Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Dean, School of Science and Health: Matt Dane Baker, PA-C, D.H.Sc., 215.951.6803 Phone, 215.951.6812 FAX, bakerm@PhilaU.edu

Program Director: Wendy Krupnick, Ph.D., M.B.A., B.S., OTR/L, 215.951.2530 Phone, 215.951.2526 FAX, krupnickw@PhilaU.edu

Campus Location: Main Campus; classes held eight week-ends during each semester: Between class sessions, students complete assignments and participate in on-line learning activities.

Students will be admitted into this program for entrance in the fall semester only.

Degree Program

M.S. in Occupational Therapy

Combined Degrees

B.S in Health Sciences/M.S. in Occupational Therapy*

B.S. in Psychology/M.S. in Occupational Therapy*

* See Undergraduate catalog for curriculum details.

Individuals whose lives are affected by illness, injury, or developmental delay can attain their fullest measure of independence and life satisfaction through expert intervention by an occupational therapist. By helping people to build skills and enhancing how they interact in their environments, occupational therapists help people to function and live life to its fullest.

The entry-level master’s degree program is offered in a weekend-format, and features an innovative approach to instructional design and delivery. Faculty incorporate in-class and on-line instructional methodologies to help students to become competent entry-level therapists. Coursework builds on the strengths of the University in the areas of design and health sciences, to provide students with unique perspectives on the delivery of occupational therapy services.

The M.S. in Occupational Therapy prepares professionals to be skilled in the principles of environmental assessment and analysis as they apply to human occupation and adaptation. The program is grounded in client-centered values and evidence-based practice approaches. The curriculum stresses the acquisition of an in-depth understanding of health care issues; professional advocacy; cultural perspectives; environmental demands; physical, developmental and psychosocial functions; and occupation-based interventions. Key learning activities and course assignments require student collaboration with design, architecture and fashion Apparel students, as well as practicing health care professionals and community agencies.

One of the unique aspects of the master’s program is the student’s two-year involvement with a client living in the community. Each semester students complete course assignments with their client to better understand the client’s experience and occupational adaptation issues. Students incorporate this information into the master’s portfolio project where they reflect on and chronicle their learning and accomplishments from classroom, fieldwork, and portfolio client experiences. The Master’s Portfolio project culminates in a capstone presentation to practicing occupational therapists and representatives of other communities of interest.

Consider some of the following features of the graduate program:

• First 22 months of program are conducted in weekend format on campus; program may be completed in as little as 28 months, including Level II Fieldwork.

• Students complete three Level I Fieldwork experiences in a range of practice settings.

• Students are engaged in on-line clinical reasoning courses during Level II Fieldwork.

• Students can choose to participate in the voluntary mentorship program where they are linked, through the Internet, with practicing occupational therapists who serve as their professional mentors throughout the program.

• The program focuses on educating practitioners to use evidence to support practice decisions, to work independently and creatively; and to nurture a commitment to lifelong professional development.

• The program is designed for adult learners who are self-directed and good time managers.

• Students are exposed to job opportunities in a wide variety of settings: hospitals, long-term care facilities, psychiatric facilities, hand clinics, rehabilitation centers, pediatric hospitals, schools, home care agencies and other community-based settings.

The Occupational Therapy Program curriculum is based on a frame of reference that is developmental, humanistic and holistic in nature and which emphasizes optimal functioning throughout the life span. The program is designed to prepare strong entry-level practitioners who employ an evidence-based practice approach with the capacity for creative analysis and sound critical thinking.

Occupational Therapy Program Outcomes

To prepare competent and ethical occupational therapists

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Use frames of reference, practice models, and theories of practice to facilitate occupational performance

• Establish effective and therapeutic relationships with clients, their caregivers and families

• Select and use appropriate screening and evaluation methods to determine client needs and priorities and make referrals to other disciplines as indicated

• Incorporate occupation-based and client-centered strategies into therapy sessions to support full participation

• Develop and implement discharge plans that address the client’s personal, environmental and occupational needs

• Document services to ensure accountability and meet reimbursement standards

• Work collaboratively and effectively with members of the professional team (interdisciplinary colleagues, administrators, practitioners)

• Advocate for individuals and/or groups who are in need of occupational therapy services by communicating with relevant stakeholders

• Use a variety of approaches to service delivery including direct care, consultation, and collaboration

• Validate the effectiveness of occupational therapy services by objectively measuring its effects on the individual’s or group’s occupational performance

• Locate, evaluate and apply research findings to promote best practice in occupational therapy

