Rick Knowlton, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, ENP-C, CNE, FAWM

Biography

Dr. Rick Knowlton is a doctoral prepared family and emergency nurse practitioner and Certified nurse educator whose career bridges the rigor of advanced clinical practice with a distinguished record of military service. As a member of the nursing faculty at Pacific Lutheran University, he brings to the classroom the perspective of a clinician, an educator, and an administrator. Dr. Knowlton holds board certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) emergency nurse practitioner (ENP-C), National Healthcare Disaster Provider certification (NHDP-BC) and certified Community Paramedic (CP-C) and is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).  Additionally, Dr Knowlton is a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM). His clinical background spans primary care, emergency and trauma care, correctional health, and clinical operations,

Education

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Robert Morris University
Master of Nursing Science, Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Science, Nursing, University of Phoenix
Associates of Science, Nursing, Weber State University,
Bachelor of Science, Sociology, Weber State University

Military Education

Air War College, U.S Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base
Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth
Executive Skills Course
Advance Nurse Leadership Course
Army Trauma Training Course
Tactical Combat Medical Course
Joint Forces Combat Trauma Management Course

Teaching areas

Dr. Knowlton’s teaching at Pacific Lutheran University spans both graduate (MSN/DNP) and
undergraduate (BSN) programs. His graduate-level courses include Advanced Pathophysiology,
Advanced Health Assessment, FNP I and II, Primary Care Procedures, Organizational and Systems
Leadership, Policy and Politics in Health Care, Care and Outcomes Management, Advanced Nursing
Roles, and Health Promotions. At the undergraduate level, he teaches a combined Pathophysiology-
Pharmacology course and Community Health clinical practicum. He has served as faculty chair for seven DNP scholarly projects (2019–2024), guiding students through original research in community health, mental health integration, telehealth competency, and substance use disorder care.

Scholarly interest

His scholarship and professional interests focus on Wilderness, Austere Primary Care and disaster
medicine and disaster preparedness.

Publications

• Knowlton, R.T. (1995). Assessing the Quality of Life of the Elderly Blind of Weber County. Master of Nursing Science Thesis, Brigham Young University.
• Knowlton, R.T. (2012). Accessing Attitudes and Perceptions of Soldiers Regarding Acupuncture as a
  Complementary Therapy for Treating Obesity. DNP Research Project, Robert Morris University.
• Knowlton, R.T. (2019). Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System. Chapter 11 (5th ed.) in Woo, T. & Robinson, M. (Eds.), Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers (pp. 137–188).

Presentations

• Chapel Talk, Pacific Lutheran University Chapel March 2019 topic:  Blessing of Giving and Generosity
• Experiences of Living and Practicing Healthcare in Remote Alaska Villages.  PLU Faculty House Presentation 2020
• Keynote Speaker, Student Veteran Association (SVA) Veteran Day Observance, Pacific Lutheran University 2022
• Faculty Speaker, Pacific Lutheran University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Graduate Recognition Hooding Event May 2023
• Faculty Speaker, Pacific Lutheran University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Graduate Recognition Hooding Event, May 2024
• Presenter for Monthly Wilderness Medicine Lecture Series Puyallup Public Library 2024
• Presenter for City of Tacoma and City of Puyallup Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
  Topics discussed: Medical Operations, and Disaster Psychology. 2026

Professional Awards

Outstanding Thesis Award, Brigham Young University 1995
Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence, School of Nursing, Pacific Lutheran University 2023

Military Awards

Legion of Merit Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award)
Army Commendation Medal (4th Award)
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars
Korea Defense Service Medal
Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award)
Combat Medic Badge