School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Program Descriptions
Rehabilitation Science
The Bachelor of Science program in rehabilitation science recognizes the emerging field of rehabilitation science and is designed to prepare students for graduate education in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation technology, as well as for graduate and professional studies in other healthcare fields.
Admission Requirements
Students are eligible for admission to the rehabilitation science program after successful completion of 60 college credits including the following prerequisite courses, other admission criteria and an application.
CREDITS |
|
|---|---|
| General Biology and Lab | 4 |
| General Chemistry and Lab | 4 |
| Physics 1 | 3–4 |
| Mathematics (MATH 0031 or 0032 or higher*) | 2–3 |
| Statistics (STAT 0200, 1000, or higher) | 3–4 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Human Development (REHSCI 1245 Human Development, PSYED 0005 Life Span Development or PSY 0310 Developmental Psychology) |
3 |
| English Composition/Intensive Writing (W) ** (Minimum ENGCMP 0200 or equivalent) |
6 |
| Social Science/Humanities*** | 6 |
| Computer Science | 3 |
| Total Prerequisites | 37-40 |
*MATH 0032 or higher is highly recommended.
**Research Writing recommended
***Cultural Anthropology recommended
Note: Students planning to apply to graduate programs in health sciences are encouraged to complete most of the prerequisite courses (e.g., Physics 2, Biology 2, Chemistry 2, etc.) prior to admission. Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisites for many professional health science programs) are included in the rehabilitation science curriculum.
Other Admission Criteria:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (based on 4.00)
- Minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.50
- A minimum grade of C- in all courses designated as prerequisites
- Letter of recommendation
- Application
Please note that admission to the Rehabilitation Science program is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission
Application deadline: February 15
Application online at www.shrs.pitt.edu/Apply
Rehabilitation Science Degree Requirements
General Requirements
- Prerequisites for admission into BS program
- Minimum of 60 Rehabilitation Science credits
(minimum 30 SHRS credits and 30 additional credits approved by RS program director) - 120 credits total
- Fulfillment of core requirements
- Plan of study approved by program director or academic advisor
Core Curriculum Requirements
- REHSCI 1000 Introduction to Research
- REHSCI 1225 Introduction to Rehabilitation Science
- REHSCI 1235 Medical Terminology
- REHSCI 1240 Issues in Health Care
- REHSCI 1265 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation
- REHSCI 1280 Psychology and Sociology of Disability
- Human Anatomy (one of the following):
- REHSCI 1200 Human Anatomy and Lab
- HRS 1020 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Another approved human anatomy course
- Human Physiology (one of the following):
- REHSCI 1205 Human Physiology/HRS 1023 Human Physiology
- HRS 1020 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Another approved human physiology course
- Neuroscience (one of the following):
- REHSCI 1210 Neuroscience
- NROSCI 1000 Introduction to Neuroscience
- PSY 0050 Introduction to Biopsychology
- Another approved neuroscience course
- Global Citizenship (one of the following):
- Designated course, 3 credits (course list available on request)
- Cross-cultural community Service, 3 credits (guidelines available on request)
- Study/Internship/Volunteer Abroad, 4 weeks minimum, health or disability component required (additional guidelines available on request)
Additional Rehabilitation Science Elective Courses
Diversity and Cultural Issues in Health, Disability, and Rehabilitation
Epidemiology of Disability
Exercise Physiology
Field Experience
Human Development
Introduction to Assistive Technology
Introduction to Evidence-based Rehabilitation
Introduction to Occupation Science
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Neuroscience
Pathophysiology/Human Disease
Practical Issues in Disability
Rehabilitation Ethics
Independent Study
Example Plan of Study
This example of plan of study includes both required and elective courses offered in the Rehabilitation Science program.
| JUNIOR YEAR—Fall Term | CREDITS |
|
|---|---|---|
| REHSCI 1200 | Human Anatomy and Lab | 4 |
| REHSCI 1205 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| REHSCI 1225 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Sciences | 1 |
| REHSCI 1240 | Issues in Health Care | 3 |
| REHSCI 1000 or REHSCI 1290 |
Introduction to Research or Practical Issues in Disability |
3 |
| REHSCI 1235 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
16 |
||
| JUNIOR YEAR—Spring Term | CREDITS |
|
|---|---|---|
| Study Abroad | 15 |
|
| OR | ||
| REHSCI 1220 |
Kinesiology/Biomechanics |
3 |
|
|
3 |
| REHSCI 1265 | Pharmacology in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| REHSCI 1292 | Diversity and Cultural Issues in Health, Disability and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
|
15 |
||
| SENIOR YEAR—Fall Term | CREDITS |
|
|---|---|---|
| HRS 1704 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 |
| REHSCI 1210 | Neuroscience | 4 |
| REHSCI 1215 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| REHSCI 1230 | Rehabilitation Ethics | 2 |
| REHSCI 1285 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Rehabilitation | 3 |
15 |
||
| SENIOR YEAR—Term 2 | CREDITS |
|
|---|---|---|
| REHSCI 1250 | Pathophysiology/Human Disease | 4 |
| REHSCI 1280 | Psychology and Sociology of Disability | 3 |
| Electives | 7 |
|
14 |
||
Undergraduate Rehabilitation Science Certificates
The undergraduate program in Rehabilitation Science offers undergraduate certificates for students planning to continue their education in rehabilitation science programs or seeking a concentration of courses in a particular rehabilitation science area. These certificates are designed to best prepare students for such graduate programs, but are not required for application to them. However, some SHRS graduate programs may require specific certificates for the early review and decision process.
