Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
October 1, 2026
January 11, 2027
Designed to empower you with the skills and expertise needed to excel in your chosen path.
Offered in Ohio State’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, this online Master of Science program prepares certified health professionals and those looking to enter the health care field for expanded roles in research, teaching, administration, and professional practice.
Choose between two specialization tracks, the Research Track or the Advanced Practice Track, to customize the MS degree program to match your goals of pursuing roles in research or leadership and education. The rich curriculum for either track of this online health and rehabilitation science degree focuses on evidence-based practice, management and leadership, research methods, and design.
While attaining your master’s degree, you will also participate in collaborative experiences and comprehensive projects under mentorship and apply elective credit hours towards one of the HRS online graduate certificates including: Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Certificate, Health Care Revenue Cycle and Data Analytics Certificate, and Usability and User Experience in Health Care Certificate. If you still are looking for a bachelor’s degree that fits your needs prior to pursuing your master’s degree, explore our online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.
For professionals aiming to take the next step and earn their PhD., the Research Track provides a great foundation.
Specialized areas of interest include: (note- this is not an exhaustive list but examples of what is possible within the MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program)
- Aging
- Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology
- Food/Nutrition Science
- Health Care Education
- Health Care Informatics
- Health Care Leadership
- Health Care Management
- Injury Biomechanics
- Health Care Revenue Cycle and Data Analytics
- Research (within various applied health professional fields)
- Sports Biomechanics
- Usability and User Experience in Health Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers we hope you find helpful. Please know that our team of Academic Enrollment Advisors are always ready to connect and answer any questions that are specific to your unique needs.
No, the MSHRS program is not designed to prepare students for clinical licensure or practice (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy). Instead, it focuses on advancing knowledge in health and rehabilitative sciences through research, leadership, education, and post-professional development.
Students can choose from the traditional on-campus MSHRS program or the flexible fully online program to fit their individual needs.
With only 30 credit hours, this online program offered by Ohio State provides an accessible path to obtaining your master’s degree in health and rehabilitation sciences.
The program also gives students the unique opportunity to tailor 16 credit hours of coursework – in either specialty track – to an area of focus that matches professional aspirations. Open electives for students in the rehabilitation master’s program include assistive technology, injury biomechanics, medical coding, and healthcare technology, many of which can be applied towards further certification in these specialized areas.
The research track is ideal for students interested in academic, industry, or clinical research careers and includes a traditional research thesis. The advanced practice track focuses on applying evidence-based knowledge in real-world settings and typically involves a culminating project rather than a thesis. Both tracks offer opportunities for customization and specialization of coursework and experiences based on your goals.
In the advanced practice track, students typically complete a capstone project instead of a research thesis. This could include quality improvement projects, assessment plans, curriculum development, leadership portfolios, systematic literature reviews, projects or initiatives related to an area of interest for the MS student, case study analysis, and much more.
While this degree is not a direct pathway to clinical licensure, it can strengthen your application to OT, PT, or similar programs by enhancing your understanding of rehabilitative science, evidence-based practice, health policy and leadership, by building your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Be sure to also meet any specific prerequisites required by your target programs.
Yes, the program can be a strong fit if you’re interested in sports rehabilitation, especially if you pursue electives or a project focused on injury prevention, biomechanics, performance science, assistive technology, or athlete recovery. The flexibility of the curriculum allows you to tailor your studies to areas relevant to sports rehab as well as the design of your project or thesis experiences
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"The MS [in HRS] program was flexible and provided a great variety of coursework to choose from. I was able to customize my educational experiences to best suit my career."
Allison Stokes Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate -
"Preparing registered, certified and/or licensed health professionals for expanded roles in research, teaching, administration and professional practice."
The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences
Academic Calendar
For the convenience of online students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences program.
Academic Calendar
For the convenience of online students, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences program.
Spring 2027
Application Deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Term Start Date
January 11, 2027
Summer 2027
Application Deadline
February 1, 2027
Term Start Date
May 10, 2027
Autumn 2027
Application Deadline
April 1, 2027 (tentative)
Term Start Date
August 24, 2027
Admission Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to apply to the MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program:
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- A bachelor’s degree in a health profession from an accredited institution (or international equivalent)
*Applicants with a non-health background may be considered if clear academic and professional goals have been established prior to applying to the program.
