this legacy through curriculum development and student mentorship, making it ideal for those interested in meaningful higher ed jobs.
RVU's College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) is the core, offering a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Additional programs include Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS), and a Doctor of Arts in Medical Education. Departments cover anatomy, pharmacology, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and clinical sciences.
These programs create diverse job opportunities, from basic science faculty to clinical preceptors. For insights into various university job types, including lecturer and professor roles, visit our resource page.
Faculty positions dominate, including assistant/associate/full professors in core and clinical sciences. Research jobs focus on projects funded by NIH and private grants. Administrative roles like dean of students or accreditation director support operations. Clinical positions involve supervising rotations at partner hospitals.
Remote higher ed jobs may be available in certain admin capacities. Explore higher ed jobs for current listings.
To understand jobs at Rocky Vista University, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Rocky Vista University, a doctoral degree is essential. Core faculty typically hold a DO or MD with AOA or ABMS board certification. PhD candidates suit biomedical sciences roles. Advanced degrees like EdD are valued for education-focused positions. Teaching experience, often 3+ years, is standard, alongside licensure to practice in Utah.
Administrative jobs require master's in higher ed administration or related fields, with some executive roles needing MBAs.
RVU prioritizes research in primary care, rural health, pain management, and integrative medicine. Expertise in grant writing (e.g., HRSA funding for rural programs) and publications in journals like Journal of Osteopathic Medicine is crucial. Collaborative projects with Dixie State University and Intermountain Healthcare are common.
Candidates with 5+ years in academic medicine, peer-reviewed publications (average 10+ for associate professors), and grant success stand out. Prior rural clinic experience or leadership in AOA committees is highly preferred. Mentorship of medical students and involvement in curriculum design add value.
Essential skills include strong communication for lecturing, proficiency in simulation-based teaching, data analysis for research, and cultural competency for diverse student bodies. Competencies like teamwork, adaptability to small-group learning, and commitment to evidence-based osteopathy are key. Tech skills in learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) are beneficial.
Apply through RVU's careers page or platforms like AcademicJobs.com. Submit a CV, cover letter highlighting rural medicine passion, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demos and panels.
For CV tips, see how to write a winning academic CV. Use our free resume template.
RVU fosters inclusion via the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, scholarships for underrepresented minorities, and pipeline programs with Native American tribes. The Admissions Committee prioritizes holistic review, with 25% of students from diverse backgrounds. Training in implicit bias and cultural humility is mandatory for faculty.
RVU supports balance with 4-day teaching weeks, generous PTO (25 days/year), parental leave, and EAP counseling. The Ivins campus boasts state-of-the-art sim labs, a wellness center, and views of Snow Canyon State Park for hiking and biking. Faculty enjoy faculty lounges, research stipends ($10K/year), and events like wellness fairs. Proximity to Zion National Park enhances quality of life in this sunny Utah locale.
Careers at RVU offer impact in addressing healthcare shortages, competitive salaries (e.g., $220K starting for assistant professors), and a supportive community. With low student-faculty ratios (1:8), teaching is rewarding. For more opportunities, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. RVU's growth trajectory promises long-term stability. Relevant reads: employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer.
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