Academics - occupationaltherapy

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Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that helps people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, well-being, security, and happiness. Practitioners of occupational therapy work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental or psychological impairment, need specialized guidance in acquiring or learning new skills to enable them to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

The goal of occupational therapy is to maximize quality of life for the individual, family members, and caregivers while simultaneously reducing the cost of health care. Occupation-based interventions can prevent injury or the worsening of existing conditions or disabilities and facilitate independent functioning in individuals who may otherwise require institutionalization or other long-term care.

The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies (BSOS) program offers a stimulating and challenging curriculum that blends professional coursework with a traditional liberal arts education. Students begin by learning the philosophy and founding principles of occupational therapy along with acquiring a thorough understanding of biological, psychological, and social aspects of human beings. In upper division coursework, students learn to apply this knowledge and to develop occupational therapy clinical reasoning skills for evaluation of and intervention with persons across the life span. Students with good academic standing are eligible to apply for admittance to the MOT program between the junior and senior years. Admission to the MOT program is based on criteria determined by the Occupational Therapy Department and the Graduate Office. The MOT degree is granted upon successful completion of 33 credits of advance coursework, including a Master’s Thesis. The MOT graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination. A passing score on this examination is required to practice occupational therapy.

Curriculum & Courses
     • General Information
     • BSOS/MOT Program of Study
     • Transfer Students
     • Occupational Therapy Courses

Chairperson:
Margaret D. Hart, Professor, Ph.D., OTR/L
Margaret.Hart@worcester.edu

Faculty and Staff
- Meet The Faculty
Location: Ghosh Center for Science & Technology (Room 210)
Phone: (508) 929-8624