How to Apply
All the following materials must be submitted prior to the application deadline:
Application for admission to the program must complete an Ohio State Graduate Admissions online application.
To complete your application and verify your degree and undergraduate GPA, you must submit transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended.
When applying:
- You may upload scanned copies of official transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates to the online application system. Note: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
- These scans help form a complete application packet, but they do not replace the need for official documents.
What is not accepted:
- Advising reports
- Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
- Documents with a URL across the top
- Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
These types of documents will not be used for degree verification or GPA calculation.
Exception: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
Students must submit current resume or CV which should highlight relevant experience.
The two letters of recommendation can be from academic or professional references.
Your Statement of Intent should address the following:
- What is your preparation for the MS HRS program? Discuss background, education, training, and/or work experience in the health and rehabilitation science field and/or related fields.
- Research Track: Provide examples of relevant project or research experiences in terms of coursework, fieldwork, laboratory research, etc. For any previous research experience, discuss your role and the application of the work.
- Advanced Practice Track: Provide examples of your role within your specialty field, successful collaborative efforts to achieve a common goal, any leadership experience, and/or service activities.
- What is your motivation for pursuing an MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences? What are your career goals, and how is the program a strong fit for your career goals?
- What life experiences have contributed to your development as an individual, a clinician, and/or a researcher? How will these experiences and any additional unique accomplishments influence your success?
- Any additional information you’d like to share.
The Accountable Mentorship Agreement Form must be submitted for students applying for the Research Track.
This agreement form is NOT REQUIRED as a part of the application process for the Advance Practice Track.
This form is to be completed by the faculty member who agrees to mentor you. Faculty advisors can be found on our MS and PhD Faculty Advisor page.
A non-refundable application processing fee of $60 is required.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Earning a graduate degree from Ohio State means you and your peers will be working alongside some of the world’s leading researchers and scholars, a network of colleagues you will value throughout your career.
Graduates of the program are:
- leaders within their professional practice settings
- managers of rehabilitation facilities
- department managers in health care facilities
- academic advisors
- instructors
- staff educators in health care facilities
- working at the local or national level in aging
- pursuing doctoral studies
Whether you aspire to advance your career in research, education, leadership or professional practice, the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program at Ohio State is designed to empower you with the skills and expertise needed to excel in your chosen path. Join our vibrant community and embark on a transformative journey toward a rewarding and impactful career in health and rehabilitation sciences.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Work Activities
Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Set goals and deadlines for the department. Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $64,740
- Mid Level: $108,390
- Senior Level: $200,010
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Facilities Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
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- Customer and Personal Service
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- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Work Activities
Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling. Evaluate laboratory tests in preparing nutrition recommendations. Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $48,830
- Mid Level: $73,850
- Senior Level: $101,760
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Dietetic Technicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Pediatricians, General
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- Biology
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- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Work Activities
Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care. Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $42,210
- Mid Level: $63,000
- Senior Level: $112,900
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Community Health Workers
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- Healthcare Social Workers
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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- Customer and Personal Service
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- English Language
- Administrative
- Psychology
What They Do
Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.
Work Activities
Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques. Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems. Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,160
- Mid Level: $103,790
- Senior Level: $166,030
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Nurse Practitioners
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Work Activities
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel. Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports. Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $69,680
- Mid Level: $117,960
- Senior Level: $219,080
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social and Community Service Managers
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- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
What They Do
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
Work Activities
Teach cane skills, including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches. Recommend appropriate mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, long canes, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs). Train clients with visual impairments to use mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $67,090
- Mid Level: $98,340
- Senior Level: $129,830
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Recreational Therapists
- Rehabilitation Counselors
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- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
Work Activities
Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials. Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans. Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,610
- Mid Level: $83,910
- Senior Level: $130,460
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
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- English Language
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Work Activities
Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists. Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment. Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $40,550
- Mid Level: $58,440
- Senior Level: $94,670
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Law and Government
What They Do
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
Work Activities
Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals. Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments. Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $27,970
- Mid Level: $37,370
- Senior Level: $65,580
Job Outlook
Average
Related Careers
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Work Activities
Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment. Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs. Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $49,070
- Mid Level: $68,340
- Senior Level: $86,930
Job Outlook
Bright
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- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Respiratory Therapists
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- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Therapy and Counseling
What They Do
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Work Activities
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $51,760
- Mid Level: $105,620
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
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Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Biology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Psychology
What They Do
Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medication. Work is performed under the direction of offsite or intermittent onsite licensed nursing staff. Provide assistance with routine healthcare tasks or activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, toileting, or ambulation. May also help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry depending on the patient's abilities.
