Physical Rehabilitation Degree Programs

Last reviewed and updated March 11, 2025 by

Maria Theresa Bautista, OT

Occupational Therapist, experience with neurological, visual, psychological, and physical disabilities. Doctor of Occupational Therapy (University of Texas Medical Branch).

Physical rehabilitation is a broad term that refers to the different types of care provided to restore body function and mobility following an injury, surgery, or illness. It is often provided in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care to individuals recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic surgeries, or traumatic brain injuries. While most people know about the role of doctors and physical therapists in these settings, little is known about occupational therapists (OT) and their role in the multidisciplinary team.

Are there online Physical Rehabilitation programs?

Fully online entry-level graduate degree programs in Physical Rehabilitation, particularly in occupational therapy, are not offered anywhere in the United States. However, there are universities that have hybrid online OT programs that combine online coursework with in-person laboratory and fieldwork.

The majority of the didactic curriculum will be completed on digital learning platforms. In-person lab sessions are held on the university campus typically on weekdays but sometimes during weekends to accommodate working students. All Fieldwork I and Fieldwork II placements are conducted on-site to provide students with opportunities for hands-on training. Applicants for hybrid occupational therapy degree programs are expected to have computer and Internet access before being accepted to the program since all online academic requirements must be submitted through various digital learning platforms.

What degree does a Physical Rehabilitation therapist need?

A "Physical Rehabilitation Therapist" refers to professionals who specialize in physical rehabilitative care, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy professionals. Typically, aspiring OTs and PTs must complete a bachelor's degree program followed by a Masters or Doctorate degree in their respective fields. Those who have already completed an associate degree as Physical Therapist Assistants or Occupational Therapy Assistants can take a bridge program to transition to PTs or OTs.

Most hybrid occupational graduate programs take between 2 to 3 years to complete. After completing an OT degree, the next step would be to pass the NBCOT exam to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR) and qualify to provide OT care in the State where the applicant passed the exam. An NBCOT certification is valid for three years, and can be renewed by completing a minimum of 36 hours of professional development units (PDU) or competency assessment units (CAU). All requirements must be completed by the scheduled NBCOT renewal date or else an application for reinstatement is needed for approval. Visit the NBCOT website for the full list of requirements and study materials for the certification exam.

In depth review of physical rehabilitation degrees (or MSOT with Physical Rehabilitation specializations)

Belmont University

Belmont University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) bridge program is designed for practicing OTAs and PTAs who have been working for at least one year with a licensed OTR. This full-time, accelerated program consists mostly of online coursework through Canvas, Panopto, Microsoft Teams, Turnitin, and Office 365. Every 3 weeks, students must attend weekend laboratory sessions and classes at the university's Nashville campus. Students are also required to complete three Level I and two Level II fieldwork placements. Belmont's two-year MSOT curriculum contains a total of 76 credit hours.

The university's Gordon E. Inman Center is equipped with static mannequins, patient simulators, and other facilities that prepare MSOT students for different work settings. Their Activities of Daily Living laboratory is a simulated space that mimics an apartment and allows students to practice patient care in a home setting. Interested applicants do not need to have a bachelor's degree to apply as long as they satisfy the other academic admission requirements listed below.

The admission criteria for Belmont University's MOST program include the following:
1. Completed application through Occupational Therapy College Application Service (OTCAS).
2. Minimum one year of experience as a fully licensed OTA or PTA working with a Registered Occupational Therapist.
3. Must have completed at least 90 semester credits from a regionally accredited university or ACOTE-accredited school.
4. Minimum of 3.0 GPA in their most recent 90 semester credits.
5. Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an OTR.
6. Completed personal essay.
7. (For PTAs only) Must have completed at least 50 hours of observation, volunteering, or work experience under supervision by an OTR.
8. Must have completed eight (8) of these prerequisite courses with at least B- grade from any regionally accredited academic institution:

a. Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (or Human Anatomy with Lab)
b. Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (or Human Physiology with Lab)
c. Statistics (math or psychology department)
d. Human Growth & Development (lifespan psychology course)
e. Introduction to Psychology
f. Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Anthropology
g. English Composition (or an advanced writing course)
h. Communication Course (public speaking or an additional writing course)

Belmont University's MSOT program has demonstrated a consistent 100% graduation rate over recent years. From 2022 to 2024, all 118 students who entered the program successfully graduated. For more information about the MSOT program, contact their information office at 615-460-6000 at or visit their campus at 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee 37212.

