Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Will I need to have already completed a bachelor’s degree before applying?

Yes, this is a post professional program for licensed and regulated health care professionals—so an entry level professional bachelor’s degree, an entry level master’s degree, or an entry level professional doctorate (e.g., OTD, DPT, etc.) in a health care profession is required.

What educational/working background is required to be considered as a candidate for the program?

Potential candidates must be licensed and regulated health care professionals (e.g. OTR, RN, SLP, etc.) able to administer evaluations and develop treatment plans per their practice acts.

Where do the students register?

The students register through the Registrar’s Office at the University of Florida.

Follow these instructions for the certificate programs application. Applicants create accounts through ApplyWeb and will not create a GatorLink account until admitted. We also have a supplemental application where applicants submit a statement of purpose and resume, but this would vary based on the department/program.

How will students know if they have successfully been admitted to the certificate program?

The Driver Rehabilitation Therapy admission committee will review each student’s application and inform them of their enrollment status on a rolling admissions basis.

Application deadline is June 1, 2023.

How many of the Driver Rehabilitation Therapy credits or courses can UF Master’s or PhD students take towards their respective degree?

Master’s level students can take up to 9 credits that can transfer to their degree programs. PhD level students can take up to 30 credits that can contribute to their doctoral studies. In each of these cases, we recommend that students discuss their intention to take these courses with their advisers prior to enrollment.

Is it possible to enroll in only one or some of the courses and not the entire program?

Yes, pending the decision of the Driver Rehabilitation Therapy admissions committee.

How do I register to enroll in only one or some of the courses and not the entire program?


Career

What client populations will I be able to work with after successful completion of the program?

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have entry level skills to work with medically-at-risk experienced drivers.

Where can I work in driver rehabilitation after I graduate?

Employment opportunities exist in driver rehabilitation programs and facilities that may want to start driver rehabilitation programs. Additionally, you will be equipped to start your own private practice.


Certificate

Is the final Certificate issued by the Registrar, the College or the Department?

The final certificate is issued by the University of Florida.

How will students receive their certificates?

Students are not attending graduation ceremonies to receive their certificates. Instead, certificates will be mailed to the students via the University of Florida’s Admission Office.

Will students be designated the title of Driver Rehabilitation Specialist upon successful completion of the program?

Yes, after successful completion of the program students will be deemed as entry level Driver Rehabilitation Specialist.


General

What is the length of the Certificate Driver Rehabilitation Therapy program?

The program is to be completed in one (1) year over the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The program is 14 total credit hours.

Will I need to travel to complete the Certificate Driver Rehabilitation Therapy program? What portion is completed online?

Yes, though the program is primarily conducted online, students are required to complete 40 hours of mentorship at an approved site where driver rehabilitation services are provided. Additionally, students will be required to travel to the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL for one week during their last semester to complete on-campus competency training and testing (60 hours). Students will also participate in a graduate ceremony during that time.

Where does the mentorship take place? How often do I attend these sessions?

We work with students individually to understand their needs and preferences. Some students elect to take a week off from work and travel to a site that has the population they want to observe. Other students prefer to be at a site one day/week near their home.

If I am a practicing health professional, are there courses that I will be excluded from?

To satisfy the requirements of the program, all students must complete courses, that follows a progression of content, in their entirety.

What is the workload? Can I work full-time and complete the program?

Although the program is designed for the working professionals, students should plan on spending an average of 12-15 hours/week on course work.


Tuition and Financial Aid

What is the tuition for the Certificate Driver Rehabilitation Therapy program?

The tuition cost (in-state and out-of-state students) for the program is $7000, which is $500 per credit hour.  There are 14 total credit hours in the program. Additional fees may be required.

What is the out-of-state tuition cost for the Driver Rehabilitation Therapy program?

The out-of-state tuition cost for the DRT program is the same as for in-state students, i.e. $500.00 per credit hour. 14 credits X $500 = $7000 total tuition for the program.

Is financial aid available?

Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs are not eligible for federal student aid.  If a student requires financial assistance to attend the Driver Rehabilitation Therapy program, they are encouraged to explore employer-sponsored funding, grants/scholarships, or alternative loans. Visit the UF Office for Student Financial Affairs for more information.