• Clarify the skilled nature of occupational therapy services through appropriate written and spoken language

To prepare graduates who possess a commitment to professionalism and lifelong learning

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Implement skilled, humanistic, ethical and high caliber services

• Engage in a lifelong process of professional development to assure competence and adherence to accepted practice standards

• Explain the roles, functions, and benefits of occupational therapy services to a range of audiences

• Use feedback to develop and refine professional attitudes and behaviors

• Respect the value of diversity

• Apply analytic reasoning to patient/client care and clinical research

• Comply with professional codes of ethics, practice standards, and legal regulations governing the practice of occupational therapy

Unique Program Requirements

Successful students in this type of learning program are self-motivated and disciplined. The program will involve extensive reading and off-campus learning activities. Students must enjoy learning through a visual medium. In addition, students must have an ability to express themselves well in written format and a desire to increase their abilities to think and write critically.

All students must have daily access to a computer and the internet. It is highly recommended that students also have access to a web-cam and headset with microphone.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

(COMPLETED WITHIN LAST TEN YEARS) 

(should have an emphasis on cultural diversity)

Other

Basic word-processing and presentation skills

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 27 Credits

Core Curriculum

The coursework is sequenced in a planned progression in order to build upon and develop knowledge and skills at increasing levels of complexity, competence and integration. Upon the completion of the second year, students must participate in two full-time, Level II Field work affiliations.

Year One

FALL SEMESTER

SPRING SEMESTER

SUMMER SEMESTER

Total Year One: 36 Credits

Year Two

FALL SEMESTER

SPRING SEMESTER

SUMMER I SEMESTER

Total Year Two: 27 Credits

Year Three

FALL SEMESTER AND/OR SPRING SEMESTER

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 72 Credits

Note: All occupational therapy students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 15 months beyond the date of completion of the final didactic semester.

Admissions Criteria

Any individual who has or is about to receive a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is eligible to apply. The Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy leading to the Master of Science is designed to accommodate students from all undergraduate disciplines. Students in the Occupational Therapy Program will be selected on a competitive basis from candidates submitting complete applications with all required supporting materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Academic Background

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, and completion of all prerequisite foundation coursework with an average 3.0 GPA is required. Candidates may apply for consideration prior to completion of all prerequisite requirements as long as a reasonable plan for completion of required coursework prior to entrance into the program is delineated. All prerequisite foundation courses must be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Two Letters of Reference

(one academic and one professional)

These letters should examine the applicant’s abilities, communication skills, motivation, interpersonal skills and emotional responsibility.

Personal Interview

After application materials are screened, qualified applicants will be invited to campus for an interview with a member of the Occupational Therapy Program faculty. Areas reviewed include awareness of the profession, motivation for pursuing an Occupational Therapy career, interpersonal and oral communication skills, compassion, problem-solving abilities and preparation for the weekend-format educational experience.

Personal Essay

Students should write and submit a career goals essay with their application materials (approximately 500 words). The essay will be examined for written communication skills, knowledge of the occupational therapy field, and motivation for the profession.

Standardized Test Score

Students will need to submit results of either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with their application. This requirement is waived for students who possess a master’s degree.

Professional Resume

Students must submit a resume that highlights their background and experience. Faculty believe that enrollment of students with diverse cultural, geographic, academic, and employment backgrounds enriches the learning experience and helps sensitize Occupational Therapy Program students to the unique characteristics of the diverse patient populations they will work with as health care providers.

Clinical Observation Hours

Students should submit documentation of 20 hours of clinical observation under the supervision of an occupational therapist before beginning the professional program. Applicants are encouraged to complete clinical observation hours as early as possible. Students who are unable to complete observations prior to submitting the admission application must include a letter outlining a plan for completion of these hours with their applications. An Observation Documentation form can be located on the Occupational Therapy Program website: www.PhilaU.edu/ot.

Acceptance Classifications

Students may be admitted to this program under one of the following acceptance classifications:

Full Acceptance

Students who have met all admissions requirements with satisfactory performance as judged by the OT Program’s Admission Committee are granted full acceptance. Full acceptance is granted only when the student’s file is complete, and all the program-specific requirements for entry have been met. A complete file includes official copies of standardized test scores, official copies of academic transcripts, two recommendations, a completed application, a personal essay, a professional resume and the OT Program Admission Committee’s assessment of an applicant’s interview. The standardized test requirement is waived for those applicants who have completed a prior master’s degree.

