Introduction
Vision Statement:
Evolve the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences into a globally recognized school for health professions education and research, celebrated for its innovation, inclusivity, and impact.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is to foster excellence in education, research, and practice. Through innovative, interprofessional education, evidence-based practice, and research, we cultivate compassionate and competent healthcare professionals who lead transformation in health and wellness globally. We are dedicated to advancing clinical outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those we serve. We empower future health professions leaders to impact health and well-being while upholding the highest standards of integrity and a deep commitment to fairness, belonging, and respect for all individuals.
Our faculty are dedicated, expert clinicians and researchers who employ innovative technology and active learning strategies to provide an outstanding educational experience. Our clinical networks, within Mass General Brigham (MGB) and beyond, afford our students challenging and robust learning environments that help us prepare competent, compassionate, collaborative practitioners committed to professional growth and life-long learning.
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is composed of programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Genetic Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Rehabilitation Sciences. Together, these programs offer degrees that address the full scope of rehabilitation and health. 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 our online prerequisite and non-degree courses and our Certificate in Pre-Health Studies. Our online post-baccalaureate pre-health certificate and prerequisite courses create an educational foundation for admission into health professions graduate education. The pre-health Studies certificate offers linkages to our programs. Our Doctor of Health Sciences is a clinical doctorate for health care professionals interested in becoming healthcare leaders and scholars. This program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel as educators, administrators, research team members, and advocates for evidence based best practice.
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. and. 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 to international and service-learning opportunities, to research and evidence-based practice, to advocating for our clients and professions, your experience at the Institute will allow you to develop your own professional goals in an atmosphere of intellectual discovery and collaboration. We look forward to working with you in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, shrsdean@mghihp.edu.