Assistant Professor Julie Faieta began working at the University of Pittsburgh in 2021, but earlier this year, she began her role as program director of the Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT) program within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS).
With Faieta’s strong background in assistive technology and research, she is eager to develop the MRT program under her new leadership.
Read on to hear Faieta’s perspective on the unique aspects of the MRT program.
Flexibility and Hands-On Experience
What makes Pitt’s program stand out over others?
Pitt’s Master of Rehabilitation Technology program stands out because it blends flexibility with hands-on experience in a way that few programs can match. The hybrid format allows students to complete most coursework online, making it accessible from anywhere, while two in-person “Deep Dive” immersions provide rich, hands-on training. Students also complete a 240-hour summer practicum in settings like clinics, hospitals, schools or technology companies, ensuring they graduate with real-world experience. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and specifically designed to prepare graduates for the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential, if they do not already have that, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Whether full-time or part-time, students gain not just knowledge but practical skills that translate directly into meaningful careers in rehabilitation technology.
The MRT program only takes one year to complete, and coursework is completed entirely online. What advantage does that give students who want to get into the field?
The MRT program’s one-year, fully hybrid format is a huge advantage for students eager to enter the field quickly without having to put their lives on hold. The online course work delivery makes the program accessible no matter where you live, and the accelerated timeline means you can move from the classroom to a professional role in just a year. This is especially helpful for working professionals or those looking to change careers efficiently. The program is hybrid and includes two immersive Deep Dive experiences in Pittsburgh and a 240-hour internship that can be done locally to the student, so students graduate with hands-on skills and real-world experience.
Students come to the Pittsburgh campus for in-person Deep Dive immersions. What is your perspective on these hands-on experiences and why they are so important? What can students expect from those immersions?
The Deep Dive immersions are one of the most valuable parts of the MRT program! They take what students have learned online and bring it to life. These in-person experiences give students the chance to work with assistive technologies, practice assessment and problem-solving skills and collaborate face-to-face with peers and faculty. They’re also a great way to build community within the cohort. While students are typically expected to come to campus for these events, we have been able to create alternative experiences in unique circumstances, such as for international students, making sure every student gets a meaningful and applied learning opportunity.
Preparing Students for Careers in Rehabilitation Technology
Students also have a required internship in the summer term before graduating. How does Pitt set them up for these experiences, and how do these applied skills prepare them for their career in assistive technology?
Pitt takes a very supportive approach to setting students up for success with their internships. Faculty and staff work closely with students to match them with sites that fit their interests, whether that’s a clinic, hospital, community organization, school or technology company. By the time students begin their 240-hour practicum, they’ve already built a strong foundation in the classroom, so they can hit the ground running and make meaningful contributions. These internships are a powerful way to build applied skills, professional networks and confidence, and some students may find they open doors to job offers or future collaborations after graduation.
What advice would you give a student interested in a career/degree in assistive technology?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and open-minded! Assistive technology is such a diverse and rapidly evolving field. Take every opportunity to test existing and new technology, ask questions and learn from people with lived experience of disability as well as clinicians and engineers. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—the more perspectives and technologies you’re exposed to, the stronger and more creative a problem-solver you’ll become. And finally, start building your network early: connect with faculty, mentors and peers, because the relationships you form during your training may turn into collaborations and job opportunities down the road.
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Meet Julie Faieta — the program director of the Master of Rehabilitation Technology program! Faieta shares about her extensive background in assistive technology, what brought her to SHRS and why she enjoys teaching students.
