Rehabilitation Science (M)

The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) degree is intended to offer traditional undergraduate students, those pursuing a bachelor's only and those considering a bachelor's plus additional graduate coursework, an opportunity to receive a broad-based education in rehabilitation while meeting the pre-requisites for the graduate 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 graduate OT and PT programs at CUW.  The BSRS Accelerated and Traditional tracks are intended for high school students entering CUW. Students with an associate degree could also enroll in the BSRS Traditional track. In addition, the BSRS Bridge Program is intended to offer licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) an opportunity to receive a broad-based education in rehabilitation. Students enrolled in the Bridge BSRS Program will meet the requirements for the BSRS degree. Students will be eligible to apply for admission to the Bridge tracks in the Occupational Therapy (OT) or Physical Therapy (PT) graduate programs at CUW. Additional prerequisite coursework may be required for the graduate programs. 

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 healthcare 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) to become a physical therapist.

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

Core Requirements 145
Major Requirements33
Electives42
For Accelerated or Traditional pre-PT students, 24 credits must be fulfilled by the pre-requisite DPT coursework shown below. For Accelerated pre-PT students, additional credits are taken in the DPT Graduate Traditional Program to complete the BSRS undergraduate degree. See list below.
For Accelerated pre-OT students, additional credits are taken in the MOT Graduate Face-to-Face Program to completed the BSRS undergraduate degree. See list below.
Total Hours120
1

For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.

Core Requirements

Common Core Experience
REL 1000The Bible3
REL 1100Christian Faith3
CCE 1010Christian Citizen3
CCE 1020Western Culture & Worldview3
CCE 1030Western Thought & Worldview3
CCE 1040Science & Humanity3
Faith and Life3
Any REL course above 2030
Communication and Language6
Introduction to Writing
Communication & Language Course Choice
Human Creativity and Expression3
Choice of Human Creativity and Expression Course
Human Beings and Being Human5
Stewardship of the Body
General Psychology
Choice of HHP Activity and other Human Beings and Being HumanCourse
Natural World7
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Statistics I
Society and Culture3
Total Hours45

Major Courses

Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Satisfies core requirement)
BIO 1802Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
PSY 2300Life Span Development3
RSC 1020Foundations of Rehabilitation Science3
RSC 1031Clinical Conditions I1
RSC 1032Clinical Conditions II1
RSC 1050Medical Terminology for the Healthcare Professional3
RSC 2010Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics3
RSC 3020Advanced Anatomy4
RSC 3510Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation3
RSC 3530Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation3
RSC 3540Culture and Rehabilitation3
RSC 3600Clinical Observation2
Total Hours33

Additional Pre-Requisites for Students Seeking a Physical Therapy Concentration

CHEM 1414General Chemistry I4
CHEM 1424General Chemistry II4
EXS 3442Exercise Testing and Prescription4
EXS 3470Exercise Physiology4
PHYS 1514General Physics I4
PHYS 1524General Physics II4

Elective Course Credits taken in the DPT Traditional Graduate Program for Accelerated Pre-PT Students to complete the BSRS Undergraduate Degree

PT 6510Foundations of Clinical Research2
PT 6600Tissue/Biomechanics/Histology3
PT 6610Clinical Human Anatomy6

Elective Course Credits taken in the MOT Face-to-Face Graduate Program for Accelerated Pre-OT Students to complete the BSRS Undergraduate Degree

OT 5550Research in Practice I4
OT 5520Concepts of Occupation3
OT 5530Functional Anatomy4
OT 5575Community Clinic Foundations5
OT 5600Research in Practice II3
OT 5620Clinical Reasoning: Behavioral Health3
OT 5560Occupations Across the Lifespan3
OT 5590Functional Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation I4
OT 5630Occupational Kinesiology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation I4
OT 6620Community Advocacy and Leadership3
OT 6650Community Clinic: Leading the OT Process3
OT 6610Clinical Reasoning: Orthopedic Rehabilitation II3

