Who is this program for?
You’ll graduate prepared to assume professional responsibilities in a variety of settings, not limited to the rehab clinic or to assisted rehab technology. As an Assistive Technology Professional or a budding rehabilitation engineer, you may provide the next best power wheelchair, smart home technology to support people in age in place, adaptive sports and driving devices or video gaming equipment. As a service leader, you may have the chance to see clients with disabilities or older adults benefit from your company’s products. The opportunities are unlimited for energetic young professionals who are dedicated to helping others. Similar to other rehab professions like occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, speech-language pathology, health informatics and other jobs which require Healthcare or Clinical Rehab or Technology Master’s degrees, employment is in high-demand and you will receive a competitive salary as a rehab technologist. You may also be interested in rehab tech if you have a background or interest in bioengineering, mechanical engineering, medical device or industrial design, public health, special education or information systems, among many other fields!
Can this program be completed all online?
The MRT program is a flexible online program! All didactic courses will be available online, and you do not need to relocate to Pittsburgh to attend. However, there are two portions of this program that will require in-person activity. First, students will be required to attend two hands-on labs in Pittsburgh over one or two days during the fall and spring terms. Second, the 240-hour internship will require you to be in-person. However, internship sites are flexible. While we do have some excellent sites available in Pittsburgh, we will work with you to find you an internship site just about anywhere.
Where do students work after graduation?
Students of the Rehab Technology program graduate with a comprehensive blend of clinical and technical skills and are prepared for service delivery, industrial environments and academic programs nationally and internationally. Many work as ATPs for suppliers and manufacturers including Permobil Inc, Pride Mobility, Numotion and National Seating and Mobility. Others have become rehabilitation and assistive or access technology specialists within clinical programs including the Veterans Administration, University of Michigan, the Children’s Institute and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Alumni have also gone on to be faculty in prestigious universities including University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana, The Ohio State University, Xian Jiatong University (China) and CES University (Colombia).
Can the degree be completed part-time?
Yes, students have the option to complete the degree at their own pace and continue to work or be involved in other life responsibilities. The 3-semester option requires full-time study: 15 credits per semester in both the fall and spring and 5 credits in the summer. The 4-semester option includes 8-9 credits per semester over two years and is ideal for someone interested in a paid fellowship or other part-time work. A student may also choose to complete 1-2 classes per semester spread out over 3-5 years. Most classes are taught in the evenings to support people who work during the day.
When are admission decisions made?
Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Most application decisions will be made within 4-6 weeks after completed applications are received. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the class is full. It is recommended to apply as early as possible (early to mid-spring) especially if seeking a fellowship/scholarship. However, applications are accepted through the end of July for enrollment in the fall semester provided space is still available.
Where can I find tuition, financial aid and scholarship information?
Are fellowships available?
Yes, a limited number of research fellowships are available to students enrolled in the 4-semester plan of study. Click here for more information about fellowships.
Where can I find housing information?
If you choose to complete the program while living in Pittsburgh, please note that Pitt does not offer graduate housing. Graduate students live off campus in surrounding communities. The University provides many resources for graduate students.
What’s the average class size?
Approximately 8-12 students are admitted to the program each year.
Is a thesis required?
A thesis is not required however is an option and recommended for students who want to be involved in research studies. Otherwise, students can write a scholarly paper in lieu of a thesis.