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be offered a conditional acceptance classification under one of the following circumstances:

A student’s file is missing evidence that he/she has successfully completed all prerequisite coursework. Prior to admission under this category, students must show evidence of registration for all outstanding prerequisite courses. Students will not be allowed to take any courses in the program prior to completion of all prerequisite coursework. Upon successful completion of all prerequisite course requirements, students must apply to the Office of Graduate Admissions for a change in admission status.

A student’s file is missing evidence that he/she has successfully completed the standardized test requirement. All standardized testing must be completed prior to entry into the program. Students will not be allowed to take any courses in the program prior to completion of the standardized test requirement. Upon successful completion of the standardized test requirement, students must apply to the Office of Graduate Admissions for a change in admission status.

All students must be fully accepted into the Occupational Therapy Program before they can enroll in any Occupational Therapy courses.

Accepted Student Requirements

Students in the Occupational Therapy Program are expected to fulfill the following requirements during their student experience at Philadelphia University.

1. Obtain materials and/or complete documentation required for Fieldwork:

1. Health Clearance (by August, New Student Orientation)

1. Annual physical examination (use PhilaU Student Health Medical Record Form)

2. Annual update of immunizations according to fieldwork site requirements

3. Annual proof of active health insurance coverage

2. Legal Clearance

1. Annual criminal background check (www.CertifiedBackground.com)

2. Annual child abuse history clearance

3. Requirements unique to specific fieldwork sites. Many settings require students to be fingerprinted, undergo a drug screening, and/or gain clearance from the PA Sex Offender Registry. Students are responsible for the costs of these processes, as well as for transportation arrangements and costs associated with fieldwork experiences. Information regarding how to meet these requirements is provided by the program.

3. CPR certification (required prior to Level II Fieldwork)

2. Maintain professional organization memberships (highly recommended):

1. Philadelphia University Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

2. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

3. Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA) (or other state OT association)

Certification/ Licensure Requirements To Practice Occupational Therapy

To practice as an occupational therapist, students must satisfy all the requirements for the MS in Occupational Therapy degree, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA, satisfactory completion of fieldwork, and complete the following:

1. Apply for Philadelphia University graduation through the Registrar’s Office

2. Apply for and pass the *NBCOT national certification exam as a prerequisite for state licensing

3. Complete the PA (or other state) *licensing application

*A felony conviction may affect a student’s ability to be placed at a fieldwork setting, sit for the certification exam or to attain state licensure.

Accreditation and Certification

The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s phone number is 301.652. 2682. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for 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 (OTR). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. It should be noted that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Occupational Therapy Program Academic Standards

The Occupational Therapy Program admission criteria are designed to select candidates who are most likely to succeed both in the University academic environment as well as in OT professional practice. While the Program faculty is dedicated to assisting students in their professional education, the student also has responsibilities. Students enrolled in the program must demonstrate achievement in academic and clinical competencies necessary for professional practice, and meet academic standards consistent with graduate school criteria. Students must also demonstrate effective professional behavior as detailed in the Standards of Professional Behavior (see OT Student Handbook ). In order to remain in good academic standing, students must meet the following standards. These academic standards are in addition to the university academic standards as described in the Graduate Catalog and on the Philadelphia University web site.

Retention and Progression

1. Grade Point Average

1. A minimum overall 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in Occupational Therapy coursework must be maintained each semester. A semester GPA below 3.0 will result in probation for the following semester.

2. If the semester GPA is below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters, the student will be suspended from the full-time program.

3. A student must attain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA prior to enrolling in Level II fieldwork courses.

4. A student must achieve a minimum overall 3.0 GPA to be eligible to graduate.

5. A student may not receive more than two grades below B- while in the OT Program.

6. If a grade of “F” is obtained in a non-fieldwork course, the student will be dismissed from the program.

7. If there is more than 12 months of inactivity in coursework, or there are more than 12 months since completion of the last Level II fieldwork, students will be required to repeat all of the assessment and intervention courses, or demonstrate academic and clinical competency in each of these courses, via examination, to be eligible to graduate.

2. Competency Grading

1. Each student is expected to pass every competency on the first attempt with a minimum passing grade of 80%. If unsuccessful, the student will be allowed one retake of the competency; the highest grade that can be earned will be 80%.

2. Students must earn a competency grade average of 80% or higher within each course. Students who are unable to earn the minimum 80% average must enter into a remediation program defined by the course faculty.

3. Each student is expected to demonstrate proficiency in all safety items in order to successfully pass the competency.

3. Fieldwork

1. Students must receive satisfactory reports and evaluations from all fieldwork educators to receive fieldwork credit (“CR”).

