Bachelors of Science Rehabilitative Health Sciences (RHSC-BS)
Empowering the Next Generation of Rehabilitation and Health Professionals
The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Health Sciences at East Tennessee State University prepares students for dynamic careers and advanced study across the rehabilitation and healthcare spectrum. Designed with an interprofessional and holistic approach, the program integrates coursework in interprofessional practice, neurorehabilitation, assistive technology, psychosocial aspects of disability, ethics, and research methodology. Students gain a strong foundation in understanding the impact of disability and chronic illness on individuals and communities while developing critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills essential for professional success. With flexible options, including a 100% online track and opportunities for hands-on learning through community engagement, capstone projects, and student organization, graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees in physical or occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, counseling, or other health-related fields.
Our program is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate education in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, physician assistant studies, counseling, or public health, as well as for those seeking immediate employment in health and community-based rehabilitation settings.
Degree: Bachelor of Sciences (BSc.)
A comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students for advanced study in the health and rehabilitation professions.
Program Format
- Delivery Options: On-Campus or 100% Online
- Degree Plan: Required 120 Credits
- Application: Fall and Spring Click to Apply
- College: College of Health Science
- Department: Nutrition and Integrated Health Sciences
Program Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this degree program, the student is expected to do the following:
- Define key elements of the U.S. rehabilitative health care system.
- Describe major chronic illnesses and disabilities.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the different roles, responsibilities, and expertise of rehabilitative health professionals.
- Demonstrate knowledge of patient-centered care within the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Health, Disability, and Functioning.
- Apply knowledge and application of core bioethical principles to contemporary rehabilitative health issues.
- Develop and apply critical analysis skills to contemporary rehabilitative health issues.
- Apply basic communication skills for rehabilitative health professionals.
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes for collaboration with other health professions within an interprofessional practice setting.
Suggested Four-Year Program of Study
Suggested Four-Year Program of Study- Rehabilitative Health Sciences Major, B.S. (RHSC-BS)
Admissions
The RHSC-BS program has open enrollment, and students may enter during any academic semester. All students interested in rehabilitative health care professions are encouraged to apply and pursue the major.
Academic Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences requires all courses applying towards the degree be completed with a C or better. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 to remain in satisfactory academic standing in the major.
Why Chose Rehabilitative Health Sciences at ETSU?
- Interprofessional Curriculum - Learn from expert faculty across multiple health disciplines. Courses emphasize teamwork, communication, and patient-centered care using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model.
- Flexible Learning Options - Choose between on-campus or 100% online tracks, making it easier to balance education, work, and life.
- Hands-On Experience - Engage in meaningful community partnerships, research projects, and a senior capstone experience that integrates classroom learning with real-world application.
- Career Preparation - Develop essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making that prepare you for graduate studies or direct entry into the healthcare workforce.
- Student Involvement - Join student organizations like the Rehabilitative Health Sciences Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, and many others which offer leadership opportunities, service-learning experiences, and professional networking.
Career Paths and Graduate Opportunities
Graduates of the B.S. on Rehabilitative Health Sciences program are prepared to enter a variety of fields or continue to advanced graduate studies.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Rehabilitation Specialist or Coordinator
- Case Manager or Disability Advocate
- Assistive Technology Specialist
- Community Health Worker or Patient Navigator
- Research or Program Assistant in Healthcare Settings
- Wellness and Health Promotion Specialist
- Vocational Rehabilitation Support Specialist
- Healthcare Administration and Policy Roles
Preparation for Graduate or Professional Study:
- Physical Therapy (SPT)
- Occupational Therapy (ODT or MOT)
- Speech-Language Pathology (MS or MA)
- Audiology (AuD)
- Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Rehabilitation Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Public Health (MPH)
- Health Administration or Healthcare Informatics (MHA, MS)
- Accelerated Nursing (MSB/MSN)
- Medicine or Chiropractic
Getting Started
Take the first step toward a rewarding career helaping others acehieve their highest level of independence and quialty of life.
For more information or answers to any questions you have an academic advisor is available. Meet Advisor
Financial Aid & Scholarships Financial Aid & Scholarships are available. Click on the link for more information.
Student Engagement and Co-Curricular Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in campus and community engagement through professional organization and service-learning initiatives, including:
- Rehabilitative Health Sciences Student Organization (RHSC Club)
- Pre-Physical Therapy Club
- Pre-Speech Language Pathology Club
- Pre-Occupational Therapy Club
- Orthotics and Prosthetics Club
- The National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM)
These experiences foster leadership, teamwork, and community advocacy which are skills essetial for success in health and rehabilitation professions.