Work Activities
Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with supervisor or case manager. Provide patients with help moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles and with dressing and grooming. Bathe patients.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $25,600
- Mid Level: $34,900
- Senior Level: $44,190
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Paramedics
- Personal Care Aides
- Psychiatric Aides
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitative Sciences includes a total of 30 to 36 credit hours depending on which track you decide to take.
Track #1 – Advanced Practice Track – This track offers individuals the opportunity to customize their education for management, leadership or teaching. students that choose this track can tailor their additional core courses and personalize their electives based on their specific areas of interest. The program track concludes with a comprehensive project under mentorship.
Track #2 – Research Track – This track features a curriculum focused on research methods and design courses, accompanied by a mentored research experience culminating in a thesis guided by an HRS faculty mentor. The students within this track will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as successful researchers in their field, well-prepared for careers in industry, pre-clinical and clinical research.
Most courses are offered asynchronously, meaning that you can attend those classes on your own time. Below are samples of courses for this program and is not an exhaustive course list.
HTHRHSC 6795 – Introduction to Graduate Studies (3 credits)- Introduce new graduate students to the HRS graduate school and program through various means.
THRHSC 7300 – Management and Leadership in Health Sciences (3 credits)- Application of management and leadership principles for the development of administration of allied health departments in the health care system.
HTHRHSC 7250 – Teaching and Curriculum in the Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (3 credits)- Provide students with theoretical background and practical training for curriculum planning and teaching in health and rehabilitation sciences; exposure to teaching and curricular policies and procedures will occur.
HTHRHSC 7350 – Issues and Policy in Health Sciences (3 credits)- Allied health professionals must increasingly face many complex issues that affect healthcare. It is crucial that graduate students be able to critically examine a broad range of issues and understand various positions and their implications.
Credit hours required within the Research Methods and Design courses category vary based on track.
HTHRHSC 5900 – Health Science Research Interpretation and Applications (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 7900 – Evidence-based Practice I (1 credit)
HTHRHSC 7910 – Evidence-based Practice II (1 credit)
PUBHBIO 6210 – Design and Analysis of Students n the Health Sciences I (3 credits) – Research focus track only
PUBHBIO 6211 – Design and Analysis of Students n the Health Sciences II (3 credits) – Research focus track only
HTHRHSC 7990 – Non-Thesis Research- The Research Hours for Non-Thesis is required for the Advance Practice Track in collaboration with the Advisor.
HTHRHSC 7999 – Thesis Research- The Research Hours for Thesis is required for the Research Track in collaboration with the Advisor.
Students may select elective courses from a broad range of graduate-level offerings across The Ohio State University, provided the courses align with their designated area of specialized interest within the MSHRS program.
For the Advance Practice Track – 16 open elective credit hours are required. Courses that are counted as Core Courses cannot be duplicated as electives. (List below is not exhaustive.)
For the Research Track – 9 open elective credit hours are required. Courses that are counted as Core Courses cannot be duplicated as electives. (List below is not exhaustive.)
HIMS 5610 – Medical Coding for Clinical Practice (3 credits)
HIMS 5551 – Healthcare Reimburse for Practitioners (3 credits)
HIMS 5661 – Applied Healthcare Analysis (3 credits)
HIMS 5635 – Quality Management and Performance Improvement (3 credits)
HIMS 5650 – Information Technology (3 credits)
HIMS 5700 – Project in Health Information Management Systems (3 credits)
HIMS 5550 – Human Factors in Healthcare (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 5100 – Intro to Assistive Technology(3 credits)
HTHRHSC 5200 – Assistive Technology for Seating and Mobility (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 5400 – Computers, Communication, and Control (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 5450 – Assistive Technology for Sports and Recreation (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 5860 – Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Multidisciplinary Professionals (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 7250 – Teaching and Curriculum in the Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 7300 – Management and Leadership in Health Sciences (3 credits)
HTHRHSC 7350 – Issues and Policy in Health Sciences (3 credits)
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Learn from Faculty who transform knowledge into practice
The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences’ mission is to develop transformative leaders in health and rehabilitation sciences. With a vision to be a global leader in advancing scholarship, education and practice in health and rehabilitation sciences.
