Walsh University is proud to announce its new Master of Occupational Therapy Program for fall 2017.
Cited as a top career for 2016 by U.S. News and World Report, Walsh’s two-year program is specifically designed to provide students with experiences in a wide variety of fieldwork settings so they understand the full scope of occupational therapy practice.
Housed within the University’s School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Walsh’s Occupational Therapy Program has identified more than 90 community partners to serve as clinical fieldwork sites in both traditional settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and schools, as well as emerging settings such as shelters and drug treatment centers. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore clinical experiences internationally through specially designed OT global learning programs.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of occupational therapy is expected to grow by 27 percent between 2014 and 2024.
"Walsh University’s mission is what sets our program apart," said Dean of the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences Pamela Ritzline, Ed.D. "Servant leadership is a shared focus between Walsh and the field of occupational therapy. The opportunities we are developing internationally and in emerging clinical sites will provide our students with a rewarding and exclusive experience that will not only benefit their own lives and careers, but also the individuals and communities they will serve locally and abroad."
Walsh also offers a Pre-Occupational Therapy Psychology major for undergraduate students. This pre-professional program provides a strong background in behaviorally based techniques for interacting with clients and a solid foundation in coursework for graduate studies.
Walsh University's School of Behavioral and Health Sciences’ mission is to be a leader in providing excellence in behavioral and health science educational programs to prepare and promote collaborative inter-professional education that inspires and prepares the graduates to improve the quality of human and community life.
The content of the academic program has been designed to cover the standards established by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) with a focus on assuring that the graduating students are able to pass the written National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists work with clients to build or restore their abilities to perform daily tasks or "occupations" by utilizing a holistic approach. Each client is evaluated to determine not only the reason abilities have been impacted, but also to establish a personalized therapy plan that considers an individual’s responsibilities and everyday environment.
Working with all age groups from infancy to elderly, and addressing physical, mental, emotional and developmental issues, some examples of Occupational Therapy include:
- Home care: Helping a patient learn to dress, drive, grocery shop, cook or take care of their children and loved ones after a stroke, accident or illness.
- Workplace: Rehabilitation or adaptation on the job following a work related injury.
- School-based: Working with a child to learn how to perform particular tasks necessary for participation and learning that can range from holding a pencil to concentrating in class.
- Overall: An emphasis on wellness promotion, rehabilitation and habilitation.
More information about this program will be available during the Graduate Information Open House on Monday, November 14, at 6 p.m., in the Walsh Barrette Business and Community Center. To register, contact Walsh Director of Graduate Admissions Audra Dice at 330.490.7181 or visit walsh.edu/graduate-programs.
Pending approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.