About

Rehabilitation science is a diverse and expanding discipline that encompasses both basic and applied aspects of health science, the social sciences, and engineering.  Our faculty includes clinicians, clinician-scientists, and basic scientists working together to restore or improve human functional capacity across a range of diseases and conditions.

A major strength of our program is the diversity of student interests and work. Our UF Rehabilitation Science Doctoral Program (RSD) students are conducting research that spans the full spectrum of rehabilitation science. You can read descriptions of the dissertation research projects of our students and review recent student publications in scientific journals.

Prospective students: This program has been carefully designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the science of rehabilitation,  recovery, and community integration. You will study core coursework in rehabilitation theory, learn how to ask questions important to human health, and design experiments to answer those questions effectively. This foundation prepares you for a career in rehabilitation science and after graduation, you might go on to an academic career or take an industry job.

During your time in our program, you will have access to world-class rehabilitation science researchers, a wide variety of seminars, and coursework that can be tailored to your specific interests. The program features three concentrations, Neuromuscular Plasticity, Communication and Swallowing Sciences and Disorders, and Disability, Health, and Participation Science

Current students: You will find the important forms, deadlines, and contacts necessary to complete this exciting course of study and your dissertation.

Alumni: We would like to hear from you! We are extremely proud of your accomplishments and you should be too. You will see on this website an “alumni spotlight” in which we feature some of your colleagues. Please contact us and let us know about your recent achievements.

Thank you for visiting our website. Again, please contact us with any questions.

David D. Fuller, PhD
University of Florida
Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Director, PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program
Associate Director, Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation