THE REHABILITATION SCIENCES DOCTORAL  PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

The Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky is designed to produce academic leaders in Rehabilitation Sciences for the professions of Communication Disorders, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training. Through academic, clinical, and research experiences, the program is designed to prepare graduates to conduct rehabilitation-related research, teach at the university level, direct discipline-specific educational programs, work in the rehabilitation services field, and collaborate with other professionals to provide leadership in rehabilitation and health.

Our program is dedicated to the idea of interdisciplinary service delivery, research, and education. Course work is offered from faculty members from four institutions within the Commonwealth: University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Murray State University, and Western Kentucky University. Core courses may be taken at any of the participating universities and at many sites throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky through live interactive television with the UK campus in Lexington. There is, however, a residency requirement on the UK Lexington campus so that the student can be mentored in the teaching and research processes.

Students must hold a professional or post-professional masters degree and must be eligible for state or national certification in Communication Disorders, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Athletic Training. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 48 hours of course work. Part-time study is available, especially for those taking their core courses through interactive TV at distance sites. The length and content of a program of study depends upon the student’s educational background and enrollment status (full or part-time).

Students complete a concentrated interdisciplinary program in one of three tracks: Pediatrics, Aging and Adult Neurological Disorders, or Movement Dysfunction. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 48 hours of course work. The curriculum is composed of:

• a required core in rehabilitation theory and practice;
• training in clinical and experimental research methodologies related to rehabilitation;
• advanced areas of specialization in a clinical rehabilitation domain consistent with the student's discipline and clinical expertise;
• study in a cognate area outside the student’s discipline;
• a research apprenticeship;
• a teaching apprenticeship; and
• a dissertation.

Students must apply to both the Graduate School of the University of Kentucky and the Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program.

Application materials for the RHB doctoral program can be found on our web site at: www.mc.uky.edu/rehabsciences. These materials include: Letter of Recommendation Form (print 3 copies); Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program Application Pages1 and 2 (PDF).

Be sure to check the Graduate School website for the most current application forms, requirements and deadlines at: www.rgs.uky.edu/gs/gsapplication.html. Questions can be directed to: gradapp@uky.edu.

For further information contact:

Susan K. Effgen, PT, Ph.D., Director
Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program
University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences
900 South Limestone, CHS 126
Lexington, KY 40536-0200
Phone: (859) 323-1100, ext 80579
Fax: (859) 323-8957
Email: seffgen@uky.edu 

An Equal Opportunity University

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