Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (DRS) of the College of Health Professions is the home to the three rehabilitation-oriented divisions that have professional practice programs, researchers and clinicians. The newly established Division of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) includes Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program joins the long-standing Divisions of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy that include the nationally ranked Occupational Therapy Doctorate and Doctor of Physical Therapy that are within their respective divisions. Our programs have some of the most selective admissions in the country. The divisions of department are collaborating to start an interprofessional Neurorehabilitation Institute (NRI) with the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital Authority that integrates clinical care, education, and research in the spring of 2021.

The department includes nearly 30 faculty members and over 330 students (not including students matriculating in the SLP program in the fall of 2021) in the department, administrative staff for each program and a dedicated clinical education office of four full time staff. We also have state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching labs. Through our outstanding students and faculty, we are starting to bring interprofessional education from the classroom into practice such as in the NRI. For example, the award-winning Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support (CARES) Therapy Clinic provides an opportunity for students from different professions to work together. We also have a seed grant program to help further develop collaboration between the divisions in DRS and other units in the college and university. Ultimately, we want to fully integrate research, education and clinical practice for our students and faculty to best serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. This evidence-based integration will ultimately impact the quality of clinical practice through the use of education research and implementation science.  

Divisions

Division of Occupational Therapy
Division of Physical Therapy
Division of Speech-Language Pathology

Leadership

Interim Department Chair

Nancy Carson, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

Interim Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs
Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy

 

 

Administrative Support

Katie Weas
Business Administrator
843-792-8542
weask@musc.edu

The department’s contact for all finance, budgeting and administration needs. Ms. Weas works with the division directors and chairperson to develop and carry out budgets to support the activities of the department. Budget questions should be directed to Ms. Weas.

Lauren Funke
Human Resource Manager
843-792-7473
funkel@musc.edu

Responsible for planning, coordinating and providing daily personnel and operational functions for the Department of Rehabilitation and Clinical Sciences. This includes the hiring process for faculty, staff and adjunct faculty, processing payroll, faculty practice revenue, FRD Revenue, FMLA processing and all other human resources needs. All human resources questions should be directed to Ms. Funke.

Chad Higgins
Clinical Education Manager
843-792-9023
higginsc@musc.edu

Ensures all clinical education activities for the College of Health Professions are conducted efficiently and in compliance with program accreditation requirements. Supervises staff responsible for clinical education experiences for all assigned programs within the College of Health Professions. Acts as a liaison with clinical coordinators (faculty), AHEC, clinical instructors, and other relevant constituents to ensure clinical education activities are in compliance with program accreditation requirements and other regulations as applicable. Seeks to develop and streamline workflow of all clinical education activities and establish best practices by partnering with other university offices/colleges within MUSC.

Kristen Sykes
Accountant/Fiscal Analyst II
843-792-7750
sykesk@musc.edu

The department’s contact for all procurement, asset management and building facility (for the department and college) needs. If there are questions on procurement, they should be directed to Ms. Hawkins.