2021-2022 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Rehabilitation Technology, MRT
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The 35-credit Master of Rehabilitation Technology program can be completed in 1 year (3 semesters), or 2 years (research track). It is also offered in both traditional and remote* formats.
*On October 7, 2021 the MRT program was approved to be re-classifed from hybrid to remote. In order to maintain accurate records, the update was made on October 15, 2021.
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FUNDAMENTALS OF REHABILITATION & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and practices related to multiple areas of assistive technology. This includes: wheelchair seating and mobility, adaptive sports and recreation, augmentative communication, environmental control and home automation, computer and SmartPhone access, cognitive aids, low vision and hearing loss devices, adaptive driving, vehicle modifications, transportation safety, environmental accessibility as well as prosthetics and orthotics. In addition, common terminology, disability etiquette, ethics, and the service delivery process are discussed throughout. The course also includes various hands-on labs to further learn the applications of various assistive technologies.
FUNDAMENTALS OF REHABILITATION & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DESIGN
This course is the first course in a two-course sequence on Rehabilitation Engineering Design. RT 2102 is in the Fall, and RT 2207 is in the Spring. RT 2102 covers the fundamentals of product design and development with a particular emphasis on assistive and rehabilitative technologies. The goal of this course is for students to learn both the design process and the tools necessary to develop high-quality designs.
INDIVIDUAL & SOCIAL EXPERIENCE OF DISABILITY
This course investigates psychological and sociological issues of impairment regarding views of disability not as solely located within the individual, but instead as the outcome of interaction between the individual with the impairment and society. Course focuses on the experience of being disabled and includes interactions with a wide variety of disciplinary perspectives on individual, social and cultural experience of disability, gaining familiarity with key debates in these fields. Foundations of stigmatization and discrimination towards people with disabilities and their pervasiveness and effect throughout all domains of life will be examined.
FUNCTIONAL & MEDICAL ASPECTS OF DISABILITY RELATED TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
This course is designed to provide a general overview of the pre-disposing factors and direct causes of disease, as well as their effects on the human body. It will also include a systemic approach to the basic disease process in terms of etiology, symptomatology, general pathological changes, diagnostic procedures. Students will examine major chronic illnesses, diseases, and disabilities in order to obtain a practical understanding of the implications of these conditions on all areas of functioning and participation to prepare for clinical rehabilitation technology applications. Case scenarios will be utilized to enhance student learning and interaction with individuals with varying types of disabilities. Students will prepare a paper and present on a specific disease or disability focusing on both the pathophysiology and the functional considerations that may be affected by use of rehabilitation and assistive technology. This course will also cover a basic introduction to medical terminology and universal precautions.
INTRODUCTION TO EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE & RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
This course provides an introduction to all elements of designing a research project from developing a researchable question to ethical issues. Lectures focus on basics of different research designs and key concepts of evidence-based practice. Through hands-on class exercises and journal club activities, students will gain ability to interpret and critique literature and become critical consumers of research.
REHABILITATION & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PRACTICES
Develop the clinical skills needed to apply assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering solutions to help individuals with disabilities achieve their goals in the area of productivity, education, employment, communication, and environmental access. Students will match knowledge of assistive technology products gained in RT 2101 to the needs of real life “model clients”. Taught using a service delivery model for assessing the individual, the context, the technology-user interface and an interdisciplinary team approach.
CLIENT-CENTERED REHABILITATION & ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DESIGN
This course is the second course in a two-course sequence on Rehabilitation Engineering Design. RT 2102 is in the Fall, and RT 2207 is in the Spring. RT 2102 is a project-based design course in which students use design methods and tools learned in RT 2207, follow an iterative design and testing process with clients and experts, and develop assistive technology device prototypes for their clients.
ETHICAL ISSUES IN HEALTHCARE
This course examines a variety of complex ethical issues which confront healthcare practicioners and researchers as they work with clients and colleagues within the healthcare system and society. By analyzing actual cases, healthcare workers are able to make informed choices when faced with these issues.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS IN SEATING & MOBILITY
Course will cover the clinical aspects of seating and mobility intervention for four diverse populations. First, the special needs of children will be addressed. Include various disability specific goals of intervention. Second are people with acquired spinal cord lesions. Seating and mobility intervention from the time onset - through rehab to independent living. The final two populations are people with musculoskeletal disorders and the elderly.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FUNDING, POLICY & MANAGEMENT
This course is focused on the components necessary for people with disabilities to access Assistive Technology and Assistive Technology Services. Students will be able to apply experience from previous coursework and experience with AT devices from a context of policy (legislative and non-legislative), funding, and organizational management that surrounds services. Content will focus on funding sources, legislative policy, clinical assessment, documentation procedures, use of evidence, and advocacy efforts. Examples of systems change activities and current topics will also be reviewed and discussed. Advocacy and procedures for due process and policy change will also be reviewed for situations when funding sources and policies are limited. The management portion will focus on the essential components of a service delivery program or business model that includes strategic planning, human resource/organizational behavior, policies and procedures, accreditation, budgets, quality improvement, business planning and resource management.
INTERNSHIP
Supervised practical experience, usually in a clinical facility or agency, permitting the student to observe and participate in existing specialized programs and to develop, apply, and evaluate new clinical procedures.
SCHOLARLY PAPER
A research oriented paper based on work the student has done in his or her area of study. Students will be encouraged to submit honors papers for publication or presentation at a national or state professional meeting. The adviser and an appropriate faculty reader will supervise the student’s work on the scholarly paper.
ELECTIVE OPTIONS
Students completing the 1-year, 35-credit program are not required to take electives in order to graduate. However, students pursuing the research track in 2 years may be required by their advisor to take elective courses. Below are some recommended options. If there is another course you wish to take, please seek approval from your advisor prior to registration.
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