Department of Rehabilitation
and Movement Sciences
The Rutgers Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences currently houses our nationally ranked, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate and Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology. These programs are located on the RBHS-Newark campus and provide inter-professional education, research and clinical practice.
Faculty in these programs are national and international leaders in their field. They are committed to offering students opportunities for scholarship, research and professional leadership. Scholarly work by faculty and students is regularly accepted for dissemination at national and international conferences, and by top journals in our faculty members’ fields of expertise.
Graduate Programs
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree is a 109-credit, entry-level accredited program that will prepare students as generalists to provide high quality occupational therapy services to serve their patients, to be responsive to changes in health care, to expand care to underserved communities, and to engage in scholarship/research in occupational science and occupational therapy.
The Doctorate of Physical Therapy is a 2.5 year, full-time degree program that prepares students for practice in physical therapy. This long-established program – accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education since 1980 – has relationships with clinical facilities throughout the United States and internationally where students can complete their clinical rotations. With a 100% employment rate among graduates (within six months post licensure), for the past five years. Rutgers physical therapists are sought after for residency programs and clinical practice in every practice venue.
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 65-credit, full-time degree program that prepares students for clinical practice in speech-language pathology in a pluralistic society. This unique program emphasizes diversity, healthcare, and inter- professional education and practice. The program offers a Bilingual Competency Recognition option that enables student to assess and treat in Spanish and Korean. The first class of MS-SLP students graduated in 2023 and has a 100% employment rate.
Department Chair
Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, Ph.D., FAPTA
kirschna@shp.rutgers.edu
Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, Ph.D., FAPTASHP Professor Recognized for Outstanding Work Ensuring Equity in Speech-Language Pathology Services
Professor Recognized for Outstanding Work Ensuring Equity in Speech-Language Pathology Services A highly regarded researcher, mentor and professor in speech-language pathology, Jose G. Centeno was awarded a Fellowship of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for [...]
New Program Empowers Individuals with Autism
New Program Empowers Individuals with Autism SHP Assistant Professor Aaron Dallman has launched the Nexus Program, aimed at fostering self-sufficiency among individuals with autism. This innovative initiative provides crucial support and resources, enhancing [...]
Incoming DPT Student Featured on Today Show
Incoming DPT Student Featured on Today Show Joy Elasmar proudly represented Rutgers on the nationally televised show. Joy just received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and psychology and enters our Physical Therapy Doctorate [...]
Noted Researcher and Associate Dean Honored for Groundbreaking Work in Physical Therapy Field
Noted Researcher and Associate Dean Honored for Groundbreaking Work in Physical Therapy Field A recognized researcher, academician, and pioneer in the use of robotics and virtual reality to enhance motor recovery, Dr. Alma Merians [...]
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