UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Program Descriptions

 

 

Rehabilitation Science

The Bachelor of Science program in rehabilitation science offers a dynamic curriculum designed to prepare students for graduate education in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation counseling and assistive technology, as well as for graduate studies in other health care fields. In addition to the coursework offered, the program has built in flexibility that allows students to pursue their particular interests and goals. Students are encouraged to explore other areas of academic inquiry through elective courses, minors and certificates throughout the University and abroad; to participate in clinical experiences; to involve themselves in undergraduate research; and to develop their leadership and community building skills through participation in student organizations and community service.

The faculty members who teach in this program are a strong interdisciplinary group from most School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences departments, including the department of Emergency Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Rehabilitation Science and Technology, and Sports Medicine and Nutrition.  In addition, community leaders, clinicians and researchers with experience in selected areas teach within the program.

 

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.

 

 

*MATH 0032 Trigonometry and Functions or higher is highly recommended.

**REHSCI 1245 Human Development or PSYED 0005 Life Span Development preferred;
PSY 0310 Developmental Psychology accepted

*** Minimum ENGCMP 0200 or equivalent ***Research Writing recommended

***Cultural Anthropology recommended

Students planning to apply to graduate programs in health sciences are encouraged to complete most of the prerequisite courses for those programs (e.g., Physics 2, Biology 2, Chemistry 2, etc.) prior to admission to the undergraduate rehabilitation science program. Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisites for many professional health science programs) are included in the rehabilitation science curriculum.

For additional admission criteria, see the SHRS Admissions section of this Bulletin.

Please note that admission to the Rehabilitation Science program is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission

 

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 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 0505 Introduction to Biopsychology
• Another approved neuroscience course
• Research (one of the following):
  • REHSCI/HRS 1000 Introduction to Research
  • PSY 0035 Research Methods
  • SOC 0230 Social Research Methods
• Global Citizenship (one of the following):
• Designated course, 3 credits (course list available on request)
• Study/Internship Abroad, 4 weeks minimum, health or disability and cultural          study component required (additional guidelines available on request)

Additional Rehabilitation Science Elective Courses

Advanced Health Assessments and Exercise Prescription
Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation Field Experience
Cross-cultural Independent Study
Diversity and Cultural Issues in Health, Disability, and Rehabilitation
Epidemiology of Disability
Exercise Physiology
Field Experience
Human Development
Independent Study
Inter-disciplinary Service Learning
Introduction to Assistive Technology
Introduction to Evidence-based Rehabilitation
Introduction to Occupation Science
Introduction to Orthotics and Prosthetics
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Neuroscience
Pathophysiology/Human Disease
Practical Issues in Disability
Rehabilitation Ethics

Example Plan of Study

This plan of study example includes both required and elective courses offered in the Rehabilitation Science program.

 

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. 

The undergraduate Rehabilitation Science certificates are listed below. The requirements for each follow.

• Assistive Technology 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 providing 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 (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) Assistive Technology Supplier certification. 

 

 

Pathokinesiology in Rehabilitation

Completion of this certificate provides the student with an excellent background in the sciences related to normal and pathological motion.  It often compliments coursework offered in graduate programs such as physical therapy, occupational 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.