Bridge BSRS Curriculum 

Undergraduate Transfer Core Requirements31
Major Requirements33
Electives56
For Bridge PTA students, 16 credits must be fulfilled by the pre-requisite DPT coursework shown below. For Bridge PTA students, additional credits may be needed and taken in the DPT Graduate Bridge Program to complete the BSRS undergraduate degree.
For Bridge OTA students, additional credits may be needed and taken in the MOT Bridge Program to completed the BSRS undergraduate degree.
Total Hours120

Transfer Core Requirements

Faith and Life6
The Bible
Christian Faith
Communication and Language6
Introduction to Writing
Choice of Communication and Language Course
Human Creativity and Expression3
Choice of Human Creativity and Expression Course
Human Beings and Being Human3
General Psychology
Natural World7
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Choice of Natural World Math (or Computer Science)
Society and Culture6
Total Hours31

Major Courses

Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Satisfies core requirement)
BIO 1802Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
PSY 2300Life Span Development3
RSC 1020Foundations of Rehabilitation Science3
RSC 1031Clinical Conditions I1
RSC 1032Clinical Conditions II1
RSC 1050Medical Terminology for the Healthcare Professional3
RSC 2010Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics3
RSC 3020Advanced Anatomy4
RSC 3510Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation3
RSC 3530Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation3
RSC 3540Culture and Rehabilitation3
RSC 3600Clinical Observation2
Total Hours33

Additional Pre-Requisites for Students Seeking a Physical Therapy Concentration

CHEM 1414General Chemistry I4
CHEM 1424General Chemistry II4
PHYS 1514General Physics I4
PHYS 1524General Physics II4

Accelerated BSRS

Pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) degree at Concordia University is your first step in achieving a degree in physical or occupational therapy. The Accelerated BSRS Program offers a focused education that meets the prerequisites for applying to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program or the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at CUW. In the BSRS Accelerated Program, you will obtain skills and knowledge to prepare you for a successful transition from undergraduate to graduate studies at CUW.

Occupational Therapy Concentration

The Direct Admit track is intended for CUW college freshmen who declare occupational therapy (OT) as their intended graduate degree. Students will take courses to meet the BSRS major and liberal arts core during the first 2.5 years. Students apply to the OT Program during their sophomore year and begin the OT Program during spring of their junior year. This option allows students to complete the BSRS and MOT degree in 4.5 years. Students may apply to pursue the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree which will require one additional semester.

  • High School overall GPA of 3.2 required for guaranteed list
  • Interview with the MOT program during the Spring of your high school senior year.
  • Major in Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS)/MOT track
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • A grade of B or better in 2 of the 3 Anatomy & Physiology courses (Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Advanced Anatomy) is required, and a B or better in Statistics is preferred. All four courses must be completed or in progress of being completed when applying to the MOT program.
    • If a student has a “Direct Admit” status and the B grade is not met on the first attempt in any of the prerequisite classes, the student forfeits their "Direct Admit" spot in the program.

Physical Therapy Concentration

The accelerated track is intended for CUW college freshmen who declare physical therapy (PT) as their intended graduate degree. Students will take courses to meet the BSRS major, liberal arts core, and specific science prerequisites during the first three years. Students apply to the PT Program during the summer between sophomore and junior year and begin the graduate PT Program their senior year. This option allows students to complete the BSRS and DPT degree in 5.5 rather than 7 years.

  • High school overall GPA of 3.0
  • Assessment math test during high school senior year 
  • Major in Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS)/DPT track.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Overall science prerequisite course GPA of 3.30 with no individual science prerequisite course grade less than a C. This includes Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Physics I & II, and Chemistry I & II.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in science courses by retaking no more than one prerequisite science course. In addition, students who withdraw from a course late in the semester are not eligible for accelerated admission.
  • Complete one semester of Statistics, Psychology, and Behavioral/Social Science classes

Bridge BSRS

For Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA)

The Bridge BSRS Program is intended for individuals who hold either a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license or a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) license. All program courses are offered in a fully online format and can be completed in three semesters with the program timeline beginning in the summer and ending in the spring. Concordia’s small class sizes allow for a deeper student/faculty connection and personalization. The program curriculum allows students to earn credits toward the BSRS major. Students may need additional courses to satisfy the CUW liberal arts core or BSRS major if not taken during OTA or PTA school; these courses can be taken elsewhere and transferred to CUW.

