Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation

The Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation is a unique program offered by Oakland University, providing specialized training to licensed health professionals in various disciplines, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and scientists engaging in master's training. This program focuses on evidence-based oncology rehabilitation techniques that prioritize the prevention of cancer, as well as the improvement of patients' function, independence, and quality of life throughout the survivorship continuum.

Program Overview

The oncology rehabilitation graduate certificate is designed to meet the demand for master clinicians with specialized knowledge to support patients during and after cancer treatment. This program serves licensed professionals who already hold a bachelor's degree or above in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physical therapy assistant, certified occupational therapy assistant, and master's prepared exercise science professionals.

Key Benefits

• Comprehensive expertise: Develop the skills of a master clinician, learning evidence-based oncology rehabilitation techniques that can be used immediately in practice. The program covers all types of cancers, including upper-quarter cancers, lower-quarter cancers, blood cancers, and cancers of the head, neck, and central nervous system.
• Practical, hands-on training: Emphasizes real-world experience and individual case studies, including one-on-one interaction with cancer patients, where participants develop and implement rehab programs from initial intake and evaluation through goal setting and treatment.
• Highly qualified faculty: Learn from recognized experts with international reputations. Oncology rehabilitation courses are developed and taught by active researchers and practitioners who are at the forefront of oncology rehabilitation.
• Professional credentials: Qualifies physical therapists for the Oncology Specialization Exam. Practitioners in other disciplines acquire marketable expertise that can qualify them for a new job, a promotion with their current employer, higher pay, and other benefits.
• Flexibility and convenience: The fully online oncology rehabilitation program is designed for working professionals, allowing for most coursework to be completed where and when it is convenient, with a small number of synchronous class meetings per semester.

Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation consists of 17 graduate credits, including required courses in:

• Essentials of Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation Management of Upper Quarter Oncology Conditions
• Rehabilitation of Blood, Head & Neck, and Central Nervous System Oncology Conditions
• Rehabilitation Management of Lower Quarter Oncology Conditions

Related Programs

For those interested in related fields, Oakland University also offers:

• Master of Science in Exercise Science
• Graduate Certificate in Corporate and Worksite Wellness
• Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Science
• Graduate Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• Ph.D. in Human Movement Science

Accreditation

Oakland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.