2. If a grade of “NC” (no credit) is obtained in a fieldwork, the student must develop a written plan of self-correction prior to being placed in another fieldwork. A fieldwork may be repeated only once, and the student must achieve a “CR” (credit) grade on the second attempt. If a student receives a grade of “NC” in two fieldwork courses, the student will be dismissed from the program.

3. Students receiving a “NC” grade, including “W” (withdrawal”) in fieldwork will be placed on probation. The student must re-register and repeat the fieldwork in order to progress in the program. Repetition of a fieldwork could delay graduation. Withdrawal for medical or personal reasons, and approved by program faculty, will not result in probation.

4. A student must earn a grade of “CR” in all fieldwork in order to graduate.

Probation, Suspension and Dismissal

1. Probation -- students whose academic records include one or more of the following will be placed on academic probation:

1. A student who has a cumulative grade point average below 3.0.

2. A student who has received grades below “B-“ in two courses.

3. A student who receives a grade of “C+” or “C“ in any course will be placed on probation for the next semester. Probation for two consecutive semesters will result in suspension. Probation for three semesters will result in dismissal.

4. A student who receives verbal or written reports from fieldwork educators indicating non-adherence to site regulations, site schedule, ethical standards of conduct, or engagement in behavior that puts patient/ client safety at risk.

5. A student who violates the OT Program’s Standards of Professional Behavior or AOTA Code of Ethics .

2. Suspension

1. Suspension means that the student may not progress in the full time program. A program of remediation will occur during a pre-determined time period. The student must successfully complete remediation activities in order to re-enter the program. Students who are unsuccessful with remediation activities will be dismissed.

2. Since the program is a lock-step curriculum, courses that were not successfully completed cannot be repeated until the following year. A second suspension results in dismissal.

3. Repeated violations of the OT Program’s Standards of Professional Behavior or AOTA Code of Ethics are also grounds for suspension.

3. Dismissal -- students whose academic records include one or more of the following will be dismissed:

1. Student fails to meet minimum academic standards listed above.

2. Student receives a grade of “F” in a non-fieldwork course.

3. Student fails or receives “NC” in two fieldwork courses.

4. Student has two suspensions.

5. Student has three probations.

6. Student displays egregious conduct that violates professional and/or legal standards, and/or University regulations regarding academic and professional conduct.

Students who are dismissed from the OT Program for academic conduct or any other reason are not typically readmitted. In special circumstances, dismissed students may be considered for re-entry. A student who is academically dismissed from the OT Program may apply for readmission only after a period of at least one year. To be considered for re-entry students must have developed and implemented an action plan that would facilitate successful academic performance. Refer to the re-entry policy in the OT Program Student Handbook for further information.

7. Students who withdraw from the OT Program may have their records reviewed for possible readmission by program faculty. Readmission will be determined by the faculty based on this review and any additional criteria required at the discretion of the faculty. Refer to the University catalog for further information regarding procedures.

Level II Fieldwork

1. Certification for Level II Fieldwork -- students must have demonstrated: 1) the ability to meet the academic and program standards outlined in the OT Student Handbook , and 2) effective interpersonal communication, professional behavior, and judgment necessary for the field setting to be recommended by the faculty for fieldwork.

1. By the terms of the University’s contractual agreement with fieldwork sites, only students who have satisfactorily completed the requisite professional courses and demonstrate safety and proficiency in all competencies will be placed in fieldwork.

2. Faculty will formally review all students’ progress at the end of the spring semester of the second year of professional coursework (or equivalent) to ensure that students are demonstrating mastery of material and are ready for Level II fieldwork. This appraisal includes a review of students’ grades, clinical skills, and professional behavior. Faculty retains the final decision to approve students for fieldwork placements.

3. Students who frequently display unprofessional behavior and/or judgment, or who are unable to address professional behavior concerns that have been identified by faculty, will be required to appear before a sub-group of the OT Program faculty that includes at a minimum the fieldwork coordinator, program director, and faculty advisor. This faculty group may impose sanctions which can include probation, suspension or dismissal from the program, and/or delay the student from engaging in the fieldwork portion of the curriculum.

4. Students must successfully complete Level II fieldwork within 15 months beyond the date of completion of the final didactic semester or repeat selected course(s), and/or demonstrate academic and clinical competency in selected course(s) prior to beginning fieldwork experiences.

5. Failure to complete a fieldwork or having to be removed from a placement may result in a student’s dismissal from the program. Students who need to repeat more than one Level II fieldwork due to unsatisfactory performance will be dismissed from the program.