Students will apply to the MOT program during the BSRS program. The BSRS and MOT degree can be completed in 3 years, or 3.5 years for the BSRS and OTD. Additional time may be required.

Students will apply to the DPT program during the BSRS program. The BSRS and DPT can be completed in 3.75 years if foundational science courses are completed during the initial year of the BSRS program. Additional time may be required.

Entrance Requirements for the BSRS Bridge Program

  • Licensed COTA/PTA currently working 80 hours per month
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in PTA or COTA Program
  • Letter of recommendation from a current employer
  • Current resume
  • Written essay
  • 4 credits of Anatomy & Physiology I with lab with a C or better

Entrance Requirements into the MOT/OTD Program

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from your BSRS program
  • A grade of B or better in 2 of the 3 Anatomy & Physiology courses is required (Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II and Advanced Anatomy)
  • A grade of B or better is preferred in Evidence-Based Practice & Basic Statistics (RSC 2010) at CUW  
  • Written essay
  • Interview with the OT department

Entrance Requirements into the DPT Program

  • 24 credits of science courses with face-to-face labs with a C or better in each course and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 across them:
    • Anatomy and Physiology I & II (4 credits each)
    • Chemistry I & II (4 credits each)
    • Physics I & II (4 credits each)
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from your BSRS program
  • Written essay
  • Interview with the PT department
  • All science courses must be completed no greater than 7 years from the opening of the application cycle for the DPT Program

Plan - BSRS

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
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
 Hours16
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 1050 Medical Terminology for the Healthcare Professional 3
 Hours16
Semester 3
CHEM 1414 General Chemistry I (PT Only) 4
COMM 2100 Interpersonal Communication 3
RSC 3510 Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation 3
HUMAN CREATIVITY/EXPRESSION COURSE 3
 Hours13
Semester 4
CHEM 1424 General Chemistry II (PT Only) 4
RSC 3530 Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation 3
HHP ACTIVITY COURSE 1
ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ 3
ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ 3
 Hours14
Semester 5
PHYS 1514 General Physics I (PT Only) 4
FAITH & LIFE COURSE 3
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
RSC 3540 Culture and Rehabilitation 3
MATH 2050 Statistics I 3
 Hours16
Semester 6
PHYS 1524 General Physics II (PT Only) 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
 Hours14
Semester 7
RSC 3020 Advanced Anatomy 4
RSC 1032 Clinical Conditions II 1
EXS 3470 Exercise Physiology (PT Only) 4
EXS 3442 Exercise Testing and Prescription (PT Only) 4
EXS 4480 Strength and Conditioning Program Design (PT Only - recommended elective) 3
 Hours16
Semester 8
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
COMM 4100 Cross-Cultural Communication 3
EXS 3471 Advanced Exercise Physiology (PT Only - recommended elective) 4
RSC 3600 Clinical Observation 2
ELECTIVE/MINOR/GRAD SCHOOL PREREQ 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours120

Course options and schedules are subject to change.