The undergraduate Rehabilitation Science certificates are listed below. The requirements for each follow.
- Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation
- Emergency Medicine in Rehabilitation
- Pathokinesiology in Rehabilitation
- Psycho-Social Issues in Rehabilitation and Personal Care
Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation
This certificate provides a focused area of study for students interested in careers in provision of technology to individuals with disabilities. It will prepare students for graduate programs such as prosthetics and orthotics or rehabilitation technology. It will also provide the course work and some of the clinical hours needed to satisfy the requirements for the RESNA (formerly Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America) Assistive Technology Supplier certification.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HRS 1020, or REHSCI 1200 & REHSCI 1205 |
Introduction to
Anatomy and Physiology, or Human Anatomy & Human Physiology |
4–8 |
| HRS 1704 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 4 |
| HRS 1709 | Design and Fabrication with Engineering Materials | 1 |
| IE 1061, or INFSCI 1044 |
Human Factors in
Engineering, or Human Factors in System Design |
3 |
| REHSCI 1210, or PSY 0505, or NROSCI 1000 |
Neuroscience, or Introduction to Biopsychology, or Intro to Neuroscience |
3–4 |
| REHSCI 1220 | Kinesiology and Biomechanics | 3 |
| REHSCI 1225 | Intro to Rehabilitation Sciences | 1 |
| REHSCI 1255 REHSCI 1000 |
Epidemiology of
Disability, or Introduction to Research |
3 |
| REHSCI 1275 | Introduction to Occupation Science | 3 |
| REHSCI 1280 | Psychology and Sociology of Disability | 3 |
| REHSCI 1290 | Practical Issues in Disability | 3 |
| REHSCI 1295 | Field Experience | 3 |
Total Certificate Credits |
34-38 |
Emergency Medicine in Rehabilitation
Completion of this certificate allows the graduate to sit for Paramedic certification, thus providing opportunities for immediate employment upon graduation. This particular certificate would also provide preparation for students interested in entering physician assistant programs, accelerated or direct entry nursing programs, and medical school.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EM 1111 | Foundations of EMS | 3 |
| EM 1112 | Pathophysiology | 4 |
| EM 1114 | Medication Administration Lab | 1 |
| EM 1115 | Patient Assessment | 3 |
| EM 1116 | Foundations Lab 1 | 1 |
| EM 1117 | EMS Operations | 3 |
| EM 1122 | Cardiology and Respiratory | 3 |
| EM 1123 | Cardiology Lab | 1 |
| EM 1124 | Medical 1 | 3 |
| EM 1125 | Medical 2 | 3 |
| EM 1126 | Foundations Laboratory 2 | 1 |
| EM 1131 | Clinical 1 | 3 |
| EM 1132 | Clinical 2 | 4 |
Total Certificate Credits |
33 |
As a prerequisite to the certificate courses, the student must be a certified EMT. This can be satisfied by taking EM 1102—Emergency Medicine Technician, and passing the EMT certification examination. This can be done prior to entering SHRS or as a junior within the Undergraduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, prior to taking the certificate courses.
Pathokinesiology in Rehabilitation
Completion of this certificate provides the student with an excellent background in the sciences related to normal and pathological motion. It prepares students for graduate programs such as physical therapy, exercise science, kinesiology, and sports medicine. It also prepares students to take examinations for certification as a personal trainer or fitness expert, such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS®) that is offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| REHSCI 1200 | Human Anatomy and lab | 4 |
| REHSCI 1205 | Human Physiology and Lab | 4 |
| REHSCI 1210 | Neuroscience | 4 |
| REHSCI 1215 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| REHSCI 1220 | Kinesiology/Biomechanics | 3 |
| REHSCI 1225 | Intro to Rehabilitation Sciences | 1 |
| REHSCI 1250 | Pathophysiology/Human Disease | 4 |
| HRS 1000 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| REHSCI 1285 | Introduction to Evidenced-Based Rehabilitation | 3 |
Total Certificate Credits |
29 |
Psycho-Social Issues in Rehabilitation
Completion of this certificate provides the student with a background in the psychological and social issues involved in disability, rehabilitation, and personal care. It prepares students for graduate programs in areas such as occupational therapy, rehabilitation counseling, accelerated or direct entry nursing programs, or disability studies. This certificate also introduces the student to some of the skills needed to provide personal care to individuals with disabilities.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HRS 1020, or REHSC 1200 & REHSCI 1205 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, or Human Anatomy & Human Physiology | 4-8 |
| REHSCI 1000 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| REHSCI 1210, or PSY 0505, or NROSCI 1000 |
Neuroscience, or Introduction to Biopsychology, or Introduction to Neuroscience |
3-4 |
| REHSCI 1225 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Sciences | 1 |
| REHSCI 1230 | Rehabilitation Ethics | 2 |
| REHSCI 1250 | Pathophysiology/Human Disease | 4 |
| REHSCI 1255 REHSCI 1290 |
Epidemiology of Disability, or
|
3
|
| REHSCI 1275 | Introduction to Occupation Science | 3 |
| REHSCI 1280 | Psychology and Sociology of Disability | 3 |
| Total Certificate Credits | 26-31 |