The OT program’s emphasis is on providing occupation-based services to individuals, groups, and populations in the community who are underserved and are not receiving OT. Our program is committed to providing an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare and offers students the opportunity to interact with other disciplines throughout the program.
The OT curriculum is designed to incorporate its’ curricular threads:
- Occupation
- Community
- Underserved
- Interdisciplinary
The curriculum focuses on assisting students in integrating course concepts each term through learning communities which prepares students for success in fieldwork experiences.
In terms one and two, students gain basic scientific knowledge, learn about the history and practice framework in the OT profession, develop the ability to analyze movement used for engagement in occupations, refine ability to analyze the evidence supporting OT practice, consider contextual factors influencing engagement in occupations, learn about how mental health conditions impact occupations, develop skills and knowledge in use of assistive technology, and apply knowledge in a Level I Fieldwork experience.
Students apply knowledge from earlier terms during term three, when they engage in their second, Level I fieldwork class, learn about group processes, learn how provide basic patient care management, and explore the healthcare system and professional documentation.
During terms three and four, the curriculum shifts to learning about adult and pediatric conditions, assessments, and interventions. Level I Fieldwork experiences occur in adult and pediatric settings. Students also participate in a community seminar course in community organizations with limited access to healthcare, and identify how OT can address a clinical need. Management concepts are also explored and students prepare for Level II Fieldwork
Application of all didactic and community experiences cumulate in two, full-time Level II fieldwork courses during terms five and six.
At the end of term six, students receive practice in preparing for taking the National Certification of OT Exam (NBCOT®).
For more information on specific courses, refer to the Graduate Academic Catalog.