College of Health Sciences, Glendale Campus

The Occupational Therapy Program offers a curriculum leading to the Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) degree for qualified students. The full-time, continuous, entry-level master’s curriculum is designed to deliver the academic and clinical education required to prepare students for their professional role as key members for the healthcare team and as integral practitioners in the healthcare delivery system. The curriculum for the Master of Occupational Therapy degree is a continuous, full-time program, extending 27 months from matriculation to graduation. The maximum allotted time for completion of this program is 40.5 months. It is also required that all Level II fieldwork must be completed within 18 months of completion of the didactic portion of the program. The general education, professional training, experience, and personal character development of occupational therapists uniquely prepare them to respond to the needs of individuals who face challenges participating in their daily lives.

The Master of Occupational Therapy Program offers a balanced combination of foundational, clinical, and research coursework designed to foster therapists who are self-directed, thoughtful, and caring professionals. The program provides students with a balanced complement of coursework. Approximately half of the course credits are obtained from foundational courses in the sciences, occupational therapy theory, and research. The remaining credits focus on courses related to client evaluation and interventions appropriate for various client populations (e.g., children, the elderly, etc.), specialized coursework in upper extremity intervention, and many opportunities for experiential (hands-on) learning. The practice courses facilitate students' application of content related to client evaluation and intervention using community-based and case-based learning opportunities. In addition to such preclinical learning opportunities, the fieldwork program is extensive and rich in the types of experiences offered to students. Such a strong curricular framework succeeds in preparing graduates who are ready - and able - to enter the profession of occupational therapy and to make a difference in the world.

Upon completion of the Master of Occupational Therapy Program, graduates are expected to: 

1. Provide evidence-based occupational therapy services in traditional and emerging areas of practice.
2. Meet the occupational needs of individuals and populations through professional advocacy and leadership.
3. Apply therapeutic use of occupations to support engagement in activities that promote health, well-being and quality of life.
4. Sustain continued professional development through lifelong learning activities, and 
5. Uphold the ethical standards, values and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession in order to sensitively meet  the occupational needs of a culturally and socially diverse clientele.

These outcomes are accomplished through a curriculum model that is based on:

1. Intentionally sequenced courses that develop the knowledge required to progress through the curriculum and successfully provide care to improve occupational performance;
2. Repeated translation and integration of knowledge into new contexts, and to develop increasing depth and complexity, in the competencies required for occupational therapy practice;
3. Occupation-focused intervention, recognizing the therapeutic value in occupational engagement as a change agent in therapy as well as the ultimate outcome of the therapy;
4. Client-centered intervention as a means to address unique aspects of individuals, and to empower them to play an active role in directing their own therapy;
5. Opportunities for both individual and group work that provides active assimilation of new and prior knowledge, exposure to diverse viewpoints and different perspectives, while developing an individual sense of self-efficacy, mastery, and professional growth;
6. Simulated and authentic learning encounters that provide a means by which new knowledge and skills are assimilated into "live" practice, providing opportunities to test professional judgement, evaluate knowledge and skills, and self-reflect on performance.

The Midwestern University Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org. 

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

According to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)*, the top ten areas of practice for primary OT employment are:

• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation
• School Systems
• Acute Care
• Geriatrics
• Home Health
• Orthopedics
• Mental Health
• OT Professional Education and/or Research

*NBCOT. (2017). Practice Analysis of the Occupational Therapist Registered Executive Summary. https://www.nbcot.org/-/media/NBCOT/PDFs/2017-Practice-Analysis-Executive-OTR.ashx?la=en, accessed 8/13/2019.

Individuals applying for admission to the College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program must submit documentation for the following minimum requirements before the academic year commences for the incoming class:

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Grades of C or better for prerequisite coursework (grades of C- are not acceptable).
3. Completion of the minimum number of prerequisite courses in the prescribed subject areas at regionally accredited colleges or universities.
4. Satisfaction of the standards set forth by the Admissions Committee, including documentation of academic and professional promise in the prospective student.
5. Completion of the Occupational Therapy Program's interview process. On-campus interviews are by invitation only. Applicants are invited to an interview based on evidence supportive of excellence in:
   1. Academic achievement
   2. Oral and written communication skills
   3. Articulation of the domain and scope of OT practice
   4. Community service
   5. Leadership in extracurricular or other activities
6. Completion of a first aid course within three years prior to enrollment.
7. Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Level C/Health Care Provider or Basic Life Support of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Students are responsible for maintaining CPR certification at this level while enrolled in the program.
8. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
9. Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences.
10. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with clients and colleagues.
11. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
12. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

Students must complete these courses with a grade of C or higher (Grades of C- are not acceptable).

Additional courses in the sciences and mathematics are also recommended, including chemistry, physiology, physics, and biology.

General education electives are also recommended to demonstrate competency in English composition, oral communication, problem-solving behavior, logic, and ethical theories.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible to ensure timely consideration. Applicants are required to submit their applications to OTCAS by February 1st.