Rehabilitation Science & Fitness
Welcome to the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Fitness!
The Department of Rehabilitation Science and Fitness at Middle Georgia State University is dedicated to the scholastic development of our students as we seek to promote respect for multiculturalism, ethical behavior, passion for advocacy, and professionalism of future rehabilitation practitioners. We prepare our graduates to effectively serve the needs of the community, individuals with disabilities, and other human service populations as leaders in the field of rehabilitation science.
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Fitness Information Webinars
Located on the Cochran Campus, the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Fitness offers three degrees:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Rehabilitation Science offers required courses in the foundational sciences including anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics as well as the basic concepts of disability studies, restorative and supportive therapies, statistics and research methods, psychology, health ethics, medical terminology, rehabilitation case management, assistive technology, social construction and cultural production of disability. Students will develop a broad understanding of the theories that are central to the discipline and explore a wide variety of approaches to functional assessment and evidence-based intervention. The program prepares students to pursue careers in rehabilitative health services such as cardiovascular rehabilitation, care coordination, assistive technology coordination and education, and independent living. Graduates will also find themselves well prepared to seek admission to competitive graduate programs including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, athletic training, or other healthcare professions.
2. Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Occupational Therapy Assistant is fully accredited with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and prepares students to provide occupational therapy services for people of all ages who want to gain or regain their independence with everyday activities. We accept applications for fall entry and work closely with students in each cohort as they progress through the program. Once accepted into the OTA Program, students will complete 3 semesters of academic preparation and 1 semester of fieldwork (clinical internship). Pre-requisites include: acceptance to MGA (current for semester of application), complete OTA application by May 15 th, 2.75 GPA, grade of “C” or better in Anatomy and Physiology I, successful completion of learning support courses, two references.
3. Occupational Therapy Bridge Program
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Bridge Program at Middle Georgia State (MGA) University is designed to allow Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants to further their education by building upon their existing knowledge and experience. In the course of completing the MSOT degree, students will develop skills in occupational therapy theory, evaluation, evidence-based intervention, and program development with both individuals, groups, and populations, as well as the opportunity to develop and/or enhance skills in management and leadership. A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission, however applicants must be currently licensed OTA practitioners and meet all other pre-requisite requirements (please see Admission Criteria).
Apply to the OT Bridge Program
4. Physical Therapist Assistant Program
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program prepares compassionate, competent, and ethical entry-level physical therapist assistants who are equipped to deliver high-quality, movement-based care for patients across the life-span. We accept applications for fall entry and work closely with students in each cohort as they progress through the program Once accepted into the PTA Program, students will complete three semesters of academic preparation and one semester of clinical education. For a full list of program pre-requisites and admission requirements, please visit the PTA Program application page.
Effective April 29, 2026, Middle Georgia State University's Physical Therapist Assistant Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditationsupport@apta.org ). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 478-934-7478 or email .
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
We are excited that you are considering a career in a rehabilitation field! Please explore the links for each program, Fast Facts, advising information, and program curriculum. You may also contact our department at 478.934.7480. We look forward to hearing from you!
Betsy McDaniel, COTA/L, MSHHP
Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Fitness
Admissions can help you with the application process.
The OTA Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program at Middle Georgia State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
To learn more about institution-wide accreditation information, please visit the Accreditation page.
