ID
senior in outreach Parkinsons program with KINS

Rehabilitation Science

澳门葡京网赌送彩金's rehabilitation science degree, the first in the UW System, is for those interested in physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and chiropractic care among other health care fields.

Available as
Major
Description

You Can Help Better Minds and Bodies

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's rehabilitation science degree is an excellent choice for those interested in kinesiology and providing care for clinical populations, such as older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. 

Throughout the program, you'll learn the physiological basis of human movement and the functional changes in body systems. Comprehensive coursework, presentations and projects will introduce you to special topics and areas of focus within the field, such as corrective exercise programming, clinical exercise physiology, exercise physiology laboratory assessment, research, and adapted physical activity for populations with disabilities.

The Kinesiology Department prides itself on providing students with opportunities to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world situations. As part of the program's curriculum, you'll participate in various practica at local hospitals and clinics, gaining real, professional experience along the way. Work with P.R.I.D.E (Physical Activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in the Eau Claire Area), Community Fitness, Parkinson’s Exercise Program, or Cancer Recovery and Fitness outreach programs offered on campus will further provide you with critical skills and valuable connections.

Graduates leave the program prepared to demonstrate and teach patients how to best care for themselves and to promote physical activity as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Equipped with the knowledge, tools and experience necessary to provide effective health care, you'll graduate ready to improve the quality of life for all your future patients. 

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
male student using Anatomage table
Innovative Facilities

UW-Eau Claire is one of only a few schools of its size with a career center dedicated to supporting pre-professional health studies. The William J. and Marian A. Klish Health Careers Center offers one-on-one advising, opportunities to meet with professional school admissions representatives, connections to health-related clinical research, and volunteer opportunities and workshops designed to build effective tools for career development and competitive applications.

Pre-professional health club Bob Fest 2023
Relevant Student Organizations

On-campus student organizations — like the KINS Club — connect students like you who are also interested in careers in health and rehabilitation. These extracurriculars are an excellent way to volunteer, job shadow and learn about potential graduate schools and employers.

testing in water tank for KINS research
Research Opportunities

A master collaborative research agreement between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System provides unique research opportunities for rehabilitation science majors. Previous students have gone on to submit their findings to scholarly journals, like the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology and the International Journal of Exercise Science — two peer-reviewed journals founded for the purpose of publishing undergraduate student research.

Nik Carpenter, cardiac rehab intern
Connection to Local Employers

Meeting potential employers and gaining a better understanding of the different types of careers available to you is a critical component of all kinesiology programs. To help you explore career paths, we host an annual Nursing & Health Care Professional Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the healthcare field. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

Mayo Clinic Health System A Top 澳门葡京网赌送彩金 Employer
The renowned health organization was the #1 employer of all Blugold grads in 2022-2023.
100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
Investing in the Health Sciences
澳门葡京网赌送彩金 was awarded $340.3 million to build a state-of-the-art Science and Health Sciences Building for students pursuing STEM careers.
13 Programs To Choose From
From athletic training to rehabilitation science, our academic offerings put you on track to find a career you love in kinesiology.
10 Pre-Professional Health Paths
These robust programs will provide you with the support and academic planning needed to enter professional degree programs.
Outcomes Image
senior rehab client with student
What can I do

Where can the rehabilitation science program lead me after graduation?

The rehabilitation science major provides a clear path for students to continue their education in graduate or medical school. Coursework within the rehabilitation science program prepares students for professional certification in the fields of chronic disease management, senior fitness, or physical activity programming for populations with disabilities. Students typically pursue certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, National Academy of Sports Medicine, or American Council on Exercise.

Graduates also have the option to immediately enter the workforce, pursuing careers in medical-based fitness centers, cardiac rehabilitation programs, gerontology/senior fitness programs, and community centers.

Example Careers

  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Chiropractor
  • Certified prosthetist/orthotist
  • Rehabilitation technology specialist
  • Certified special population specialist
Courses information
SampleCourses

Rooted in kinesiology and physiology, our comprehensive curriculum will prepare you for responsibilities involving the development of physical activity programs for individuals of varying ages, disabilities and special needs. Coursework provides a broad, liberal arts education with classes in chemistry, biology, physics, and psychology. Faculty experts will also help you learn best practices and keep up on the industry's latest techniques.

Those wishing to declare a pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy or pre-chiropractic career path may find that majoring in rehabilitation science is beneficial. Graduates of the program find they are well prepared for the unique challenges and demands of a career in rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise.

Here are a few courses in Rehabilitation Science at UW-Eau Claire.

KINS 294

Anatomical Kinesiology

Introduction to human anatomy and the basic structure of the body's major systems. An emphasis will be placed on the musculoskeletal system and an understanding of its relationship to human movement.

KINS 308

Exercise Physiology

The physiological basis of human movement and the functional changes in body systems as a result of exercise.

KINS 426

Motor Development Across the Lifespan

A study of changes in motor behavior across the lifespan, the processes that underlie these changes, and factors that affect them.

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