Visual Impairment – Combined Rehabilitation Teaching and Orientation and Mobility
Program Overview
This master’s program is one of only four in the United States that will prepare you to teach in both specializations of vision rehabilitation therapy (VRT) and orientation and mobility (O&M) to work with individuals who are visually impaired and blind who are visually impaired and blind in adult, residential or non-school agency settings. Employment opportunities are excellent across the United States for professionals who hold dual certification in VRT/O&M. This program uses real-time distance learning instruction with limited on-campus required labs, allowing you to complete your master’s degree from anywhere in the United States.
Credits
54
Certification
National certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals as a vision rehabilitation therapist (VRT) and a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS)
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or a master’s degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- Evidence of work, volunteer or personal experience with individuals with visual impairments
- An interview with a special education faculty member may be required
Note: International applicants who need an F-1 or J-1 Visa are not currently eligible for this program.
To Apply
Applications are accepted each Fall and Spring semester.
We’re launching a new graduate admission application! The application will be available in late summer 2025. While you wait for the application to launch, view the How to Apply page for full application requirements. Join our School of Education email list for updates.
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
- March 15
Spring Start
- October 15
Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.
Related Programs
If you are interested in pursuing NYS teacher certification, consider applying to our master’s degree program in Blind and Visually Impaired. If you a certified teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired OR hold a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching or Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired, consider our Advanced Certificate program in Orientation and Mobility. If you are interested in pursuing a program specifically in Rehabilitation Teaching, consider applying for our master’s degree program in Visual Impairment – Rehabilitation Teaching.