Program Overview
This interdisciplinary doctoral program prepares experienced clinicians to conduct high-quality rehabilitation research in academic, research, and healthcare settings. It offers a tailored curriculum, mentored research experiences, and a dissertation modeled after European and Scandinavian formats. Graduates are equipped with strong research skills and a deep understanding of rehabilitation science, opening doors to careers in research, teaching, and clinical research coordination.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates to conduct high-quality rehabilitation research in academic, research, and/or healthcare settings.
- Train scientists to conduct research in health and rehabilitation-related fields.
- Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to assess the effectiveness of new interventions.
Program Description:
- Interdisciplinary program focusing on fundamental clinical research skills across rehabilitation disciplines.
- Tailored program of study based on individual research interests and career plans.
- Curriculum designed to allow time for mentored research experiences and doctoral fellowships.
- Emphasis on developing strong research skills and a deep understanding of rehabilitation science.
Outline:
Curriculum:
- Core curriculum focused on developing fundamental clinical research skills.
- Minimum number of specific course requirements, allowing for individualization.
- Courses scheduled to allow time for mentored research experiences and doctoral fellowships.
- Viewable curriculum plan.
Dissertation:
- Dissertation phase initiated after passing a Qualifying Examination.
- Students required to register for a 1-credit continuing student course each semester during the dissertation phase.
- Dissertation comprises a series of papers formatted and submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals.
- Introductory chapter and overall conclusions chapter required.
- Modeled after European and Scandinavian format.
- Final product presented and defended orally before a Dissertation Committee.
Assessment:
- Student performance in didactic courses evaluated using traditional approaches: formal testing, projects, written assignments.
- B (80%) average required in courses to continue in the program.
- Mentored experiences in teaching and research assessed on a pass-fail basis.
Teaching:
- Individualized mentorship with a faculty researcher.
- Mentor assists with course selection, supervises research, guides independent research, and advises on dissertation preparation.
- Cultivates student's career as a professional researcher.
- Faculty with expertise in various areas related to rehabilitation science.
Careers:
- Graduates prepared for careers in academic, research, and healthcare settings.
- Opportunities to conduct research, teach, and contribute to the advancement of rehabilitation science.
- Potential career paths include research scientist, professor, clinical research coordinator, and more.
Other:
- Program welcomes applications from individuals with clinical or research experience in health or rehabilitation fields.
- US clinical certification and/or licensure preferred but not required.
- Applicants must have a Master's (e.g., MS or MA) or clinical doctoral degree (e.g., DPT, OTD).
- Priority application deadline of December 15, 2023 for Fall 2024 admission.
- Students who have identified a potential research mentor can continue to apply through Spring 2024.
- Tuition scholarship offered for the first four years of enrollment.
- Fellowships available to fund research and provide additional income.
- Students can also borrow federal student loans to cover living expenses.
Additional Notes:
- The program is designed for experienced clinicians who want to become trained clinical research scientists.
- Applicants should have demonstrated success in their fields and a strong aptitude for further advanced graduate study and research.
- The program emphasizes interdisciplinarity and collaboration, fostering a diverse learning environment.
- Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the field of rehabilitation science.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Overview:
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) is an innovative educational institution dedicated solely to the health professions. It is committed to advancing healthcare careers and improving healthcare for all.
Services Offered:
MGH IHP offers a range of services to students, including:
Degree Programs & Certificates of Advanced Study:
Entry-level and post-professional programs in Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Genetic Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Online, onsite, and hybrid learning opportunities for alumni, healthcare professionals, and others seeking to expand their knowledge and opportunities.Online Prerequisite & Non-Degree Courses:
Courses designed to prepare students for graduate school and careers in healthcare, taught by practicing clinicians and researchers.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Innovative Education:
MGH IHP provides a unique educational experience focused solely on the health professions.Clinical Experience:
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical rotations and partnerships with leading healthcare institutions.Research Opportunities:
The Institute fosters a strong research environment, providing students with opportunities to contribute to advancements in healthcare.Faculty Expertise:
Students learn from experienced clinicians and researchers who are leaders in their fields.Interprofessional Education:
MGH IHP emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, preparing students to work effectively in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.Academic Programs:
MGH IHP offers a variety of academic programs, including:
School of Nursing:
Offers programs in nursing, including a direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing.School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences:
Offers programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and communication sciences and disorders.School of Healthcare Leadership:
Offers programs in healthcare leadership and management.Other:
MGH IHP is affiliated with Mass General Brigham, a leading healthcare system in the Boston area. The Institute is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, a historic and vibrant community.
Entry Requirements:
For the PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program at MGH Institute of Health Professions, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic qualifications:
- A Masters (e.g., MS or MA) or clinical doctoral degree (e.g., DPT, OTD) is required.
- A strong aptitude for further advanced graduate study and research is required.
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants often have clinical or research experience in a health or rehabilitation-related field (e.g., physical or occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, physiatry, engineering, etc.).
- US clinical certification and/or licensure is preferred (international licensure considered), but not required.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their previous degree program.
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from current or former employers, professors, or other professional supervisors.
- Applicants must submit a resume or CV.
- Applicants must submit an essay or goal statement via the online application prompt.
- Applicants must submit a letter of support from a proposed research mentor.
- Applicants must submit a GRE score report (sent directly to the MGH Institute of Health Professions).
- Applicants who are not native English speakers must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants who are not native English speakers must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The minimum TOEFL (internet-based) score accepted is 89 and the minimum IELTS score accepted is 6.5. The test must have been taken within two years of the application deadline.
- International students may be required to submit additional documentation, such as a course-by-course credential evaluation.
- The program is designed for experienced clinicians who want to become trained clinical research scientists.
- Application process: https://www.mghihp.edu/admissions/application-process/
- Admissions FAQs: https://www.mghihp.edu/admissions/admissions-faqs/
Conclusion:
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program at MGH Institute of Health Professions is a rigorous program designed to prepare students for careers in academic research or other research-intensive settings. The program has specific entry requirements, including academic qualifications, research experience, and language proficiency requirements.