Program Overview

Academic Programs

The School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions offers various academic programs in the field of health sciences and rehabilitation.

Health Sciences

The Health Sciences program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and prepare them for careers in healthcare or further education in the field.

• Pre-physical Therapy Emphasis (B.S.): This program prepares students for entrance into most Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) programs, including NIU's D.P.T. program.
• Health Sciences General (B.S.): This program provides students with a broad understanding of the healthcare system and prepares them for careers in healthcare or further education in the field.
• Health Sciences Degree Completion (B.S.): This program is designed for students who have completed an associate's degree or equivalent coursework in a healthcare-related field and wish to complete their bachelor's degree.

Rehabilitation and Disability Services

The Rehabilitation and Disability Services program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals with disabilities.

• Rehabilitation and Disability Services (B.S.): This program prepares students for careers in rehabilitation and disability services, including work in group homes, patient advocacy, and job coaching.
• Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.): This program prepares students for careers as rehabilitation counselors, working with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve their goals and live independently.
• Accelerated B.S. to M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling: This program allows students to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling in an accelerated timeframe.

Graduate Programs

The School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions also offers graduate programs in health sciences and rehabilitation counseling.

• M.S. in Health Sciences: This program provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of health sciences, preparing them for careers in healthcare or further education in the field.
• Certificate of Graduate Study in Health Professions Education: This program provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in health professions education, preparing them for careers as educators in healthcare or further education in the field.

Program Requirements

Each program has its own set of requirements, including coursework, clinical experiences, and admission criteria.

Admissions

Admission to the programs in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions is competitive and based on a variety of factors, including academic performance, clinical experience, and personal statement.

Careers

Graduates of the programs in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions are prepared for a variety of careers in healthcare and rehabilitation.

• Patient Advocacy: Graduates of the Health Sciences program may work as patient advocates, helping individuals navigate the healthcare system and access necessary services.
• Group Home Work: Graduates of the Rehabilitation and Disability Services program may work in group homes, providing support and services to individuals with disabilities.
• Job Coaching: Graduates of the Rehabilitation and Disability Services program may work as job coaches, helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.
• Rehabilitation Counseling: Graduates of the Rehabilitation Counseling program may work as rehabilitation counselors, helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals and live independently.

Clinical Requirements

Many of the programs in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions require clinical experiences, which provide students with hands-on experience in the field.

• Clinical Experiences: Students in the Health Sciences and Rehabilitation and Disability Services programs participate in clinical experiences, which provide them with hands-on experience in the field.
• Research Methods: Students in the Health Sciences program learn about research methods and participate in research projects, which help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.