Dean's Welcome

Welcome to the University of the Incarnate Word School of Rehabilitation Sciences

Welcome to the University of the Incarnate Word School of Rehabilitation Sciences where we offer degrees in Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.

You have many options in your search for a program that will help you achieve your personal and professional goals as a healthcare provider. It is my pleasure to share information about our programs, their faculty and what makes UIW special so you can make an informed choice. I encourage you to spend time now reflecting on what you want from your graduate school experience beyond simply the degree that allows you to pursue licensure in your state.

As one of two physical therapy programs in a Catholic institution located in the southern tier of the U.S., we are proud of our Catholic identity which establishes solid foundations for open discussion, respectful deliberation, the search for truth in a context of excellence and engagement with our community. We embrace the University Core Values of education, truth, faith, service, and innovation. The mission of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences is to educate healthcare providers in AT, OT, and PT who, through skilled, reflective, patient-centered practice and scholarly activities, optimize movement and wellness for the common good of society.

The faculty is committed to graduating generalist practitioners who are self-directed, lifelong learners and who address patient and societal needs through evidence-based decision making and promote the achievement of societal health goals. The school offers post baccalaureate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Physical Therapy (DPT). We endeavor to graduate primary care healthcare professionals prepared to function collaboratively in diverse global environments as knowledgeable, competent, compassionate, caring, resourceful, confident, and ethical/legal providers.

I invite you to visit our beautiful facility located off the UIW Broadway campus in NW San Antonio, at the corner of Tezel and Guilbeau roads. There you will find open spaces, access to well-equipped labs, study rooms and a library dedicated to our three programs, available seven days a week from early morning until long after dark. You will have an opportunity to meet our faculty and staff who are here to make you feel welcome, challenged, and supported as you navigate through both the breadth and depth of academic and clinical experiences that will help you achieve your new career as a healthcare professional. Our faculty have come from across the United States to form a team of scholars with the goal of developing therapists and trainers that reflect the diverse demographics of South Texas and the US. The School's Director of Enrollment will help you navigate the admission process, and our dedicated Academic Success Counselor is here to guide you throughout your program. Our students come from all over the United States; the amazing diversity of the student body reflects that of the institution and of south Texas.

Come experience our innovative curricula which encourage the the student to master the skills required to be a leader/clinician in their field with the ability to adapt and integrate new information and perspectives driven by advances in technology.

Beyond the development and expansion of a strong core knowledge each of our programs have a foundational focus on values, ethics, social accountability, experiential learning and community engagement, as well as on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice. During the course of our programs, you will have opportunities to interact with students from Athletic Training, Nursing, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine and Pharmacy, as well as to experience firsthand the state of healthcare in south Texas border towns, Germany, Italy, and Mexico.

On behalf of the faculty, staff and students, thank you for your interest in UIW Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.

Stephen Goffar, PT, DPT, PhD
Dean, School of Rehabilitation Sciences