Low Vision Rehabilitation

You're a practicing occupational therapist, but you want to build on your knowledge so you can offer more services to adults with vision impairments. At UAB, we can teach you clinical applications and help prepare you to put your new skills to work.

For your education, we've assembled a world-class faculty who literally wrote the book on the occupational therapy approach to low vision rehabilitation. That's right–our faculty members contributed chapters to the American Occupational Therapy Association textbook Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults with Low Vision. Plus, because you have a busy schedule, we've made earning your degree simple. First, you'll take one class per semester for five semesters. You'll learn about medical conditions, screenings, anatomy, intervention strategies, the use of assistive technologies and optic devices, functional mobility, and more. You'll also take the course Foundations in Treatment of Visual Impairments from Brain Injury. Finally, you'll complete the program with an intensive, three-day on-campus review, so you can gain a better understanding of how to put your knowledge into practice.

International applicants must provide documentation showing they have earned the equivalent of a 4-year bachelor's degree from the United States to be eligible for admission consideration. Documentation requirements are outlined below.

Official Transcripts and Degree Statements

• Original transcripts/marksheets bearing an official stamp must be submitted to the Graduate School. Copied, faxed, or scanned transcripts are considered unofficial.
• A separate statement confirming degree conferral (degree statement) bearing an official stamp is also required.
• Transcripts and degree statements must be in the original language of the international institution as well as in English. Applicants submitting an approved transcript evaluation (see below) are not required to submit English translations.
• If you only have one set of original documents, please submit unofficial copies for review purposes. If admitted, original documents can be submitted to the Graduate School when you arrive in Birmingham. We will verify their authenticity in person and make copies for our records which will allow you to keep the original documents.
• If you will be enrolling in an online only program and will not be on campus, please send the original documents along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope so we can return them.
• Applicants who have not yet finished their degree should present a transcript showing they have earned a minimum of 91 complete semester hours or six (6) completed semesters.

Transcript Evaluations

We will accept a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants. We do not recognize transcript evaluations from other companies. If the graduate department allows a transcript evaluation from another company, it will be at their own discretion.

International Student and Scholar Services will have access to your decision and a representative will contact you directly if any other documentation is necessary to begin processing your immigration documents.

Additional Requirements

Some programs require additional items such as the examples listed below. It is important that applicants visit the program website to make sure they understand all requirements. Applicants can also log in to the application dashboard at any time to review their application checklist.

Recommendation Letters

Many programs require three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants will identify recommenders as part of the online application process. Notification emails will be sent to the identified recommenders who will then submit their recommendation electronically. Upon submission, recommendations will be attached to the application.

Personal Essay

Most programs require a brief summary of academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience. In addition, some programs have specific essay topics.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Some programs require a written compilation of education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham welcomes international applicants. An international applicant is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States.

Step 1: Create an Account or Log In

If this is your first time applying through the UAB Graduate Online Application, you will need to click "Sign Up" to create an account. After creating your password, you will be automatically signed into the application dashboard.

Step 2: Create a New Application

Respond to key questions in the order they appear to be directed to the correct application for your intended program/concentration.

Step 3: Complete Application

The sections required to complete your application are available in the menu on the left side once you begin your application. You will need to fully complete each section as indicated by a green circle. If any sections show as a half-circle, you are still missing a required question or document for that section. Once your application is complete, you will be able to pay the application fee and finalize the submission. You can begin your application at any time and come back to it in order to continue with the process or upload additional items.

Step 4: Sign and Pay Application Fee

Once your application is complete, you will be able to pay the application fee and finalize submission. You will receive an email confirmation once your application has been successfully submitted to the graduate school. Your application will be processed within 1-3 business days of submission, at which time Graduate Admissions staff will review any unofficial documents provided and attach official documents that have already been received. Please check your application dashboard regularly for updates. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!