Department of Physical Therapy
| Chair: | David Morris, PT, PhD, FAPTA |
| Phone: | (205) 934-0418 |
| Email: | morrisd@uab.edu |
| Website: | www.uab.edu/shp/pt |
The Department of Physical Therapy, a fully accredited program since 1967, offers an entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy. In 2011, we established a unique interdisciplinary PhD in Rehabilitation Science program in partnership with UAB Occupational Therapy.
We are housed in a state-of-the-art facility within a nationally ranked research-focused university. The department’s research laboratories focus on clinically relevant studies of human motion and exercise physiology. Students and faculty participate in a variety of education and research endeavors throughout the UAB campus in collaboration with campus venues such as the UAB Research Collaborative, Center for Engagement in Disability Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (CEDHARS), National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD), Center for Exercise Medicine, and the Integrative Center for Aging Research.
Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science
Program Director: Christopher Hurt, PhD
The central mission of the Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science undergraduate major is to provide a vibrant student body with a diverse educational background toward maximizing academic, commercial and/or government employment opportunities. The Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science major provides focus on disability inclusion science as well as prevention, health promotion, and wellness integrated across the entire curriculum. Our focus on disability inclusion science will prepare our graduates to be advocates for individuals with disability and chronic conditions. Our focus on prevention, health promotion and wellness will prepare our graduates to empower individuals with disability and chronic disease/s to lead healthier lifestyles. The Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science curriculum prepares students for direct entry into rehabilitation-related professions such as therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation through health promotion or community health as well as health related professional degrees such as physical/occupational therapy or research related graduate degrees centered around rehabilitation science.
Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science program leverages the significant expertise of faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy as well as throughout the UAB campus in disability studies, mobility, health promotion, and continuum and transitional care. Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science program builds on the clinical practices and research strengths of our highly ranked Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Students in the Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science program will have a strong academic foundation as well as opportunities to be exposed to clinical and research related programming through seminars and educational activities through the Center for Engagement in Disability Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and other UAB Research Centers including the Center for Exercise Medicine, Integrated Center for Aging Research, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, for example.
Program Admission
The UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions accepts applications to the Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science program at any time. Students may begin the program at the start of any full academic term. Information and the online application for freshman, transfer, returning, and non-traditional admissions is available at https://www.uab.edu/students/admissions/apply.
- Students intending to enroll in the Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science program must meet all undergraduate admission and academic requirements for UAB and the School of Health Professions.
- Entering freshmen are admitted directly to the Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science program through the UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Admission to the program from high school requires graduation from an accredited high school with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Transfer admissions from another college or university and UAB students changing their declared major to Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher and an institutional GPA of 2.75 or higher, if applicable.
Academic Requirements
The minimum overall and institutional GPA required for admission to the program (2.75) must be maintained for continued enrollment throughout the program. A student whose GPA falls below the minimum will be allowed two semesters to recover before dismissal from the major. A student who is dismissed from the Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science major in such a manner may reapply once the student has raised his or her overall and institutional GPA to the program or track minimum. A letter grade of C or higher is required for each course in the program curriculum.