Plan - BSRS Pre-PT

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
BIO 1801 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
PHYS 1514 General Physics I 4
CCE 1010 Christian Citizen 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
RSC 1020 Foundations of Rehabilitation Science 3
 Hours17
Semester 2
BIO 1802 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
PHYS 1524 General Physics II 4
ENG 1040 Introduction to Writing 3
RSC 1050 Medical Terminology for the Healthcare Professional 3
RSC 3530 Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation 3
HHP ACTIVITY COURSE 1
 Hours18
Semester 3
RSC 3510 Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation 3
 Hours3
Semester 4
CHEM 1414 General Chemistry I 4
EXS 3470 Exercise Physiology 4
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE 3
MATH 2050 Statistics I 3
 Hours17
Semester 5
CHEM 1424 General Chemistry II 4
EXS 3471 Advanced Exercise Physiology 4
PSY 2300 Life Span Development 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
RSC 2010 Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics 3
RSC 1031 Clinical Conditions I 1
 Hours18
Semester 6
CORE OR RELIGION  
 Hours0
Semester 7
EXS 3442 Exercise Testing and Prescription 4
EXS 4480 Strength and Conditioning Program Design 3
RSC 3540 Culture and Rehabilitation 3
RSC 1032 Clinical Conditions II 1
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
HHP 1100 Stewardship of the Body 1
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
 Hours18
Semester 8
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
RSC 3020 Advanced Anatomy 4
FAITH & LIFE 3
COMM 4100 Cross-Cultural Communication 3
CREATIVE EXPRESSION 3
RSC 3600 Clinical Observation 2
 Hours18
Semester 9
PT 6500 Introduction to Professional Practice 1
PT 6510 Foundations of Clinical Research 2
 Hours3
Semester 10
PT 6600 Tissue/Biomechanics/Histology 3
PT 6610 Clinical Human Anatomy 6
PT 6620 Clinical Neuroscience I 3
PT 6630 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I 4
 Hours16
 Total Hours128

Course options and schedule are subject to change.

Plan - BSRS Pre-OT

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
BIO 1801 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
ENG 1040 Introduction to Writing 3
RSC 1020 Foundations of Rehabilitation Science 3
CCE 1010 Christian Citizen 3
HHP 1100 Stewardship of the Body 1
 Hours14
Semester 2
BIO 1802 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
RSC 3530 Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation 3
RSC 1050 Medical Terminology for the Healthcare Professional 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
 Hours16
Semester 3
RSC 3020 Advanced Anatomy 4
MATH 2050 Statistics I 3
COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE 3
RSC 3540 Culture and Rehabilitation 3
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
 Hours16
Semester 4
RSC 2010 Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
PSY 2300 Life Span Development 3
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
HHP ACTIVITY COURSE 1
RSC 1031 Clinical Conditions I 1
HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION 3
 Hours17
Semester 5
RSC 1032 Clinical Conditions II 1
RSC 3510 Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation 3
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
FAITH & LIFE 3
COMM 4100 Cross-Cultural Communication 3
RSC 3600 Clinical Observation 2
 Hours15
Semester 6
OT 5550 Research in Practice I 4
OT 5520 Concepts of Occupation 3
OT 5530 Functional Anatomy 4
OT 5575 Community Clinic Foundations 5
 Hours16
Semester 7
OT 5600 Research in Practice II 3
OT 5620 Clinical Reasoning: Behavioral Health 3
OT 5560 Occupations Across the Lifespan 3
OT 5590 Functional Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation I 4
OT 6550 Level 1 Fieldwork Experience 1
 Hours14
Semester 8
OT 5630 Occupational Kinesiology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation I 4
OT 6650 Community Clinic: Leading the OT Process 3
OT 6620 Community Advocacy and Leadership 3
OT 6610 Clinical Reasoning: Orthopedic Rehabilitation II 3
 Hours13
 Total Hours121

Course options and schedule are subject to change.

Plan - BSRS Bridge PTA & OTA

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
RSC 3530 Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation 3
RSC 2010 Evidence Based Practice and Basic Statistics 3
 Hours6
Semester 2
RSC 3510 Ethical Considerations in Rehabilitation 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
 Hours6
Semester 3
RSC 3020 Advanced Anatomy 4
RSC 3540 Culture and Rehabilitation 3
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
 Hours10
Semester 4
BIO 1801 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIO 1802 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
PSY 2300 Life Span Development 3
RSC 1050 Medical Terminology for the Healthcare Professional 3
RSC 1020 Foundations of Rehabilitation Science 3
RSC 1031 Clinical Conditions I 1
RSC 1032 Clinical Conditions II 1
RSC 3600 Clinical Observation 2
MATH 1250 Contemporary Math (or higher) 3
SOCIETY & CULTURE 3
SOCIETY & CULTURE 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION 3
ENG 1040 Introduction to Writing 3
COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE 3
ELECTIVES 56
 Hours98
 Total Hours120

Course options and schedule are subject to change.