Master of Occupational Therapy

From the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center

• The Profession
• The U of M Program
  
• Accreditation
• Admission Information
• First Steps Sessions

The Profession

“Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the ‘skills for the job of living’ necessary for independent and satisfying lives.” [American Occupational Therapy Association, 2005]

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities or injuries that interfere with their ability to engage in daily activities. Occupational therapy can prevent injury or the worsening of existing conditions or disabilities, promoting independence in those who may otherwise require institutionalization or other long-term care.

Services occupational therapists may provide typically include:

• Customized treatment programs to improve one’s ability to perform daily activities
• Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
• Performance skills assessments and treatment
• Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
• Guidance to family members and caregivers
  [American Occupational Therapy Association, 2005]

Occupational therapists serve as vital members of a treatment team; they consult with physicians, physical and speech therapists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, vocational counselors, teachers, other specialists, and family members. They work in a wide range of settings including schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

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About the U of M Program

The University of Minnesota’s program in occupational therapy, as part of the Center for Allied Health Programs with the Academic Health Center, has as its goal to meet the health care needs of the state and the nation. The curriculum is offered through a learner-centered hybrid (blended) learning model that uses the latest online, web-based, technology enhanced learning strategies, and active on-campus lab and classroom experiences. The Master of Occupational Therapy degree is granted by the University’s Twin Cities campus.

Students come to campus several times each semester for face-to-face interaction with other students and faculty. These on-campus sessions increase in frequency across the semesters. Students enroll for a minimum of 22 months of study, taking 58 credits of predetermined academic coursework, 6 scholarly project credits, and a minimum of 12 credits of fieldwork education (960 hours). Optional fieldwork is available in several specialty areas. The required fieldwork must be completed within 24 months of finishing academic coursework.

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Accreditation

The program in occupational therapy is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Graduates are eligible for examination by the national certifying agency.

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Admission Information

Preparation for a degree in occupational therapy:

• A U.S. bachelor’s degree in any field except occupational therapy from an accredited college or university or equivalent international institution.
• A preferred undergraduate overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
• A preferred G.P.A. of 2.8 or higher in prerequisite courses (such as introduction to occupational therapy, human anatomy, human physiology, general and abnormal psychology, human development, statistics, medical terminology, sociology, and art).
• Work and volunteer experiences in occupational therapy and health related areas are recommended, though not required.
• An orientation to occupational therapy course. If this course is not available at your school, the University of Minnesota offers an online course through the College of Continuing Education.

An online application will be available by October 15 for admission in Fall of the following year. Applications will be processed and reviewed following a February 15 priority date. Applications will continue to be accepted after that date on a rolling basis until the Rochester and Minneapolis classes are filled.

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First Steps Sessions

These information sessions are appropriate for students just beginning their academic careers, students who are working on their prerequisites for application, and students planning a career change.

The planned agenda includes:

• A definition of occupational therapy
• Career outlook
• Prerequisite courses and expectations
• Course planning strategies
• Application process
• Profile of previous accepted students
• Options for health careers

First Steps Session dates and times are available at www.ot.umn.edu/ot/Admissions/first_step_meetings.html.

Reservations are preferred, but not required. Contact otprog@umn.edu and please specify which performance site and date you would like to attend the session. You may also contact the Rochester coordinator at 507-280-4643.

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