Early Admission Decision application deadline: June 8, 2012
Final application deadline: July 23, 2012
The semester begins: September 4, 2012

RMUoHP's PhD program in pediatric science offers expanded study in advanced level clinical management of infants, children, and adolescents in the pediatric age span of birth to 21 years. The central element of the program is the completion of a dissertation that incorporates original research and advances knowledge in the area of concentration. Areas of instruction include advances in management of neuromusculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, sensory processing, and behavioral / emotional impairments in children across multiple practice settings (NICU, hospital, early intervention center, schools, community agency, rehab center, home). The curricular content in pediatrics includes developmental, behavioral, social, and movement sciences. The core courses and directed independent studies are designed to enhance research, teaching, scientific writing and grant writing skills. The advanced doctoral student may select an area of pediatric sub-specialization for the clinical practicum and directed independent study projects (case study; clinical teaching module; literature review; research grant proposal). Support is also offered for developing expanded competencies and study across a range of pediatric practice areas.

The pediatric program is committed to the development of specialists who can:

• Integrate current best practice and evidence-based concepts into the examination and intervention for children and caregivers;
• Provide expert, effective and compassionate care for families and for children at risk for or demonstrating neuromusculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary or behavioral impairments;
• Design and present instruction on pediatric topics in clinical, academic, and community settings;
• Conduct methodologically sound clinical research;
• Critique literature and prepare manuscripts for publication;
• Write grants to fund pediatric research;
• Assume leadership and consultation roles in multiple pediatric settings.