Best institutions to study Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of psychology, engineering, and occupational therapy to the design and implementation of technological interventions and systems to promote patient rehabilitation and function.
8 U.S. institutions graduated 52 Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.2312, a specialization of Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23), and leads most directly to the Rehabilitation Counselors occupation (BLS SOC 21-1015).
About Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of psychology, engineering, and occupational therapy to the design and implementation of technological interventions and systems to promote patient rehabilitation and function. Includes instruction in ergonomics, seating and mobility design, universal and near environment systems design, rehabilitation research, rehabilitation biomechanics, access and communications design, microprocessor-based technologies, neurological trauma, standards and testing, and service delivery management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering program focuses on preparing individuals to utilize principles from psychology, engineering, and occupational therapy. This program is designed for those interested in creating and implementing technological solutions that enhance patient rehabilitation and overall functionality. Students will explore various aspects of assistive technology and its application in real-world settings.
Core coursework includes instruction in ergonomics, rehabilitation biomechanics, and access and communications design. Students will develop essential skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, equipping them to design interventions that meet the needs of diverse populations.
Credentials awarded
What Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Postbaccalaureate certificate33 graduates / yr · 3 institutions64%
- Master's degree9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions17%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship6 graduates / yr · 1 institution12%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions5.8%
- Award of less than 12 weeks1 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.9%
Graduates over time
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2016 | 60 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 104 |
| 2019 | 104 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 117 |
| 2022 | 138 |
| 2023 | 156 |
| 2024 | 108 |
| 2025 | 52 |
Top 8 institutions for Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 27 | 64% | — | $67,054 |
| 2 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CAPublicMaster's | 8 | 57% | — | — |
| 3 | University of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, MDPublicDoctoral | 6 | — | — | — |
| 4 | Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, CTPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 50% | — | — |
| 5 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 58% | — | — |
| 6 | Casper College Casper, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 43% | — | — |
| 7 | Wichita State University Wichita, KSPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 1 | 51% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 85% | — | $39,836 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field (CIP 51.23) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 8 states
Where Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering graduates come from. Each state links to all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 1 | 27 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus27 / yr |
| California | 1 | 8 | California State University - Northridge8 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 6 | University of Maryland, Baltimore6 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 5 | Southern Connecticut State University5 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 2 | Western Michigan University2 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 2 | Casper College2 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 1 | Wichita State University1 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-1015, Rehabilitation Counselors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Rehabilitation Counselors, with an annual job outlook of 10,000 openings and a median wage of $46,110. Most positions typically require a Master's degree, and the field is expected to see little or no change in growth at 1.4%.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.2312
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Counselorsprimary SOC 21-1015 | $46,850 | +1.4% Little or no change | ~10,000 | Master's degree |
Engineers, All Other SOC 17-2199 | $122,930 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~9,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Medical Appliance Technicians SOC 51-9082 | $48,030 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~1,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Orthotists and Prosthetists SOC 29-2091 | $81,110 | +13.3% Much faster than average | ~900 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence.
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed.
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
- Locate barriers to client employment, such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, or transportation problems, and work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met.
- Participate in job development and placement programs, contacting prospective employers, placing clients in jobs, and evaluating the success of placements.
Tools and technology used
Other Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23).
- Physical Therapy/CIP 51.2308
Therapist 13,795 graduates / yr277 institutions - Occupational Therapy/CIP 51.2306
Therapist 9,796 graduates / yr250 institutions - Rehabilitation ScienceCIP 51.23141,023 graduates / yr47 institutions
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/CIP 51.2310
Counselor 935 graduates / yr58 institutions - Art Therapy/CIP 51.2301
Therapist 675 graduates / yr62 institutions - Therapeutic Recreation/CIP 51.2309
Recreational Therapy 640 graduates / yr49 institutions - Music Therapy/CIP 51.2305
Therapist 635 graduates / yr70 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2399582 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Orthotist/CIP 51.2307
Prosthetist 302 graduates / yr17 institutions - Animal-Assisted TherapyCIP 51.2313108 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Kinesiotherapy/CIP 51.2311
Kinesiotherapist partial data96 graduates / yr6 institutions - Play Therapy/CIP 51.2317
Therapist partial data93 graduates / yr6 institutions - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsCIP 51.2300partial data51 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Dance Therapy/CIP 51.2302
Therapist partial data39 graduates / yr5 institutions - Horticulture Therapy/CIP 51.2316
Therapist limited data11 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Drama Therapy/
Therapist51.2315
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs →
Common questions
What is the focus of the program?+
The program focuses on designing and implementing technological interventions for patient rehabilitation.
What types of skills will I learn?+
Students will learn skills in critical thinking, communication, and rehabilitation plan development.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
Graduates can work as Rehabilitation Counselors and in related engineering roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows 10,000 annual openings with a median wage of $46,110.
What is the CIP code for Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering?+
Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering is CIP 51.2312 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (CIP 51.23). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of psychology, engineering, and occupational therapy to the design and implementation of technological interventions and systems to promote patient rehabilitation and function. Includes instruction in ergonomics, seating and mobility design, universal and near environment systems design, rehabilitation research, rehabilitation biomechanics, access and communications design, microprocessor-based technologies, neurological trauma, standards and testing, and service delivery management.
How many institutions offer Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering programs?+
8 U.S. institutions reported Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 8 states, awarding 52 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates.
How much do Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Rehabilitation Counselors occupation, which Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering most directly leads to, pays a median of $46,850 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions field report median earnings of $67,054 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card