Ryan Hammar, a 2012 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), is a shining example of a hometown success story, having returned to Pahrump to give back to the community that helped shape him. After leaving for college, missionary work, and physical therapy training, Ryan’s journey brought him back to his roots, where he now serves as a physical therapist and is about to embark on a new role at the local VA clinic. His story is one of hard work, dedication, and a deep connection to the people and places that influenced his life.
Ryan’s post-high school journey began when he was accepted into Brigham Young University (BYU) right after graduation. He spent his first year at BYU immersed in studies before being called on a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His assignment took him to Hamilton, New Zealand, where he spent two years engaged in service work, an experience that had a profound impact on his perspective. Coincidentally, his future wife, Mandi, had also embarked on a mission at the same time, though her service took place in Florida and Alabama. They didn’t know each other then, but fate brought them together when they both returned to BYU at the same time, meeting on the first day back in their first class together.
Upon returning to campus, Ryan and Mandi reconnected, though he admits she wasn’t initially interested. Persistence, however, paid off, and after nine months of dating, they married in May 2016. During this time, Ryan juggled his demanding studies with work, managing a True Value hardware store. There, he gained hands-on experience with plumbing and sprinkler systems, though he humorously admits he never quite mastered installation. In December 2018, the couple graduated together from BYU, with Ryan earning a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Family Life. His passion for the medical field, particularly anatomy and rehabilitation, flourished during his time at BYU, setting the foundation for his future career in physical therapy.
Ryan’s dedication to education continued when he was accepted into the Physical Therapy (PT) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2019, his top choice for PT school. As with many students, Ryan’s educational experience was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced his classes to move online. Despite the disruption, he thrived in the program, embracing the challenges and excelling in his studies. He graduated from the PT program and passed his board exams on his first attempt.
Ryan returned to Pahrump to live with his family while he completed his Physical Therapy schooling at UNLV and clinical rotations, commuting to Las Vegas daily. His first full-time position was at the local hospital’s outpatient clinic, where he quickly became an integral part of the community. Over the past two and a half years, Ryan has been the primary physical therapist at the clinic, treating a wide range of patients, including many of the town’s high school athletes. “I’ve worked with a lot of athletes from the high school, and I’ve enjoyed that aspect,” Ryan shared, reflecting on how rewarding it has been to help the next generation recover from injuries and get back to the sports they love.
Ryan’s connection to the community is a key part of his story. Growing up in Pahrump, he has deep ties to the people here, and that familiarity has made his work as a physical therapist even more fulfilling. “I know a ton of people and can make a connection with everybody—either I know them, or they know my parents,” he explained. Ryan’s father, who has been teaching in the community for over 30 years, has helped cement those relationships, and now Ryan is able to serve the people he grew up with, adding an extra layer of meaning to his career.
While Ryan has enjoyed his time at the hospital, a new opportunity came his way unexpectedly. The local VA clinic recruited him to be their full-time physical therapist, a position that he will begin shortly. This role is particularly exciting for Ryan, as it comes with numerous benefits, including a government pension, better 401k matching, more vacation time, and even student loan forgiveness after ten years of service. Despite this new chapter, Ryan will continue to work part-time at the hospital’s outpatient clinic, allowing him to maintain his connection to the broader Pahrump community while serving veterans through the VA.
Reflecting on his career, Ryan describes it as deeply rewarding. He has achieved each of his goals, from getting into BYU and UNLV’s PT program to successfully passing his board exams and securing positions that allow him to help people in meaningful ways. He credits his parents for instilling in him the importance of education and setting high goals. “They always encouraged me to get a good education and be able to provide for my family in the way that I want to,” he said.
Ryan’s passion for physical therapy was fueled by his love of science, medical care, and anatomy. He enjoys the variety the field offers, from sports-related rehab to outpatient care, wound care, and even specialized treatments like dry needling, a certification he obtained after graduation. Dry needling, similar to acupuncture, has proven to be a highly effective treatment for many of his patients, adding another tool to his skill set as a therapist.
While Ryan is deeply committed to his professional life, he also makes time for other interests, particularly sports. In addition to being a lifelong fan of football, Ryan has become a certified referee for middle and high school football games in Southern Nevada, including varsity-level games. This role allows him to stay connected to a sport he loves while giving back to the local athletic community. He referees several games a week during football season, enjoying the fast pace and physical challenge of the job.
In his personal life, Ryan and Mandi have built a home in Pahrump, where they live with their two-and-a-half-year-old son. Ryan is also in the Bishopric in his local church ward, where he runs the youth program each week. They prefer to keep their family life private, rarely sharing details on social media, but Ryan speaks with pride about his family’s growth and their decision to settle in Pahrump, at least for the foreseeable future. Mandi, originally from Spanish Fork, Utah, works part-time as a project manager for the NyE Communities Coalition, balancing her career with raising their son. The couple loves their home and the close-knit community they’ve built around them.
Though Ryan once dreamed of leaving Pahrump behind after high school, his perspective has shifted as he’s grown older. “I was like, get me the heck out of Pahrump,” he admitted, laughing at his younger self. Now, however, he sees the town in a different light. “Now that I’ve matured and I have a career and a family, I realize it’s not a bad place to have a house and raise a family,” Ryan reflected. He recognizes the opportunities Pahrump offers, from the slower pace of life to the affordability of living in rural Nevada, and while he doesn’t plan to stay forever, he’s content for now.
As he prepares to start his new role at the VA, Ryan is focused on continuing to help others, providing the highest level of care for his patients while maintaining a balanced life with his family. His story is one of service and community, with each chapter adding to the positive impact he has made on the lives of those around him in Pahrump.