Bachelor of Science in Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Blazer Core Curriculum | 41 | |
| Experience the University Transition | ||
| Pre-Calculus Trigonometry | ||
| Introductory Biology I | ||
| College Physics I and College Physics Laboratory I | ||
| Lower Level | ||
| BY 115 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| BY 116 | Introductory Human Physiology | 4 |
| BY 124 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| CH 115 & CH 116 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CH 117 & CH 118 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| HCM 350 | Medical Terminology for Health Professionals | 3 |
| PH 202 & 202L | College Physics II and College Physics Laboratory II | 4 |
| MA 180 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Major Coursework | ||
| RHB 210 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RHB 220 | Rehabilitation and Healthcare in the US | 3 |
| RHB 320 | Environmental and Community Considerations of Mobility | 3 |
| RHB 330 | Adapted Mobility and Exercise Interventions | 3 |
| RHB 340 | Living with Disability | 3 |
| RHB 360 | Scientific Inquiry | 3 |
| RHB 370 | Tests and Measures in Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RHB 410 | Aging in the Community | 3 |
| RHB 430 | Current Trends in Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RHB 460 | Leadership/Lifelong Learning and Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RHB 490 | Quantitative Biomechanics of Injury and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RHB 495 | Senior Capstone for Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| General Electives | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Contact Information
Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science
Department of Physical Therapy
School of Health Professions
1716 9th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Telephone: (205) 934-3566
Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science
Please note this is an example plan of study and it may be adjusted to meet students specific needs.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| HRP 101 | 3 | Blazer Core: Writing | 3 |
| Blazer Core: Writing | 3 | Blazer Core: Academic Foundations | 3 |
| Blazer Core: Academic Foundations | 3 | BY 123 | 4 |
| MA 106 | 3 | CH 117 & CH 118 | 4 |
| CH 115 & CH 116 | 4 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BY 115 | 4 | BY 116 | 4 |
| PH 201 | 4 | PH 202 | 4 |
| BY 124 | 4 | Blazer Core: Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| RHB 210 | 3 | Blazer Core: City as a Classroom | 3 |
| RHB 220 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| RHB 320 | 3 | Blazer Core: Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| RHB 330 | 3 | RHB Elective | 3 |
| RHB 340 | 3 | HCM 350 | 3 |
| MA 180 | 3 | RHB 360 | 3 |
| Blazer Core: Thinking Broadly | 3 | RHB 370 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Blazer Core: Thinking Broadly | 3 | RHB Elective | 3 |
| RHB Elective | 4 | RHB Elective | 3 |
| RHB 410 | 3 | RHB 460 | 3 |
| RHB 430 | 3 | RHB 490 | 3 |
| RHB 495 | 3 | ||
| 13 | 15 | ||
| Total credit hours: 120 | |||
Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Science Minor
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| RHB 210 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RHB 220 | Rehabilitation and Healthcare in the US | 3 |
| Disability Inclusion Science & Advocacy (Choose one) | 3 | |
| Environmental and Community Considerations of Mobility | ||
| Living with Disability | ||
| Leadership/Lifelong Learning and Rehabilitation Science | ||
| Scientific Literacy (Choose one) | 3 | |
| Scientific Inquiry | ||
| Current Trends in Rehabilitation Science | ||
| Tests and Measures in Rehabilitation Science | ||
| Disability Health & Function (Choose one) | 3 | |
| Adapted Mobility and Exercise Interventions | ||
| Aging in the Community | ||
| Quantitative Biomechanics of Injury and Rehabilitation | ||
| Additional course from one of the three study areas above | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Courses
RHB 210. Introduction to Rehabilitation Science. 3 Hours.
Encapsulating science from the level of the cell and body structure to the person, family, community and society level, rehabilitation science serves as a foundation and the body of knowledge by which individuals may develop and evaluate current and emerging approaches to enhancing enablement and minimizing disability.
RHB 220. Rehabilitation and Healthcare in the US. 3 Hours.
Overview of history of rehabilitation
and healthcare in the United States; impact of societal events and factors on the evolution of US healthcare; growth of specific health disciplines that contribute to or support rehabilitation healthcare teams.
RHB 320. Environmental and Community Considerations of Mobility. 3 Hours.
Factors that promote and hinder mobility for individuals with chronic disease and disability; issues concerning accessibility, safety, transportation, and occupation; resources, services, legal rights and policy issues that promote mobility. Course will include observational experiences in the community.
RHB 330. Adapted Mobility and Exercise Interventions. 3 Hours.
Health benefits of physical activity for people with disabilities; evidence-based exercise prescription, including strengthening, aerobic, and balance training; theory-driven physical activity promotion including behavioral coaching and intervention strategies to overcome barriers and support success.
Prerequisites: BY 115 [Min Grade: C] and BY 116 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently)
RHB 340. Living with Disability. 3 Hours.
Psychosocial and health issues faced by individuals with disabilities; individual and societal views of people with disabilities; historical and current trends concerning disability rights. Resources, services, legal rights, and policy issues for people with disability that promote health, equity and inclusion.
