Rehabilitation Science (M)
The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) degree is intended to offer students an opportunity to receive a broad based education in rehabilitation while meeting the pre-requisites for the Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) Programs at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). Students who are enrolled in BSRS may be eligible to apply for admission to the OT and PT programs at CUW.
Mission
The mission of Concordia University’s Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) degree is to provide foundational knowledge, skills, and a faith-based education that prepares students for employment in a health care field and for graduate-level education as a rehabilitation professional.
General Academic Information
Students who choose to complete only the BSRS degree have an opportunity to explore a wide range of health care employment opportunities. A bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Science can qualify an individual for positions in community public health, community mental health, wellness programs, managed care organizations, child-care facilities, adult day-care facilities, pharmaceutical sales, medical sales, assistive living/independent living centers, specialty Alzheimer’s disease care centers, fitness programs, nursing homes and hospitals. Students should be aware that a BSRS degree alone does not meet the requirements to sit for the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become an occupational therapist or the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapy.
Program Outcomes
- Students will develop an understanding of health, function and disability as fundamental concepts for rehabilitation professionals;
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate in a professional manner;
- Students will explain the typical structure and function of the human body as a foundation for understanding clinical conditions;
- Students will understand and apply Christian perspectives as a guide to promote stewardship of the human body;
- Students will demonstrate the ability to consume scientific evidence as a foundation for rehabilitation services;
- Students will develop an awareness for cultural diversity, belonging, and accessibility for clinical populations;
- Students will explain the ethical implications of regulatory policies in rehabilitation.
BSRS Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | 45 | |
| Major Requirements | 29 | |
| Electives | 46 | |
For pre-PT students, 23 credits must be fulfilled by the pre-requisite PT coursework listed below | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.
Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common Core Experience | ||
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| Faith and Life | ||
| Any REL course above 2030 | 3 | |
| Communication and Language | 6 | |
| Introduction to Writing | ||
| Human Creativity and Expression | ||
| Choice of Human Creativity and Expression Course | 3 | |
| Human Beings and Being Human | 5 | |
| Stewardship of the Body | ||
Choice of HHP Activity and other Human Beings and Being HumanCourse | ||
| Natural World | 7 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Choice of Natural World Math (or Computer Science) | ||
| Society and Culture | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Major Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Satisfies core requirement) | ||
| BIO 1802 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| PSY 2300 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| RSC 1010 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| RSC 1020 | Foundations of Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RSC 1031 | Clinical Conditions I | 1 |
| RSC 1032 | Clinical Conditions II | 1 |
| RSC 2010 | Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics | 3 |
| RSC 3020 | Advanced Anatomy | 4 |
| RSC 3510 | Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RSC 3530 | Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RSC 3540 | Culture and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 29 | |
Additional Pre-Requisites for Students Seeking a Physical Therapy Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1414 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1424 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| EXPH 3442 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 4 |
| HHP 3371 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| PHYS 1514 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 1524 | General Physics II | 4 |
Accelerated BSRS Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | 45 | |
| Major Requirements | 29 | |
| Electives | 46 | |
For pre-PT students, 23 credits must be fulfilled by the pre-requisite PT coursework listed below | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.
Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common Core Experience | ||
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| Faith and Life | ||
| Any REL course above 2030 | 3 | |
| Communication and Language | 6 | |
| Introduction to Writing | ||
| Human Creativity and Expression | ||
| Choice of Human Creativity and Expression Course | 3 | |
| Human Beings and Being Human | 5 | |
| Stewardship of the Body | ||
Choice of HHP Activity and other Human Beings and Being HumanCourse | ||
| Natural World | 7 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Choice of Natural World Math (or Computer Science) | ||
| Society and Culture | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Major Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Satisfies core requirement) | ||
| BIO 1802 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| PSY 2300 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| RSC 1010 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| RSC 1020 | Foundations of Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RSC 1031 | Clinical Conditions I | 1 |
| RSC 1032 | Clinical Conditions II | 1 |
| RSC 2010 | Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics | 3 |
| RSC 3020 | Advanced Anatomy | 4 |
| RSC 3510 | Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RSC 3530 | Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RSC 3540 | Culture and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 29 | |
Additional Pre-Requisites for Students Seeking a Physical Therapy Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1414 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1424 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| EXPH 3442 | Exercise Testing and Prescription | 4 |
| HHP 3371 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| PHYS 1514 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 1524 | General Physics II | 4 |
Bridge BSRS Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Transfer Core Requirements | 31 | |
| Major Requirements | 29 | |
| Electives | 60 | |
Fulfilled through OT/PT; for pre-PT, 16 credits must be fulfilled by pre-requisites listed below | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Transfer Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Faith and Life | 6 | |
| The Bible | ||
| Christian Faith | ||
| Communication and Language | 6 | |
| Introduction to Writing | ||
Choice of Communication and Language Course | ||
| Human Creativity and Expression | 3 | |
Choice of Human Creativity and Expression Course | ||
| Human Beings and Being Human | 3 | |
Choice of HHP Activity Course | ||
| Natural World | 7 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
Choice of Natural World Math (or Computer Science) | ||
| Society and Culture | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Major Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Satisfies core requirement) | ||
| BIO 1802 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| PSY 2300 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| RSC 1010 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| RSC 1020 | Foundations of Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RSC 1031 | Clinical Conditions I | 1 |
| RSC 1032 | Clinical Conditions II | 1 |
| RSC 2010 | Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics | 3 |
| RSC 3020 | Advanced Anatomy | 4 |
| RSC 3510 | Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RSC 3530 | Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RSC 3540 | Culture and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 29 | |
Additional Pre-Requisites for Students Seeking a Physical Therapy Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1414 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1424 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| PHYS 1514 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 1524 | General Physics II | 4 |
Accelerated BSRS
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) Program may focus on the concentrations of Occupational Therapy (MOT or OTD) or Physical Therapy (DPT). As students move through the BSRS curriculum at an accelerated rate, they may need to take courses during the summer term (at an extra charge) in order to enter the OT or PT program before they complete their BSRS degree. Please note that when a BSRS student enters the OT or PT Program, she/he will be charged the graduate tuition rate.
Occupational Therapy Concentration
BSRS students who choose to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy (OT) can apply for the graduate OT program (Master of Occupational Therapy - MOT ) during the fall of their junior year. If accepted, they will start OT coursework during the spring of their junior year. Some OT coursework will be used to meet elective credits in the BSRS degree. The first 30 first time freshman students who submit a tuition deposit and have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 will be placed on a guaranteed OT admission list. If at any time in the first 2.5 years in the BSRS Program, a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, she/he will forfeit their guaranteed admission to the OT Program. In order to apply to the OT Program - Accelerated Track, students will need to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher across BSRS courses taken during the freshman/sophomore years and a B or higher in two of the three anatomy courses (BIO 1801, BIO 1802, or RSC 3020) and Math 2050 (Statistics) or RSC 2010 (Evidence Based Practice & Basic Statistics). Students should reference the Graduate Catalog for full application information, including those who do not have guaranteed admission.
Physical Therapy Concentration
BSRS students who choose to pursue a career in Physical Therapy (PT) may enter the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program starting their senior year. The first 28 high school applicants who have been accepted to CUW, submitted a tuition deposit, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 will be placed on a guaranteed admission list for the DPT Program. If at any time during the first 3 years in the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) Program a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 or their cumulative science GPA falls below a 3.3, she/he will forfeit their guaranteed admission to the DPT Program through the Accelerated pathway. BSRS Accelerated students who maintain the necessary GPA and complete all 8 pre-requisite courses needed for guaranteed admission can apply for the DPT Program following their sophomore year. If accepted, they will start PT coursework during the fall of their senior year. Some PT coursework will be used to meet elective credits in the BSRS degree.
