School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
School Overview
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) is composed of programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Health Professions Education, Genetic Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Health Sciences, and Rehabilitation Sciences. Together, these programs offer degrees that address the full scope of rehabilitation, health, and leadership. Each program prepares students to be strong critical thinkers and compassionate and competent practitioners. We are committed to interprofessional collaboration that emphasizes the important role of each discipline in team-based care as well as health equity or the attainment of the highest level of health for all people. In our pursuit of the highest quality of educational experiences for our students, we strive to shape and sustain inclusive learning environments where all feel valued, engaged, and respected.
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers an entry-level three-year accelerated Doctor of Audiology program to prepare graduates for audiologist practice in a variety of settings. Our program offers a distinctive, rich environment for clinical training through our partnership with Massachusetts Eye and Ear (part of MGB) and other leading medical centers in Boston. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology prepares graduates with critical thinking and clinical excellence skills to work in a variety of settings in medical and school systems. The department also offers a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology, a post-professional program preparing certified speech-language pathologists for advanced clinical practice and leadership. Students can focus on specific clinical concentrations to gain a broader perspective in one area of practice. A Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Language is available for educators and clinicians who wish to expand their knowledge and expertise to improve reading and writing practices in educational and clinical settings.
The Department of Genetic Counseling offers a Master of Science and prepares genetic counselors to be leaders in the field of genetics and genomics. Outstanding clinical and non-clinical fieldwork experiences, expansive research opportunities, dedicated faculty, and an active-learning curriculum create an engaging learning environment that equips genetic counseling students to provide exemplary compassionate care, recognize and attend to the needs of their clients, effectively communicate complex genetic information, and advance genomics research.
The Department of Health Professions Education offers flexible online degrees and certificates specifically designed for educators in health professions and other health professionals who want to excel in educational leadership, research, innovation, curriculum design, program evaluation, and learning outcomes assessment. Engage with a worldwide interprofessional cohort and learn from global faculty who are experts in health professions education and simulation theory and practice. Degrees include a MS in HPEd, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in HPEd, and HPEd at Alfaisal. Certificates in Teaching and Learning and Simulation are available to launch your career in health professions education and gain specialized knowledge and skills in simulation.
The Department of Health Sciences houses the online prerequisite and non-degree courses as well as the Certificate in Pre-Health Studies. These online prerequisite and post-baccalaureate pre-health courses provide students with the educational foundation needed for admission into graduate programs in the health professions. The Pre-Health Studies Certificate also offers direct linkages to our professional programs. The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is a fully online transfer ready bachelor completer program. Designed for individuals with prior college credits, it provides clear pathways into health careers and linkages into our programs. Developed in collaboration with the MGB Heart and Vascular Institute the Cardiac Electronic Device Technician Certificate prepares learners with the technical expertise, clinical knowledge, and patient care skills to excel in as a cardiac technician supporting optimal health function. The Master of Health Administration is an online, interprofessional program that develops inclusive leadership skills to drive transformation and advance equity within organizations and communities. The Master of Science in Healthcare Data Analytics equips learners to harness data for decision making in patient care, improving outcomes, reducing costs, optimizing resources, and positioning themselves for leadership roles in health organizations. Finally the Doctor of Health Sciences is a clinical doctorate for health care professionals is a clinical doctorate designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance as leaders and scholars. This program prepares graduates to excel as educators, administrators, research collaborators, and advocates for evidence-based best practices.
The Department of Occupational Therapy offers the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, the first entry-level OTD in New England, for those with a bachelors degree in another field who want to become occupational therapists. This program prepares occupational therapy leaders to contribute to the profession in research, education, advocacy, and clinical practice, providing the skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic health care and education systems. The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program (PP-OTD) is an advanced degree for practicing occupational therapists seeking to gain knowledge and skills to inform their careers as practice scholars, leaders, health care administrators, and educators
The Department of Physical Therapy offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs for those who want to become physical therapists. The program offers an innovative modular curriculum using case based, self-directed and collaborative learning that culminates in a year-long internship. Practicing physical therapists who want to advance their knowledge and skill in orthopedic practice can apply to the Orthopedic Clinical Residency prepare for the orthopedic specialty examination.
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies offers the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), preparing physician assistants (PAs) to work in a variety of healthcare settings, providing medical care in partnership with physicians. This program offers comprehensive clinical education using team based approach to learning, along with hands-on experiences in primary care settings and elective specialties. Through coursework and interaction with students in the rehabilitation sciences, our PA graduates will develop the skills needed to function as highly effective members of the healthcare team and maximize their patients’ health and well-being.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences program prepares graduates to conduct high-quality rehabilitation research in academic, research, and/or healthcare settings. The program offers students mentored research experiences and a tailored program of study to achieve career goals. Our networks with MGB and beyond afford our students the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary, internationally- renowned experts.
From active learning classrooms and international or service-learning experiences, to research, evidence-based practice, and advocacy for clients and professions—you will find that your time at the Institute fosters intellectual discovery, collaboration, and the development of your own professional goals. We look forward to partnering with you in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. You can reach us anytime at shrsdean@mghihp.edu