by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering involves the study of 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. 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. Continue reading for the essential details every assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering programs.
In the U.S., assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering draws strong interest, with 108 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 4 schools to determine the best overall colleges for assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering programs later in this article.
Coursework for Assistive/Augmentative Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 108 |
People currently working in careers related to assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 59.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 18.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 5.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 5.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.8% |
| Some college courses | 1.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.7% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.6% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering prepares you for numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | 3,021,997 | 2.9% |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | 384,787 | 8.4% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Robotics Engineers | 141,385 | 8.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,332 |
| 4 years | $70,102 |
| 5 years | $75,167 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | $86,860 |
| Photonics Engineers | $84,667 |
| Robotics Engineers | $72,925 |
With 4 different assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering school rankings to help you.
Those considering assistive/augmentative technology and rehabilitation engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapy/Therapist | 13,424 |
| Occupational Therapy/Therapist | 10,460 |
| Rehabilitation Science | 1,107 |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor | 941 |
| Art Therapy/Therapist | 768 |
| Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy | 722 |
| Music Therapy/Therapist | 651 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other | 621 |
| Orthotist/Prosthetist | 408 |
| Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist | 121 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