Meet some of the HRS faculty that support that mission and vision every single day through the work they do.
Meet the Program Director: Randee L. Hunter, PhD
Dr. Randee Hunter is Associate Professor – Clinical in the Injury Biomechanics Research Center and Program Director of the online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Science. She also serves as Director of Curriculum for the Division of Radiologic Sciences and Therapy and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Anthropology.
Dr. Hunter earned her MA and PhD in Biological Anthropology with a minor in Anatomy from The Ohio State, where her research focused on human variation in skeletal biology and fracture risk. She also holds a BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology and Molecular Imaging, summa cum laude, from Saint Louis University, where she completed a minor in French and a certificate in Business Administration. Prior to attending graduate school, she performed diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine clinical imaging.
Her research centers on bone quality, fracture risk, high-resolution imaging, and skeletal injury biomechanics, with projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Army Research Office, Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center, and other national organizations. She is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and invited book chapters and has presented her work internationally. She serves in leadership roles with the International Society of Bone Morphometry and the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research.
In addition to her research, Dr. Hunter has extensive teaching experience across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with a focus on anatomy, skeletal biology, and radiologic sciences.
As program director, Dr. Hunter is committed to preparing health and rehabilitation sciences professionals to advance their careers, lead innovation in health care, and make meaningful impacts in patient care, research, and education.
Featured Faculty: Monica Robinson, OTD, MS, OT/L, BCMH, FAOTA
Dr. Monica L. Robinson is a Clinical Professor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University and a faculty member in the online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program. She brings more than 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, health systems leadership, and graduate education, with expertise in leadership, systems thinking, interprofessional education, curriculum innovation, and evidence-based teaching.
A nationally recognized occupational therapist and educator, Dr. Robinson has practiced across a wide range of settings, including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services, mental health, community-based primary care, and skilled nursing facilities. She holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) and a Master of Science in Advanced Practice Occupational Therapy. She is board certified in Mental Health by the American Occupational Therapy Association—an achievement held by fewer than one percent of occupational therapists—and is a Fellow of both the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Academies of Practice.
Dr. Robinson’s teaching and scholarship focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), metacognition, belonging, interprofessional education, and implementation science. She has taught more than 100 courses across occupational therapy and health sciences and has mentored and advised more than 100 graduate student capstone projects. Her scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications and national presentations centered on learning science, curriculum design, and educational innovation.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Robinson brings extensive national leadership experience in clinical consulting, health policy, and professional service. She has contributed to Medicare policy development through work with the American Occupational Therapy Association and collaboration with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and has served as a consultant on clinical practice, ethics, and regulatory compliance. Her leadership roles—including service within national organizations and at the state level—reflect a longstanding commitment to advancing professional practice, influencing health policy, and strengthening health systems.
Additional Faculty members
Featured Faculty
Anand Mhatre, PhD
Assistant Professor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Anand Mhatre is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University and Director of Rehabilitation Engineering Design Laboratory (RED). His work focuses on assistive technology design, data-driven engineering, and the development of innovative solutions to improve mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. His research centers on wheelchair design, maintenance, and standards, applying usability testing and engineering methods to enhance safety and performance. Dr. Mhatre’s work also emphasizes developing accessible, scalable technologies for less-resourced settings, with both national and global impact.
He has published in peer-reviewed journals such as Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology and Societies, and has presented his work at national and international conferences. His research has been supported by organizations including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIDILRR, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation. Dr. Mhatre is the recipient of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Excellence Award and multiple global innovation awards recognizing his contributions to advancing assistive technology.
Kristen Welker, PhD, CHES®
Assistant Professor
Dr. Kristen M. Roberts is a clinical nutrition expert with specialized expertise in nutrition support, intestinal failure, and gastrointestinal diseases. Her research investigates dietary patterns in chronic inflammatory conditions, the role of polyphenols in health, and nutrition management strategies for complex conditions such as short bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, and other critical gastrointestinal disorders.