RHB 360. Scientific Inquiry. 3 Hours.
Nature of research and application of the scientific approach to rehabilitation science topics; research design and method, interpretation of research findings and ethical considerations.
Prerequisites: MA 180 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently)
RHB 370. Tests and Measures in Rehabilitation Science. 3 Hours.
Introduction to and application of tests and measures used to assess rehabilitation needs and outcomes related to body function and structure, activities, and participation, and physical, mental, and social issues; measurement theory and psychometric qualities.
Prerequisites: RHB 210 [Min Grade: C] and BY 115 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently) and BY 116 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently)
RHB 400. Introduction to Rehabilitation Science. 3 Hours.
Encapsulating science from the level of the cell and body structure to the person, family, community and society level, rehabilitation science serves as a foundation and the body of knowledge by which individuals may develop and evaluate current and emerging approaches to enhancing enablement and minimizing disability.
RHB 410. Aging in the Community. 3 Hours.
Overview of aging-related challenges to healthy living and function; individual and societal views of older adults along with historical and current trends concerning their rights. Principles for optimal aging including physical activity, nutrition, social function, and accessibility. Resources, services, legal rights and policy issues for older adults that promote health, equity and inclusion.
Prerequisites: RHB 320 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently) and RHB 340 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently)
RHB 430. Current Trends in Rehabilitation Science. 3 Hours.
Seminar course using speakers from within and outside of UAB will examine current issues/topics influencing rehabilitation science.
RHB 460. Leadership/Lifelong Learning and Rehabilitation Science. 3 Hours.
Personal leadership skills that target leading oneself, leading others, and leading change; effective self-directed skills for lifelong learning.
Prerequisites: RHB 210 [Min Grade: C]
RHB 475. Special Topics in Rehabilitation Sciences. 1-4 Hour.
Special Topics in Rehabilitation Sciences.
RHB 478. Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science. 1-4 Hour.
Exploration of current issues in Rehabilitation Science.
RHB 490. Quantitative Biomechanics of Injury and Rehabilitation. 3 Hours.
Material, mechanical, electrophysiological and energetic principles of human movement. Students will learn about the healthy non-impaired system and compare to systems impaired by injury or disability.
Prerequisites: PH 201 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently) and BY 115 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently) and BY 116 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently)
RHB 495. Senior Capstone for Rehabilitation Science. 3-5 Hours.
This course summarizes, evaluates, and integrates coursework completed by students to assure optimal application in future employment and/or graduate studies, with content tailored to students’ personal career plans and goals. Students engage in group and independent educational activities.
Faculty
| Bullard, Cara, Assistant Professor,, 2017, BS, DPT (University of Pittsburgh) |
| Hart, Melanie, Adjunct Professor, 2023, BS, MS, (Texas Tech University), PhD (Auburn University) |
| Hurt, Christopher, Associate Professor, 2015, PhD (University of Illinois Chicago), Mechanisms for reduced mobility and testing novel interventions for individuals with neurological disorders |
| Jenkins, Gavin, Professor and Chair of Occupational Therapy, 2008, PhD (England), Assistive Technology the Built Environment/Green Spaces |
| King, Brian, Assistant Professor, 1994, BS, MSPT (University of Miami), Neurological conditions with emphasis on patients with vestibular and balance issues |
| Lai, Byron, Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, PhD (UAB), Physical disabilities, pediatrics, rehabilitation |
| Morris, David, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, 1991, Ph.D. (UAB), Constraint induced movement therapy, health promotion, aquatic rehabilitation |
| Reed, William, Professor and Program Director, PhD in Rehabilitation Science, 2016, DC, PhD (University of Louisville), Understanding neural mechanisms underlying the manual therapy interventions of spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and joint dysfunction |
| Riddle, Robin, Instructor, 2023, BS, DPT (UAB), BS (Auburn University), Exercise science, aging |
| Wilroy, Jereme, Associate Professor, Director of Research, 2019, BS, MS (University of Alabama), PhD, (University of Alabama), Psychosocial aspects of adherence to exercise trials among people with physical disabilities |