Those of us living in urban areas can sometimes take access to health care for granted. But that’s not always the case for residents in rural parts of our state, who may need to travel hundreds of miles for routine and specialized care.

That’s why I was so heartened to learn that UNLV’s nationally ranked physical therapy program embeds rural clinical experiences for students into its curriculum. 

This summer, 17 UNLV physical therapy students took part in rural rotations throughout Nevada – from Ely and Fallon to Winnemucca, Pahrump and Mesquite – supporting the workforce in underserved areas and gaining unique experiences that will make them more well-rounded clinicians. 

Program partners credit UNLV students for bringing great energy, enthusiasm, and new skills to their practices and their communities. And, with the need for rural health professionals at a critical level, I hope that these experiences will also encourage more students to consider careers in our state’s rural communities after they graduate. 

I encourage you to read more about how UNLV is bringing physical therapy services to rural Nevada, making our communities healthier and our graduates better prepared to serve.

Warm Regards, 

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President