Brenau University

Brenau University offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) hybrid program that combines online classes and on-campus lab sessions at its North Atlanta campus. The in-person portion provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Brenau’s Center for Productive Living, where free occupational therapy services are offered to underserved individuals. Students can also choose fieldwork assignments at local nonprofit organizations or work with the court system to gain more exposure to occupational therapy's practical applications.

Here are the admission requirements for Belmont University's MOST program:
1. Completed OTCAS application.
2. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
3. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
4. Minimum 40 observation hours from at least two OT practice settings.
5. Three (3) professional references, at least one of which is from an OTR. Must be submitted through OTCAS form.
6. (For international applicants) NACES-approved foreign evaluation for all coursework completed outside the United States.
7. (For international applicants) TOEFL scores (Paper 550, Computer 213, Internet 79) or IELTS Score of 6.5 or better.
8. Must have completed eight (8) prerequisite courses within the past eight years, with a grade of C or better, from any accredited university or college:
a. PY 202 – Human Growth & Development (lifespan)
b. PY 309 – Abnormal Psychology
c. SY 101 – Intro to Sociology OR Social Issues OR AY 101 Intro to Anthropology OR Cultural Anthropology
d. MS 205 – Introduction to Statistics
e. BY 209 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
f. BY 210 – Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
g. HS 200 – Medical Terminology
h. Any movement sciences course (ex. PS 121 – General Physics, EX 301 Biomechanics, or EX 300/300 L Kinesiology with Lab)

Brenau University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program has reported a 90% graduation rate (161 of 178 students) from 2022 to 2024.

Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University's Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) entry-level program consists of five semesters of full-time academic study followed by two 12-week full-time Level II fieldwork placements. During the academic semesters, students will engage in online instruction that includes lectures, directed readings, and discussions. In-person classes are held on-campus eight weekends per semester.

Interested applicants to the Trinity Washington MSOT must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Completed bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
2. A minimum of 40 hours of observation with an occupational therapist must be documented within two years of the program's application deadline.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. One personal essay.
5. Completed the following prerequisite courses with a "C" grade or better and an overall GPA of 3.0 or better:
a. Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
b. Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
b. Statistics or Research Methods
c. Sociology
d. Introduction to Psychology
e. Lifespan Development (Courses that meet the lifespan development requirement are: Child Psychology, Human Development, and Developmental Psychology)
f. One psychology elective course

The Trinity Washington University MSOT Student Handbook contains detailed information about the program requirements, curriculum, professional development opportunities, and resources on fieldwork, studying, and NBCOT preparation.

Graduates of Trinity Washington University's Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program can find work opportunities through partnerships with various clinics, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. These include MedStar Health, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Children’s National Hospital, Sibley Hospital (Johns Hopkins), and Doctor’s Hospital. Additionally, opportunities are available in DC Public and Charter Schools, as well as public school systems in PG County, Montgomery County, Alexandria County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. Graduates may also work with organizations such as PACE Center, Community of Hope, Catholic Charities, DC Special Olympics, Mosaic/Sheppard Pratt, CASA de Maryland, and Edenbridge Pace Health.

University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a hybrid program that combines online didactic learning and in-person skills training on-site. The program is located in The University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo and consists of a 113-credit hour curriculum which takes 3 years to complete. The first two years combine online didactic coursework with on-campus laboratory classes and Fieldwork I sessions. The third year is allocated towards Fieldwork II and the doctoral capstone project. UTMB Laredo's OTD program accepts a small number of students (12 to 15) on rolling admissions.

Interested applicants to the UTMB Hybrid OT program must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Bachelor's degree in any area of study from an accredited college/university.
2. A grade of C or better in the following prerequisite courses completed by the Spring semester.
a. Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab (8 credits)
b. Human Movement or Physics (3 credits)
c. Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
d. Statistics (3 credits)
e. Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
f. Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
g. Humanities (3 credits)
3. At least one (1) Anatomy & Physiology course completed.
4. 20 hours of observation or volunteer experience in one or more occupational therapy settings.
5. Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak about your academic abilities, potential for clinical work, and professionalism (e.g. professor, teacher, or academic advisor).
6. A person who can speak to your clinical potential (e.g. occupational therapist or COTA, during your OT-related volunteer experience or previous co-worker in a health care setting.)
7. A person of your choice who can speak objectively about your strengths (e.g. work supervisor or another teacher). Letters from a family member or a friend will not be accepted.

Students enrolled at UTMB Laredo's hybrid OTD or Galveston's in-person OTD programs will be connected to UTMB-affiliated hospitals around cities like League City, Angleton, Clear Lake, and Galveston. For example, the Children's Hospital, John Sealy Hospital, and Jennie Sealy Hospital located in Galveston can provide opportunities for networking and jumpstarting an OT career in physical rehabilitation settings.

