Students in the MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences can choose from either a Musculoskeletal PT concentration or a Neuromuscular PT concentration. Upon completion of either one, students will be awarded a Master of Science (MS) degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
The MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences requires the minimum completion of 33 credits. A comprehensive examination sequence is required following completion of the core coursework in each of the separate concentrations. Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA in order to be considered a candidate for graduation.
The following are the plans of study for the two concentration areas:
Musculoskeletal Concentration
Spring
- HRS 2314 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience for the Orthopedic Clinician, 4 credits
- HRS 2362 - Evidence Based Practice - Clinical Considerations for the Lower Extremity, 3 credits
- HRS 2372 - Advanced Clinical Practice, The Lower Quarter, 3 credits
- HRS 2907 - Clinical Investigations, 2 credits
- PT Clinical Rounds
Summer
- HRS 2307 - Falls & Balance Dysfunction: PT Management and Intervention, 3 credits
- HRS 2309 - Analysis Neuromusculoskeletal Signs/Symptoms in Clinical Decision Making, 3 credits
- HRS 2373 - Advanced Clinical Practice: The Upper Quarter, 3 credits
- HRS 2361 - Evidence Based Practice - Clinical Considerations for the Lumbo-Pelvic Spine, 3 credits
- HRS 2313 - PT Special Topics Seminar (elective-by appt only), 2 credits
Fall
- HRS 2308 - Clinical Practice Seminar, 2 credits
- HRS 2380 - Evidence Based Practice - Clinical Considerations for the Cervical and Thoracic Spine, 3 credits
- HRS 2381 - Evidence Based Practice - Clinical Considerations for the Upper Extremity, 3 credits
- HRS 2374 - Clinical Rounds and Case Presentations, 1 credit
- Comprehensive Exam Sequence
Neuromuscular Concentration
Spring
- HRS 2305 - Advanced Neuroscience, 4 credits
- HRS 2306 - Motor Learning and Control of Movement/Health Promotion, 3 credits
- HRS 2372 - Advanced Clinical Practice: The Lower Quarter, 3 credits
- HRS 2907 - Clinical Investigations, 2 credits
- PT Clinical Rounds
Summer
- HRS 2307 - Falls & Balance Dysfunction: PT Management and Intervention, 3 credits
- HRS 2309 - Analysis Neuromusculoskeletal Signs/Symptoms in Clinical Decision Making, 3 credits
- HRS 2356 - Concepts and Principles Related to Sensorimotor Control, 3 credits
- HRS 2373 - Advanced Clinical Practice: The Upper Quarter, 3 credits
- HRS 2313 - PT Special Topics Seminar (elective-by appt only), 2 credits
- PT Clinical Rounds
Fall
- HRS 2312 - Seminar in Neurologic PT, 2 credits
- HRS 2364 - Evidence Based Medical & Physical Therapy Interventions for Persons with Neuromuscular Disease, 3 credits
- HRS 2365 - Case Studies of Persons with Neuromuscular Disorders, 3 credits
- HRS 2374 - Clinical Rounds and Case Presentations, 1 credit
- Comprehensive Exam Sequence
*Note that each course in the plan of study is offered only once during the academic year, therefore, any departure from completing a course in its planned sequence, (e.g. failure to receive a passing grade of 'C' or better; leave of absence from program) will result in a one year delay in completing the course, the remaining program requirements, and the year of graduation.
Examination and Testing Requirements
Throughout the plan of study, a series of written and/or oral-practical examinations are integrated within the formal course work. These examinations are used to determine mastery of the core elements of the plan of study.
The written examination will be at the levels of "application and analysis" and "synthesis and analysis" so as to gauge the student's ability to utilize information in their clinical decision making.
The practical examinations will focus on the clinical application of therapeutic assessment and treatment techniques. Students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate patient handling, awareness of safety issues, application of technique, and decision-making rationale at the level of an advanced clinician.
Additional Opportunities
The University of Pittsburgh has rich resources for education in both the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular areas. Information about seminars and lectures of interest will be posted in order for students to learn more about specific areas of interest. There are ongoing lecture series and journal clubs available in multiple content areas.