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About the Rehabilitation Science Doctoral Program
Visit the PT RSD page within the Physical Therapy domain.
The Rehabilitation Science Program is an interdisciplinary program within the College of Public Health and Health Professions, which also offers programs in:
- Clinical and Health Psychology
- Health Services Research, Management and Policy
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Communicative Disorders
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
The College of Public Health and Health Professions is one of six Colleges comprising the University of Florida Health Science Center, the major teaching referral center for north central Florida and southern Georgia. The other colleges include:
- College of Medicine
- College of Dentistry
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Nursing
Most graduates go on to post-doctoral positions or faculty positions at major research universities. Several issues were considered in designing this doctoral program. In recent decades, life-saving medical intervention has extended the lives of Americans, increasing the elder population and saving the lives of individuals of all ages who, heretofore, would have succumbed to disease or injury. At the same time, these medical advances have resulted in an increased need for rehabilitation services for persons who survive but have temporary or chronic disabling conditions which interfere with their ability to function. Consequently, the demand for the training of rehabilitation personnel has dramatically increased in recent decades as therapies have been needed to assist individuals recover, adjust and adapt to health changes. The expanded role of rehabilitation personnel has increased the demand for theoretical rationale and research examination of rehabilitation outcomes and, therefore, increased the need for doctoral programs in Rehabilitation Science.
The Health Science Center houses a spacious, modern library and is affiliated with the Brain Institute, the Veteran Administration, and Shands Hospital.