Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology

Return to: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Contact Information

Eric Meyer, PhD
Professor, Counseling Program Director
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology
5040 Forbes Tower
412-383-6589
Fax: 412-383-6597
E-mail: ecm77@pitt.edu
https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/people/eric-meyer

Website: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/mscrmhc

Overview

The Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (CRMHC) program delivers an innovative educational experience by integrating training in rehabilitation and mental health counseling into a holistic and cohesive graduate program for future professional counselors. We strive to be a world class educational program, preparing our students to address the complex challenges faced by people of diverse backgrounds living with disabilities including mental and behavioral health challenges. CRMHC emphasizes experiential training in evidence-based practices while advancing the field through clinical research. We are committed to community engagement, advocacy, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility.

This program prepares students for clinical practice in rehabilitation and mental health counseling. The five term, 60-credit hour curriculum includes courses on foundations of rehabilitation and mental health counseling, human development across culture and the lifespan, individual, group, family and couples counseling, substance abuse, evidence based practice in counseling, crisis management, risk assessment and disaster preparedness, clinical assessment and diagnosis, case conceptualization and treatment planning, medical and psycho-social aspects of disability, case management, vocational and career development, job development and placement, and assistive technology. Individualized and group professional mentorship over five terms of study is a hallmark of the program.

The Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) through October 2023.

Graduates meet the education eligibility criteria for national certification in counseling (i.e., national certified counselor, NCC, or certified rehabilitation counselor, CRC) and the pre-clinical service and educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC).

Prerequisites

The curriculum of study for clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling relies upon having experienced a strong undergraduate education that has provided a sound foundation in knowledge, methods, and attitudes. Students must possess foundational knowledge of the concepts and terminology in medical, psychological, and sociological sciences on which to build the knowledge and skills of the rehabilitation and mental health counseling curriculum.

Students must have the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and logical fashion with appropriate grammar, both verbally and in writing.

Admission is available on a full-time or part-time basis. Exceptions may be granted to outstanding students who do not meet all of the prerequisite requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in psychology, human services, rehabilitation sciences, social sciences, or related field of study from an accredited post-secondary institution
• Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.00.
• Applicants must demonstrate that they possess foundation knowledge of the concepts and terminology in medical, psychological, and sociological sciences on which to build the rehabilitation counseling curriculum.  Students must have the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and logical fashion with appropriate grammar, both verbally and in writing.

All applicants must:

• Complete the GradCAS application
• Submit the $50 application fee (U.S.)
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Submit a minimum of three letters of recommendation - Preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings and/or supervised research activities
• Submit a personal statement - Description of educational and long-term professional goals
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• International applicants must submit English Language Proficiency scores (Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL) and an Academic Credential Evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. 
• Participate in an interview - Applicants may be required to complete a group interview with the counseling faculty as a part of the application process. Face to face interviews are preferred but other means can be arranged if indicated.

This program requires that student’s complete clinical internships at facilities external to the University, and such facilities may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance, and a drug screen to determine whether the student is qualified to participate in the clinical internships. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Master of Rehabilitation Technology

Contact Information

RST Admin
University of Pittsburgh
6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
 412-383-1150
E-mail: rstinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/RST/

Application Requirements

All applicants must:

• Complete the GradCAS application;
• Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.);
• Submit an essay-a description of educational and long-term professional goals;
• Submit three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study;
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended;
• Additional requirements for international applicants 

Note: Application can be submitted when course requirements are in progress. 

Please note this program requires that you complete clinical internships at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance, and perhaps a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the clinical internships.

Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics

Contact Information

RST Admin
University of Pittsburgh
6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
 412-383-1150
E-mail: rstinfo@shrs.pitt.edu
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/po/

Program Overview

Orthotics and Prosthetics is the evaluation, fabrication, and custom fitting of orthoses (orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs) . Artificial limbs, or prostheses, are used to replace missing limbs or portions of limbs, and to improve function of the upper or lower extremities. Orthopedic braces, or orthoses, are used to stabilize or unload joints, normalize motion and stresses on tissue, substitute for muscle weakness or paralysis, and assist in normal growth, development, and function. Orthoses can be applied to the head, neck, trunk, or limbs. Orthotists and prosthetists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and home health settings. Orthotists and prosthetists are currently in high demand, and the demand is expected to increase in the future. 

