Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

The Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is at the forefront of innovative academics, research, and knowledge translation activities to support those who have long-term disabilities or who are at risk of experiencing short- or long-term disruptions in their lives, in order to help them live full, satisfying, active, and meaningful lives. Our disciplines are based on evidence-based practices that have been shown to improve the lives of many individuals from various backgrounds and conditions.

Encompassing Health Professions, Recreational Therapy and Occupational Therapy, our programs are nationally recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and outstanding service that enhances and promotes health and wellness.

Health Professions

The Bachelor of Science in Health Professions (BSHP) helps students enter their chosen professional graduate program prepared with the prerequisites necessary for many of the health professions, e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant practice, certified anesthesiology assistant. The BSHP provides a broader course of study, allowing the student to tailor their electives toward their career of choice. For those students interested in Medicine or Dentistry, we recommend pursuing a degree from the College of Science and Technology.

Occupational Therapy

Both the Master of Occupational Therapy and the Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy graduate programs identify and address the aspects of injury or disability that prevent people from performing essential tasks or engaging in activities that are meaningful to them. Activities and adaptation are used to improve function, performance, independence, and quality of life, with a particular expertise and focus on meaningful participation in community settings.

Recreational Therapy

Both the Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and the Master of Science in Recreational Therapy programs prepare students for careers as entry-level and advanced recreational therapists who use play and recreation as a means of psychosocial adaptation, health promotion, rehabilitation, and life quality for children, adults, and the elderly who have illnesses and disabilities.

What Makes Us Distinct?

  • We guide national policies, programs, and practices that improve the delivery of services to diverse populations of individuals with disabilities and facilitate their community participation, inclusion, and active living.
  • Our innovative philosophy is firmly grounded in the social model of disability, the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, capabilities theory, and the independent living movement philosophy.
  • Key concepts in our approach include ecological, opportunity, strengths-based, evidence-based, and empowerment.
  • Both our recreational therapy and occupational therapy programs are accredited and many aspects exceed accreditation standards.
  • Our academic philosophy focuses on appropriate experiences and evidence-based interventions for people of all ages who experience disabilities and other life challenges.  
  • Consistent with our solid science and research underpinnings, our professional training emphasizes state-of-the-art, evidence-based practices.

Innovation and Outreach

Intensive student engagement in research projects is beneficial to students' clinical practice and may influence their interest in pursuing an academic career in research. Our four innovative research labs are:

  • Active Living and Quality of Life for Older Adults
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD
  • The International Classification of Functioning, Disability & Health (ICF) and Recreational Therapy Evidence Based Practice
  • Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities

Our program's research, education, and service are guided by a respect for and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity and human rights, while acknowledging that other challenges, such as racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia/heterosexism, interact with ableism and other disability-specific discrimination in ways that further limit community participation, inclusion, and active living.

Programs