Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to develop and deploy advanced technologies that enhance functional independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities or impairments. By integrating insights from psychology, engineering, and occupational therapy, graduates are prepared to design innovative solutions that support rehabilitation, accessibility, and long-term well-being.
- Ergonomics: The science of designing workspaces, tools, and environments to fit the user’s physical and cognitive capabilities, improving comfort, safety, and efficiency.
- Seating and Mobility Design: Specialized training in creating customized seating systems and mobility aids that support posture, pressure distribution, and independent movement.
- Universal and Near-Environment Systems Design: Focus on developing adaptive technologies that enhance accessibility and functionality in everyday living spaces, such as homes and workplaces.
- Rehabilitation Research: Methodologies and practices for evaluating the effectiveness of assistive technologies through evidence-based inquiry and data analysis.
- Rehabilitation Biomechanics: The study of human movement and physical forces in the context of injury, disability, and therapeutic intervention.
- Access and Communications Design: Development of systems that enable individuals with sensory or motor impairments to interact with digital and physical environments effectively.
- Microprocessor-Based Technologies: Application of smart, responsive devices—such as adaptive controllers and smart prosthetics—that adapt in real time to user needs.
- Neurological Trauma: Understanding the impact of brain and spinal cord injuries on motor, sensory, and cognitive function, and how technology can support recovery.
- Standards and Testing: Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, certification processes, and performance benchmarks that ensure safety, reliability, and compliance in assistive devices.
- Service Delivery Management: Strategies for organizing, implementing, and evaluating assistive technology services within clinical, educational, and community settings.
Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology degrees, including Engineers, All Other, Orthotists and Prosthetists and Medical Appliance Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 261,100 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists 29-2091 | $78,310 | $46,220 - $118,730 | 9,930 | $37.65 |
| Medical Appliance Technicians 51-9082 | $47,060 | $36,560 - $74,570 | 11,490 | $22.63 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors 21-1015 | $46,110 | $34,480 - $77,200 | 88,930 | $22.17 |
Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,255 in Arkansas to $107,405 in Alaska—a 94% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Alabama, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 261,100 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology is found at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Main Campus (102 graduates), Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) (4 graduates), Western Michigan University (WMU) (1 graduates), and University at Buffalo (UB) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 108 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
102 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | New Haven, Connecticut | Public | southernct.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology degree?
Salaries for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineers, All Other earn a median of $117,750 annually, while Orthotists and Prosthetists earn around $78,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $107,405 compared to $55,255 in Arkansas. Approximately 261,100 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Main Campus (102 graduates), Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) (4 graduates), and Western Michigan University (WMU) (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to 108 in 2023-24. This represents a 2,600% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineers, All Other, Orthotists and Prosthetists, and Medical Appliance Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 261,100 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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