The Master of Science in occupational therapy curriculum is designed to provide students with an educational experience with focus on a modified problem-based philosophy of education and general concepts about adult learners. This process acknowledges that: 1) skills must be achieved and maintained through the acquisition of knowledge acquired through research; and 2) foundational knowledge is best retained and applied when learned in a meaningful context of practice problems. Therefore, the curriculum is designed to impart relevant content and stimulate a creative and critical graduate experience.

This is a two and a half-year professional program designed to prepare occupational therapy practitioners who work in a variety of settings, have a broad base of knowledge serving consumers of all ages, and can critically appraise health science literature. They will also be able to apply appropriate principles and procedures to the evaluation, interpretation, and intervention processes. They will understand use of current trends in clinical practice and demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and their attitude towards health care.

Fieldwork Education

Fieldwork is a substantive aspect of occupational therapy education. Clinical education provides students with the opportunity for role-modeling, supervision, and the experience in execution of professional responsibilities. Fieldwork takes place in a variety of settings (traditional and non-traditional) and emerging areas of practice. Fieldwork placements are subject to availability at locations that have a contractual agreement with the division. The availability of contracts may vary from semester to semester. The academic fieldwork coordinator (AFC) recruits, assigns, confirms and monitors both semester practicums and final internships. Supervision of fieldwork sites provides clinicians with opportunities for exchange of academic and practical knowledge and skills as students work under their supervision.

Professional Credentials

A Master of Science in occupational therapy is awarded after successful completion of all course work and fieldwork assignments. The graduate is then eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an occupational therapist, registered. Most states require licensure to practice. Licensure is usually based on results of the NBCOT certification exam.

Faculty

Director: Oliveira, Debora
Professor: Hughes Harris, Cynthia
Associate Professor: Alexander, Aurelia
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator: Mbiza, Sarah

Occupational Therapy Pre-requisite Courses

All prerequisites must be completed prior to entrance into the program.

Graduate Track: Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in a discipline other than Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university or receive a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than Occupational Therapy by the time of enrollment.

The following courses must be successfully completed prior to admission into the program and regardless of degree status:

Four (4) courses in Social and Behavior Science
Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Human Growth & Development, Introduction to Anthropology or Sociology.

One (1) course with laboratory in Biology
Biology I

Two (2) courses in Anatomy and Physiology with laboratories
Anatomy & Physiology I and II.

One (1) course in Statistics.
Probability and Statistics.

One (1) course in General Chemistry
General Chemistry.

One course in Physics with Laboratory
College Physics with Laboratory OR

An Approved Kinesiology Class

One course in Research

Health Care Research

Applicants to the program must meet the minimum requirements for admissions, including (1) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; (2) a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of under graduate work completed; or (3) possession of a graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. In addition to the above criteria, the overall prerequisite GPA is considered in the process of admission into the Division of Occupational Therapy Master of Science Occupational Therapy Program.

Applicants are required to submit an application to the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS) and to the School of Graduate Studies and Research admissions office, an application for admission to the MS program in the School of Allied Health Sciences, an autobiographical essay (*300-500 words), evidence of 40 hours of volunteer/observations/work experience in an occupational therapy setting, three letters of recommendation and an official copy of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Acceptance into the Florida A&M University School of Graduate Studies and Research does not guarantee acceptance into the physical therapy program.