About the Program

The Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD Program (RHB) in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky prepares research-driven scholars and academic leaders who will advance rehabilitation and health outcomes in Kentucky and beyond.

In RHB, the I’s have it:

Interdisciplinary. Individualized. Innovative.

Rooted in a strong interdisciplinary foundation, the program brings together expertise from across the health sciences to support innovative, collaborative research and education that addresses real-world challenges. Students work alongside faculty representing a wide range of clinical and research disciplines — including athletic training, communication sciences and disorders, clinical nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and health sciences research — creating a dynamic environment where ideas intersect and innovation thrives.

The program’s individualized structure allows students to design flexible plans of study tailored to their research interests and professional goals. With more than 40 faculty mentors and a diverse cohort of approximately 35 full- and part-time students, RHB provides the structure, support and opportunity scholars need to progress efficiently — most often completing the degree in four years or less.

Although certain components of the program use distance learning technologies to increase accessibility, all coursework is delivered in real time to ensure meaningful engagement with faculty and peers. The program is not offered in a fully online format.

One of the few programs in the nation to grant a PhD specifically in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, UK’s RHB program is distinguished not only by its streamlined time-to-degree and strong record of student success, but by a culture that is distinctly, proudly Wildcat — driven, collaborative and Wildly Inspirational.

Our Program

The Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD Program is an interdisciplinary, research-intensive doctoral program designed to prepare the next generation of scholars, educators and leaders across the rehabilitation and health sciences. By welcoming students from varied professional and academic backgrounds, the program fosters collaboration that sparks discovery and transforms practice.

Offered through the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University, RHB provides flexible, individualized pathways that allow students to build advanced research skills while developing deep expertise in their chosen area of focus.

Grounded in interdisciplinary learning, rigorous research training and innovation, the program equips graduates to make meaningful contributions to the scientific and academic communities — and to improve the health and well-being of individuals across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Here, the I’s truly have it — interdisciplinary, individualized and innovative — and everything we do is driven by a commitment to excellence that is, in every sense, Wildly Inspirational.