Both programs prepare professionals with expertise in related fields (for example, occupational therapy, social work, gerontology, rehabilitation, special education in visual impairment, O&M, et cetera) to provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation therapy services (adaptive activities of daily living/independent living skills) to blind or visually impaired individuals across the lifespan, specifically adults/older adults, by providing the course work and supervised field experiences required for Vision Rehabilitation Therapist certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Both the Master of Science degree and certificate programs in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy require didactic coursework in addition to supervisory field practice and a full-time off-campus internship.
The College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation offers part-time VRT master’s degree and certificate programs online, with on-campus attendance required during an intensive, eight- to 10-week Summer Institute for all methodology and hands-on coursework.
All didactic course work must be completed prior to entry into the off-campus internship. Each student designs an Individualized Program of Studies (POS) to ensure appropriate course sequencing and integration.
The Vision Rehabilitation Therapy programs have full accreditation status by the AER Accreditation Council (AERAC) of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), 5680 King Centre Drive, Suite 600 Alexandria, VA 22315. University and college programs that are fully accredited have demonstrated, through performance, systems, processes, faculty and procedures, that they offer a high-quality learning experience and preparation for jobs and certifications.
VRT Program Employment Data — January 2020 through December 2021
- Total Number of Completed/Graduated Students:
- 2020 - 6/6 (100%) completed with 83% reporting employment*
- 2021 - 10/10 (100%) completed with 90% reporting employment
*One graduate declined employment due to life events.