The University of Toledo

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Three programs—Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology—comprise the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, which is chaired by Dr. Michelle Masterson.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program: When we engage in any part of life through active doing, we are engaging in an occupation. Occupations promote and shape development and reflect each person's deepest meanings and purposes. Given the power of occupation in human development, it’s not surprising a profession is specifically devoted to the use of occupation as a therapeutic method. The OT profession is based on the use of occupation for health promotion and remediation of disorders. The mission of the OTD Program at UT is the study and application of therapeutic occupation.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program: PTs are health care professionals who have expertise in movement and enhance an individual’s health and quality of life by improving or restoring movement and functional abilities, reducing pain, preventing disability, and promoting healthy and active lifestyles. PTs provide care for individuals of all ages and work in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities. The mission of the PT Program at UT is to improve the human condition through continuous leadership, scholarship, and service, and through the preparation of physical therapists who will be influential contributors to an ever-changing health care delivery system.

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program: SLPs evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages. They are essential professionals in settings ranging from public schools to acute care; rehabilitation, pediatric, and psychiatric hospitals; long term care and out-patients facilities, and home health. SLPs collaborate with professionals from related disciplines in managing problems in swallowing, communication, hearing and cognitive-linguistic disorders.