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Professor Johnson received his initial Baccalaureate of Arts degree in Biology at Cornell University in 1975 and his Certificate in Physical Therapy from New York University a year later in 1976. He began clinical practice at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, New York, focusing on adult rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders. Recognizing a need to offer children with special needs similar services in their natural environments, he initiated a school-based private practice in 1980 providing the related service of physical therapy to school districts throughout Long Island. At the same time, he began guest lecturing at the Stony Brook Physical Therapy program on the clinical management of Multiple Sclerosis. In 1982 he completed his Master of Arts degree in Physical Therapy from New York University and is currently engaged in completing a dissertation in Education Administration at Dowling College. His doctoral work is focused on developing functional assessments for elementary and secondary school students with physical disabilities.

Recognizing his interest in curriculum development, Rick joined the PT faculty in 1991 on a part-time basis, but within four years had assumed the responsibility of a full-time position as Chairperson of the program. He has been instrumental in developing curriculum for both the Entry-Level and Post-Professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy programs. He continues to teach the subjects he loves, including Neuroscience and Adult Neurological Rehabilitation in the entry level program, and Outcome Measures, Evidence Based Practice, Motor Learning and Motor Control in the post-professional program. In addition to his administrative role for the PT programs, Rick also serves as Chair of the Rehabilitation Sciences Division. He is currently working on curriculum revision with the faculty of the Occupational Therapy program.

Professor Johnson’s current research interests focus on measurement of functional abilities in children within the school environment. Along with several colleagues, he is co-investigator and academic team leader of Play Fit-Stay Fit, a comprehensive wellness program for childhood survivors of cancer and their families. Made possible by a three-year Lance Armstrong Foundation Evolution Grant, Play Fit-Stay Fit is intended to serve as a model program that will be disseminated for implementation in other locales. Professor Johnson is also involved examining implicit learning processes in the context of development and recovery from neurological dysfunction.