College of Education and Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy Department

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program Goals

At the successful conclusion of the Salus OTD program, students will:

• Have acquired, as a foundation for professional study, a breadth and depth of knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences and an understanding of issues related to diversity
• Be educated as a generalist with a broad exposure to the delivery models and systems used in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced. and where it is emerging as a service
• Have achieved entry-level competence through a combination of academic and fieldwork education
• Be prepared to articulate and apply Occupational Therapy theory and evidence-based evaluations and interventions to achieve expected outcomes as related to occupation
• Be prepared to be a lifelong learner, and keep current with evidence-based professional practice
• Uphold the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the Occupational Therapy profession
• Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant in the supervisory process
• Be prepared to advocate as a professional for the Occupational Therapy services offered and for the recipients of those services
• Be prepared to be an effective consumer of the latest research and knowledge bases that support practice, and contribute to the growth and dissemination of research and knowledge
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of delivery models, policies, and systems related to the area of practice in settings where Occupational Therapy currently is practiced, and where it is emerging as a service
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of evidence-based practice
• Demonstrate active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy
• Relate theory to practice and demonstrate synthesis of advanced knowledge in a practice area through completion of a culminating project
• Develop in-depth experience in one or more of the following areas through completion of a doctoral experiential component: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.

(Accreditation standards for a doctoral-level degree educational program for the Occupational Therapist.  Am J Occup Ther, 61 (6), 641-651.)

04/04/2012