Mercy University

Mercy University's Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program is a full-time, entry-level weekend program designed to be completed in approximately 2.5 years (28 months). Classes are held every other weekend during the 15-week fall and spring trimesters, with sessions on Friday evenings and throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Classes occur every weekend during the first summer trimester from May through July. The academic portion spans five trimesters, followed by two trimesters dedicated to full-time clinical fieldwork, usually during standard weekday hours. Mercy University's MSOT curriculum consists of 60 total credit hours.

The admission requirements for Mercy University's MSOT program are:
1. Completed bachelor's degree.
2. Official transcript of records.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4. Two-page essay that describe the applicant's understanding of occupational therapy and how they connect to the profession. The paper must use Times New Roman font size 12, double spacing, and one-inch margins. Include three relevant and current references for citation.
5. Two reference letters using the Mercy OT Recommendation form.
6. Updated resume.
7. Completed 20 credit units of general prerequisite courses
a. Anatomy/Physiology I & II with Lab
b. Abnormal Psychology
c. Developmental Psychology
d. Statistics for Social and Behavioral Sciences
e. Social & Behavioral Sciences
8. Completed the following prerequisites specific to Mercy University:
a. HLSC 205 Safety Precautions for the Health Care Professional
b. HLSC 210 Overview of Occupational Therapy
c. HLSC 225 Intro to Accessing and Reading Scholarly Literature (optional if >3.5 in bachelors or master's degree)
d. HLSC 402 Scientific Writing (optional if >3.5 in bachelors or master's degree)
e. HLSC 344 Group Process for Health Professionals (must obtain a "B-" or better)
f. HLSC 302 Pathology for Rehabilitation
g. HLSC 303/303A Human Anatomy with Cadaver
h. HLSC 314 Clinical Kinesiology
i. HLSC 410 Applied Neuroscience
j. HLSC 420 Foundations of Occupational Therapy

Additional documents are required from MSOT applicants who are certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs):
1. Valid copy of COTA license.
2. A 500-word essay describing the applicant's reason for applying to the Trinity OT program, their professional experience as a COTA, and how their skills can help them succeed in a hybrid graduate program.
3. Valid copy of NBCOT certification.
4. Two professional recommendation letters.

Mercy University's campuses at Dobbs Ferry and Bronx have Clinical Simulation Labs where OT students can gain practical experience in work settings such as hospitals, homes, and adult or pediatric rehabilitation clinics. One of the university's most notable affiliate partners is the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, which offers fieldwork opportunities for aspiring OTs interested in physical rehabilitation settings such as hand therapy, pediatrics, burns, orthopedics, and dysphagia.

Update as of March 10, 2025: Mercy University's Occupational Therapy Masters Program has applied for accreditation to transition to the Entry-level Doctoral degree with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). As a result, the program will be pausing admission for the Master's program in 2025.

Typical coursework you might take in a Physical Rehabilitation program

Occupational therapy students are expected to learn about the human body, disease processes, and occupational therapy interventions to become experts in physical rehabilitation. Examples of these courses are Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Human Lifespan and Development, Musculoskeletal Practice, Neurology, and Geriatrics.

Anatomy and Physiology explains the human body’s structures and functions while Kinesiology focuses on body movements and biomechanics. Human Lifespan and Development provides deeper understanding of humans’ physical, emotional, and cognitive changes across different developmental stages (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, etc.). Specialized courses like Neurology (study of neurological disorders like stroke and brain injuries), Musculoskeletal Practice (treatment of conditions that affect bones, muscles, and joints) and Geriatrics (focus on older adults’ needs like mobility enhancement and fall prevention) further supplement an occupational therapist’s overall expertise in creating age-appropriate, neuroaffirming interventions.

What can you do with a Physical Rehabilitation OT degree?

All registered occupational therapists (OTR) can build a practice in physical rehabilitation. Those with a special interest in this setting can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health, and outpatient clinics. Physical rehabilitation OTs often provide therapy to individuals with the diagnoses of cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, sports injuries, arthritis, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, rotator cuff injuries, and amputations.

The average salary for a Registered Occupational Therapist is approximately $46.33 per hour or $96,370 annually. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants earns around $31.47 per hour or $65,450 per year. The actual salaries can vary based on factors such as years of experience, location, and clinical setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying states for occupational therapists are California, New York, and Nevada. For COTAs, the top-paying states are California, Washington, and New Jersey according to the most recent BLS data.