Applicants to the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Online Visual Rehabilitation program should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited school. The visual rehabilitation program is a part of the Education Program, and students in the visual rehabilitation program will receive a master's of education with a graduate certificate in visual rehabilitation therapy. Classes taken by those pursuing this certificate include communication studies (braille, uses of electronic reading systems, assistive technology, etc), personal management, home management, medical management, recreational activities, mobility and orientation, psychosocial aspects of blindness and activities of daily living. Students also participate in a term of practicum credit, working under a certified therapist.
This program is run by the UAB's Occupational Therapy department, and allows bachelor's, master's or doctorate level Occupational Therapists to obtain a graduate certificate in low vision rehabilitation. The program consists of 21 credit hours, in which 17 hours are devoted to classroom instruction. Students take courses in foundations of low vision rehabilitation, foundations of treatment for types of visual impairment, treating children with low vision and elective courses of selected topics from the field of low vision treatment and therapy. Students also participate in four credit hours of a practicum, which entails working in the field of low vision with a certified OT as a field instructor.
A certificate in vision rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is awarded to master's level students who take 22 credit hours in VRT classes.There is also an option to enroll in the Advanced Certificate program in orientation and mobility. All courses are taken online in the fall and spring, with students attending on campus courses during the summer term. The summer term classes are primarily blind/low vision skill labs, and attendance is required for all students who hope to obtain a certificate. Course work in the VRT program focuses on the foundations of vision rehabilitation, assessment of low vision individuals skills and talents, psychological adjustment to visual impairment, enhancement of function and adaptive and assistive training. Students also take a two credit elective credit in a practicum field placement working with those with low vision.
Salus offers both a Master's of Science and a certificate program in Low Vision Rehabilitation. Professionals in the eye care, rehabilitation, education, medical and social service fields can obtain either the degree or the certificate by taking online courses and attending a four week summer program. The summer program has an internship component, but can only be taken after all didactic course work is finished. Students may either attend full- or part-time depending on the needs of the student. Salus students studying low vision rehabilitation take courses in treatment, assessment and research courses in low vision rehabilitation.