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, and rehabilitation technology, as well as for graduate and professional studies in other healthcare fields.

Expedited Review and Decision

Students enrolled in the rehabilitation science program will be considered for expedited review and decision into the Master of Occupational Therapy or Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, as well as the graduate programs in rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation science and technology. Eligible students will have minimum overall undergraduate and prerequisite GPAs of 3.30, will have completed any additional course work designated by the graduate program granting the expedited review and decision, and will meet all admission criteria for the specific graduate program.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the rehabilitation science program after successful completion of the following prerequisite courses and other admission criteria.

**MATH 0032 is highly recommended.

Note: Students planning to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program 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 the DPT program) 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 from a faculty member

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 Requirements

• REHSCI 1225—Introduction to Rehabilitation Science
• REHSCI 1240—Issues in Health Care
• REHSCI 1265—Pharmacology
• 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
• Psychosocial Issues (one of the following):
• REHSCI 1230 Rehabilitation Ethics
• REHSCI 1280 Psychology and Sociology of Disability
• REHSCI 1290/NUR 1750 Practical Issues in Disability
• Another approved psychosocial issues course
• Research (one of the following):
• REHSCI 1255 Epidemiology of Disability
• REHSCI 1285 Introduction to Evidence-Based Rehabilitation
• HRS 1000 Introduction to Research
• Another approved research course

Additional Rehabilitation Science Elective Courses

Exercise Physiology
Field Experience
Human Development
Introduction to Assistive Technology
Introduction to Occupation Science
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Medical Terminology
Neuroscience
Pathophysiology/Human Disease
Independent Study

Typical Plan of Study

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Athletic Training Concentration

The undergraduate athletic training education concentration earned initial Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation in 1997. Prior to this, the curriculum had been National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)-approved since 1978. The athletic training curriculum is defined by the current NATA Board of Certification (NATABOC) Role Delineation Study, which consists of six performance domains to include: (1) prevention; (2) recognition, evaluation, and assessment; (3) immediate care; (4) treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning; (5) organization and administration; and (6) professional development and responsibility. The curriculum is structured to provide both academic and clinical instruction. The academic course work includes such courses as anatomy, kinesiology, human and exercise physiology, injury evaluation and treatment, and therapeutic modalities and exercise. This course work provides a foundation for the hands-on laboratory experiences provided in the clinical setting. The students’ clinical education includes apprenticeships with the faculty athletic trainers and team physicians in providing sports medicine services to the University of Pittsburgh varsity athletic teams. Upon completion of the four-year baccalaureate degree, including the athletic training concentration, the students are eligible to sit for the NATABOC certification examination. Successful completion of this exam affords the candidate a variety of employment opportunities including athletic training positions at the high school, college, or university level; sports medicine and rehabilitation clinics; and professional athletic teams.

Procedures

Application to the athletic training education concentration is made following successful completion of at least 45 credits including REHSCI 1811 and 1812 Basic Athletic Training and Basic Athletic Training Lab. Notification of admission occurs following a personal interview with the athletic training faculty and verification of successful completion of all prerequisite criteria.

Prerequisites for Admission

A grade of C- or better is required for 1–10.
A grade of B or better is required for 11–12.

44 credits of prerequisite course work

16 additional credits of elective course work required

B. Successful completion of at least 60 credits of course work prior to admission.

C. Forty-five clinical observation hours under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer at the University of Pittsburgh. These hours are made available to students who are registered for REHSCI 1811 Basic Athletic Training.

D. Twenty hours of observation outside the University of Pittsburgh and under the direct supervision of a certified athletic trainer. The 20 hours must be distributed evenly between a high school facility and a sports medicine clinic.

E. Completion of admissions application including technical standards for admission.

Technical Standards for Admission

The Athletic Training Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs [CAAHEP]).

The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

• The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.
• Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice.
• The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately.
• The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress.
• The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced.
• Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations.
• Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation.

Selection Criteria

Based upon the following:

1. Overall minimum GPA of 2.80
2. Completion of all prerequisites
3. Personal interview
4. Personal qualities important for athletic training, i.e., enthusiasm, motivation, positive health habits, strong work ethic, and time commitment

Athletic Training Curriculum Sequence

The following course sequence is identical for all athletic training students in the junior and senior years.