University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Official University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) Account ➡
SHRS is a nationally renowned leader in the field of health care education, research and clinical practice preparation. With 13 different disciplines related to health and rehabilitative care, SHRS shapes future generations of health care professionals—therapists, counselors, advocates, scientists, providers and practitioners—trained to serve the needs of all people regardless of background, level
s of health or mobility. We are built on a legacy of academic excellence and innovation and fueled by passionate educators and researchers, allowing us to meet the health care and rehabilitation needs of today and drive meaningful change in the future.
25/08/2025
Welcome to the Pitt SHRS family! 💙💛 Last week, our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program welcomed the new on-campus and hybrid students during their orientation at The Box in SouthSide Works. From bingo and networking, to an inspiring Professional Pledge Ceremony with keynote speaker Eric Lehman, it’s been a great start to an exciting path ahead!
25/08/2025
Fall Term starts TODAY at Pitt and SHRS! Welcome back, students - let’s kick off the semester strong! 📘 🍂
22/08/2025
Here is a sneak peek of Fifth and Halket, the new building bringing most of our 30+ programs under one roof. 🏗️ We're excited to continue to see the progress and can't wait to move in!
21/08/2025
📣 Big warm welcome to the first Doctor of Chiropractic class at Pitt! They kicked off their journey with orientation at The Box in SouthSide Works this week. This inaugural cohort of 30 students is eager to be a part of history and get started towards their future in chiropractic care — Hail to Pitt! 💙💛
13/08/2025
“Pitt Emergency Medicine students benefit from extensive hands-on training through clinical placements with EMS agencies and world-renowned health care institutions, providing invaluable real-world experience,” explains Pitt Emergency Medicine alumna (EM ’25) Emma Thomas.
🎉 Congratulations to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) 2025 Educator of the Year: Tim Suchomel! 🎉
Last month, Suchomel received the 2025 Educator of the Year award at the NSCA conference banquet from NSCA President Ian Jeffreys.
We're proud to honor Suchomel for his exceptional contributions to strength and conditioning education and clinical application. As an associate professor and program director of Pitt’s Sports Science Master’s program, his impact spans far beyond the classroom — from publishing two books and over 110 peer-reviewed articles on strength and power development and athlete monitoring to mentoring future leaders in the field.
His dedication to the NSCA and the Pitt community, editorial leadership, and groundbreaking research continue to elevate the profession. 👏
Our students in Pitt’s Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS) program welcomed My Pet’s Brace for the annual Dog Day experience!
From learning about animal orthotics to practicing casting techniques on their fellow students’ fur babies, this hands-on (and paws-on!) lab gives future clinicians a unique opportunity to apply their developing skills in a fun and meaningful way.
Timothy's (Golden Retriever) leash is held by a certified handler.
02/08/2025
Thanks to the 2024–2025 SHRS Interprofessional Education Seed Award, Pitt is able to lead a powerful, community-focused initiative at the Birmingham Free Clinic. 🤝🏥
Each month, Physical Therapy Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement Bonnie Virag (DPT ’16) and Birmingham Free Clinic Lead Occupational Therapist Sarah McKendry (OTD ’22) work in interprofessional teams made up of students and faculty from the Pitt Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs, the School of Medicine, UPMC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and more—come together to deliver care to patients with complex needs.
From medical support to social services and rehab equipment, the team works collaboratively to maintain a strong emphasis on whole-person care.
Virag and McKendry will present this impactful project at the Nexus Summit 2025, a national stage for advancing interprofessional practice and education.
“Some of the most powerful learning happens before the patients even arrive. It’s where roles are clarified, interprofessional collaboration begins and we start seeing the patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis,” Virag explains.
Meet Pitt’s Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) faculty ➡️ Assistant Professor Rose Olson!
Olson, who has been a chiropractor for eight years, is excited to usher in the first cohort of chiropractic students at Pitt.
“This first cohort is a historical group. Since we will only start one cohort a year, I will get the opportunity to really get to know all the students. I am looking forward to seeing them grow as professionals and eventually become the first cohort to graduate from the chiropractic program at Pitt.”
Pitt’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST) celebrated another successful year by hosting a summer BBQ with faculty, staff and students at Sally’s Place in Bakery Square! 🧺
Huge thanks to Assistant Chair for Administration and Operations and Assistant Professor Dan Fisher, along with the Social Committee, for organizing such a fun and welcoming event!
25/07/2025
Meet Pitt’s Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) faculty ➡️ Visiting Assistant Professor Rebecca Bell!
After seven years of practicing as a chiropractor, Bell is excited to work with the program’s first cohort.
“The opportunity to influence the future model of chiropractic education is unexplainably exciting. A chiropractic program in a prestigious research-driven institution like Pitt will be the beginning of a new chapter for the profession. It excites me to be in a truly integrated academic setting and to bring interprofessional collaboration to our students!”
Welcome Pitt’s NEW Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) student ➡️ Kelly Rushe!
Coming from Sykesville, MD, Rushe is most excited about the opportunity for diversification in chiropractic practice and the chance to build strong relationships with patients, helping them return to their best selves through chiropractic care!
She’s looking forward to being part of Pitt’s first DC cohort and contributing to shaping a program that will be transformational in setting students up for success. Rushe shares, “I am excited to learn from all of the faculty who have contributed to the chiropractic field in more ways than imaginable!”
We’re thrilled to have you in the program, Kelly! 👏
Interested in studying in Pitt’s DC program? Apply today! The deadline for U.S. students is August 1 (or until seats are filled): https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/chiropractic
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The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) stands on its solid reputation as an international leader in rehabilitation and disabilities education, research and community service, improving the lives and independence of all people with a focus on people at risk for, or having chronic conditions or disabilities, and those who have traditionally been under served and underrepresented.
Our Vision
To be a catalyst for a world free of barriers and disparities that allows all people, regardless of health, to have opportunities to participate in life to the fullest; to be accomplished through education, research, and service.
Our Mission
To advance health, rehabilitation and reintegration service delivery through teaching, research, and professional service.
Academics
SHRS is home to several nationally ranked programs and world-renowned faculty and clinicians within all areas of the health sciences.
SHRS programs that are measured carry these national rankings:
#1 in Physical Therapy*
#4 in Occupational Therapy*
#7 in Audiology*
#7 in Speech-Language Pathology*
#7 in Health Information Management**
#10 in Nutrition and Dietetics†
#18 in Rehabilitation Counseling*
SHRS undergraduate programs include:
Athletic Training (BS)
Communication Science (BA)
Emergency Medicine (BS)
Health Information Management (BS)
Nutrition Science (BS)
Rehabilitation Science (BS)
We also offer the following graduate programs:
Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program (BS-MS, MS)
Audiology (MA/MS, AuD)/Speech-Language Pathology (MA/MS, CScD)
Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Communication Science & Disorders (PhD)
Health Information Systems (MS)
Health Care Supervision & Management (MS)
Occupational Therapy (OTD, MS, CScD)
Physical Therapy (DPT, MS)
Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
Prosthetics & Orthotics (MS)
Rehabilitation Technology (MS)
Rehabilitation Science (PhD)
Sports Medicine (MS)
Sports Science (MS)
*According to the most recent rankings of the country's best graduate schools by U.S. News & World Report
†According to the most recent rankings by College Factual
**According to the most recent Healthcare Management Degree Guide