Institutional Accreditation
Rocky Vista University (RVU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. HLC is as an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole. At its meeting on May 1, 2018, the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission voted to continue the accreditation of Rocky Vista University with the next comprehensive evaluation to be scheduled for 23-24. HLC is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional accreditors in the United States. For further information please contact the Higher Learning Commission at 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; or (800) 621-7440.
State Authorizations
Rocky Vista University has full authorization from the state agencies listed below to operate its campuses in Colorado, Utah, and Montana.
Colorado Department of Higher Education
1560 Broadway, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202
303-862-3001
Montana University System
560 N. Park
Helena, MT 59620
406-449-9124
Utah Department of Commerce
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
801-530-6601
Specialized Program & Center Accreditations
Specialized program accreditation agencies accredit specific academic programs within an institution of higher learning. These program accreditations ensure that individuals who successfully complete an RVU degree program are eligible to sit for relevant licensure examinations. Rocky Vista University’s programs and centers hold the specialized program accreditations listed below. Completion of
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program offered at RVU’s Colorado, Utah, and Montana campuses have been granted Accreditation - Continued status by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). For further information please contact COCA at 142 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611; or (800) 621-1773; email: predoc@osteopathic.org
Master of Physician Assistant Studies
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Rocky Vista University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2033. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website here.
Rocky Vista University Surgical Simulation Center
RVU has the distinction of being recognized as a Comprehensive Accredited Education Institute (AEI) by the American College of Surgeons and is the only osteopathic medical school to receive this prestigious accreditation. This consortium of high-quality programs around the world sets the standard for excellence and innovation in simulation-based education. Our designation includes both Colorado and Utah campuses. For further information please click on the link below or contact the ACS at 633 N. Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611; or (312) 202-5000.