An accomplished scholar and educator, Dr. Roberts has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to leading textbooks in medical nutrition therapy. She is a Fellow of both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), organizations that have recognized her for excellence in clinical practice and leadership in the field.
Dr. Roberts is also a dedicated educator, teaching courses in pathophysiology, medical nutrition therapy, and critical care nutrition, where she mentors students and clinicians in evidence-based practice. She earned her PhD in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University and continues to advance the field through research, teaching, and clinical innovation.
Kristen M. Roberts, PhD
Associate Professor – Clinical | Division of Medical Dietetics
Dr. Kristen M. Roberts is a clinical nutrition expert and educator specializing in nutrition support, intestinal failure, and gastrointestinal diseases. Her research focuses on the impact of dietary patterns on chronic inflammatory diseases, dietary polyphenol intake, and nutrition management in conditions such as short bowel syndrome and pancreatitis.
Dr. Roberts has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on medical nutrition therapy and advanced clinical nutrition, and she is a contributing author to leading textbooks in the field. Her work has been recognized nationally, including being named a Fellow of both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), where she also received the Distinguished Nutrition Support Dietitian Award.
She teaches courses in pathophysiology, medical nutrition therapy, critical care nutrition, and advanced assessment in dietetics, bringing extensive clinical and academic expertise to her teaching. Dr. Roberts earned her PhD in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University.
Faculty
Tiago Jesus, PhD, OTD
Research Assistant ProfessorDr. Tiago Jesus is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University. His work focuses on health systems and services research, with an emphasis on rehabilitation, disability, and improving patient experience and outcomes.
His research explores barriers and disparities in rehabilitation care—including workforce, access, and global health challenges—and examines strategies to strengthen health systems through innovative service delivery and implementation.
Dr. Jesus has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including work in The Lancet, and collaborates on international research addressing rehabilitation needs and health care quality improvement.
Carmen DiGiovine, PhD, ATP/SMS, RET
Professor – ClinicalDr. Carmen DiGiovine is clinical professor in the Occupational Therapy Division within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. As a rehabilitation engineer and assistive technology professional (ATP), Dr. DiGiovine’s professional goal is to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities through the application of science and technology.
He accomplishes through his research, teaching, and service activities. Dr. DiGiovine’s research focuses on the implementation of assistive technology devices and services, with a focus on seating and wheeled mobility (SWM) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). As the program director for the Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Certificate (ARTC) program, his teaching activities focus on online assistive technology courses. Finally, his professional service activities focus on the amplification of evidence-based practice through his involvement as a volunteer leader in the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).
Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it – hear from some of our School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences students and alumni on why they chose a degree at The Ohio State University!
Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it – hear from some of our School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences students and alumni on why they chose a degree at The Ohio State University!
"I started searching for academic programs that would allow me to link my interests of clinical care of patients, information management, and machine learning. After meeting with faculty in HRS, I realized that my interests were aligned with that of the HRS program….
…My current educational path is a direct result of where I want to end up, pursuing a career in academia. HRS provides a significant amount of training in areas that are new to me, such as grant writing and others that are important to my field, such as interdisciplinary projects."
"I believe Ohio State instills rigorous clinical and academic standards in its students, and I wanted to strive to be a high-quality contributor and leader in my field."
"The MS [in HRS] program was flexible and provided a great variety of coursework to choose from. I was able to customize my educational experiences to best suit my career."
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Actual costs may vary. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time undergraduate student (or 8 credit hours for graduate programs), or 12 credit hours (for undergraduate programs) each semester as a full-time student. Please note that the summer semester instructional and general fees are 75% of the cost of autumn and spring fees, and this will decrease your total cost for the program.
The Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program requires 30 credit hours with the option of adding more electives if a students so chooses. For calculation purposes, the tuition calculator reflects 30 credit hours so individual’s totals may be more depending on their total credits taken. If you have transfer credits that are reviewed and approved, your total cost may also vary.
Tuition fees are subject to change. This program is 30 credit hours with the option to add more electives and speciality courses if a student so chooses. The tuition calculator is based off of 30 credit hours. The estimate from the tuition calculator does not include textbook or coursework materials. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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