Bridge BSRS
For Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA)
The Bridge Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (Bridge BSRS) degree is intended to offer Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) an opportunity to receive a broad based education in rehabilitation while preparing to apply for the Occupational Therapy Program Bridge track or Physical Therapy Bridge Program Bridge track at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). The BSRS Bridge Program allows OTAs and PTAs to continue their employment while completing an undergraduate degree. Courses are offered in a fully on-line format and can be completed in three semesters; the program begins in summer and ends after spring semester. Students may need to take courses that meet the Concordia University transfer core or BSRS major if they have not taken these courses while completing their associate degree or other prior college courses. These courses, if needed, can be taken at other universities and transferred to CUW.
For students pursuing the DPT degree, prerequisite foundational science courses including Anatomy & Physiology II, General Chemistry I and II, and General Physics I and II are no longer part of the BSRS Bridge curriculum. Students will need to find and take these courses independently before matriculating into the DPT Program. These courses must be worth 4 credits each and include a lab offered in a face-to-face format; lectures can be on-line.
Any courses transferred in to meet the Concordia University transfer core, the BSRS major or required prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation into the Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy Bridge Program.
General Academic Requirements
A student must be an OTA or PTA in order to enter the Bridge BSRS program. An OTA or PTA may complete an undergraduate degree (BSRS) at CUW. If an OTA or PTA already has an undergraduate degree, they may apply directly to the OT Program - Bridge Track or PT Program - Bridge Track.
Bridge BSRS Admission Requirements - Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Licensed PTA working at least 80 hours per month as a PTA
- 3.0 cumulative GPA in PTA education
- At least a C or above in foundational science courses in PTA education
- 1 letter of recommendation from a current employer
- Resume including proof of current license to practice
Bridge BSRS Admission Requirements - Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
- Licensed OTA with at least 1 year of work experience
- Resume including proof of current license to practice
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from OTA educational program
- 4 credits of Anatomy & Physiology with a B or better
- A program-specific essay that describes your reasons for pursuing the BSRS Bridge to MOTOTD Bridge Programs.
- One letter of recommendation from a person who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in the undergraduate and graduate Bridge Programs.
Application to OT and PT Programs
Students in the BSRS Bridge Program will be eligible to apply to the appropriate Bridge Track (Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy) at CUW. These students should reference the Graduate Catalog for application and program information. They should also work with their undergraduate BSRS advisor on what they need to do to be prepared to apply to the graduate programs. Acceptance into the Bridge BSRS is not an acceptance into the graduate OT and PT programs; however, those enrolled students who meet the admissions requirements for the graduate OT and PT programs will have priority over outside applicants.
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 1801 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| RSC 1020 | Foundations of Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BIO 1802 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| RSC 1010 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CHEM 1414 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| HUMAN CREATIVITY/EXPRESSION COURSE | 3 | |
| COMM 2100 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| RSC 3510 | Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CHEM 1424 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| HHP ACTIVITY COURSE | 3 | |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| RSC 3530 | Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation | 3 |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| PHYS 1514 | General Physics I | 4 |
| FAITH & LIFE COURSE | 3 | |
| RSC 3540 | Culture and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| MATH 2050 | Statistics I | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| PHYS 1524 | General Physics II | 4 |
| RSC 2010 | Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 2300 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| RSC 1031 | Clinical Conditions I | 1 |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| RSC 3020 | Advanced Anatomy | 4 |
| RSC 1032 | Clinical Conditions II | 1 |
| Exercise Physiology (PT Only) | ||
| Exercise Testing and Prescription (PT Only) | ||
| Program Design and Application of Strength and Conditioning Principles (PT Only) | ||
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| COMM 4100 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 |
| Advanced Exercise Physiology (PT Only) | ||
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 1 | |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Course options and schedule are subject to change.