Orthotists and prosthetists are part of the health care team, and as such, work with physicians, therapists, and other health care professionals to provide the orthotic and prosthetic services to users. Orthotists and prosthetists are responsible for

1) Performing a comprehensive assessment of the orthotic/prosthetic users needs.

2) Creating a comprehensive orthotic/prosthetic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the user.

3) Performing the necessary procedures to deliver the appropriate orthotic/prosthetic services, which may include fabrication of the orthosis/prosthesis.

4) Providing continuing patient care and periodic evaluation to assure/maintain/ document optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis.

5) Participating in personal and professional development through continuing education, training, research and organizational affiliations, and

6) Developing, implementing and/or monitoring policies and procedures regarding human, business, and organizational management. 
 
The MSPO program is five consecutive terms in length, including one summer term, and requires a total of 65 credits. It is designed to meet all standards for accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and for preparing students to complete residencies and take the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics examinations. 
 
During the last term of the Program, students complete a clinical internship, typically where they gain exposure to a real-world clinical setting. Most students will relocate out of the Pittsburgh area during this term. MSPO currently has agreements with clinical sites across the country and we can work with the student to set up additional internship sites for this final term if necessary.

Accreditation Status

The Master of Science Program in Prosthetics and Orthotics has been granted accreditation by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Our graduates are eligible for NCOPE residencies, and, upon successful completion of an NCOPE residency, they are eligible to take the certification examinations of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). 

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Admissions Application Deadline

Prerequisite courses

1. Baccalaureate Degree. No specific major is mandated; however, the degree should include a well-rounded general education with a distribution of courses in the sciences, mathematics, psychology, social sciences, and humanities.
2. Prerequisite coursework includes foundation courses in the following areas:

   3. Candidates who apply to the program with the latter will be asked to retake said courses prior to enrolling in the program.

   4. Recommended minimum overall grade point is a 3.0 grade-point average in all college-level courses and a 3.0 average in prerequisite courses. Applicants with less than a 3.0 but with other outstanding qualifications will be considered.

  5. Demonstration of knowledge of the profession of orthotics and/or prosthetics through volunteer or work experience. We suggest 250 hour minimum of O&P shadowing to allow the practitioner plenty of time to write a recommendation.

   6. Recommendations: (Three): At least one academic reference from a college instructor, and at least two references from a health-care professional (preferably a certified orthotist or prosthetist).

   7. Essay describing background leading to the choice of this profession and long-term goals.

   8. Completed Application form.

   9. Official transcriptions from all college level course work.

Applicants applying to the Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS) program will apply online using the Orthotics & Prosthetics Centralized Application Service, known as (OPCAS), https://portal.opcas.org/ submit one copy of their official transcript, letters of recommendation, and other required information directly to OPCAS.

To be assured inclusion in the review process, applications should be completed by the date posted on the MSPO website (http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/po. Application information which must be submitted includes:

• Completed application form
• Official transcriptions of all college-level courses
• Letters of recommendation (three)
  • At least one from a college instructor
  • At least two from a health care professional (preferably a certified orthotist or prosthetist)
• Essay describing background leading to your choice of this profession and your long-term goals.
• Record of work, shadowing, or volunteer experience related to the profession of orthotics and prosthetics
• Additional requirements for international applicants

Please note that the University of Pittsburgh’s program requires that you complete clinical internships at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance, and perhaps a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the clinical internships. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Admissions process, application deadline and prerequisites requirements are available on the Prosthetics and Orthotics webpage.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences does not require a supplemental application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete all admission requirements prior to enrollment.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fee rates for the MSPO program can be found at the following websites:

In addition to University Fees, some of the MSPO courses have lab fees associated with them. Current Fees are available on the Prosthetics and Orthotics webpage.

Programs

• Assistive Technology Certificate
• Disability Studies Certificate

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS
• Prosthetics & Orthotics Concentration, MS
• Rehabilitation Technology, MRT

Return to: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences