Click here for information about the Graduate Occupational Therapy Department

Dr. Nicolas Van Den Heever, Director, School of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Kay Graham, Chair Occupational Therapy-Gainesville Day Program
Dr. Jeannie Craig, Chair Occupational Therapy-North Atlanta Day Program - Norcross
Dr. Krisi Probert, Chair Occupational Therapy-North Atlanta Evening Program - Norcross

Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Preparation

Occupational therapy is a health profession which is committed to helping all people participate in necessary and meaningful activities of life. The School of Occupational Therapy provides graduate education programs preparing students to become occupational therapists who excel in Practice, Inquiry and Advocacy. Building on and continuing the values of liberal education, students are guided to become excellent practitioners in diverse settings, to improve the profession by engaging in practice scholarship, and to provide leadership and advocacy ranging from local to international levels. In conjunction with its educational mission, the School engages with the larger professional and client community to encourage high quality services and to advocate for the health and participation of people, organizations and populations through meaningful occupation.

Degrees Offered  Please see a detailed list at the end of this section of majors and courses offered by the School of Occupational Therapy.

Undergraduate Information/ Preparation for the M.S.O.T.

Students enter the Occupational Therapy program at the graduate level. Students with any undergraduate major will be considered for admission to the M.S.O.T. program as long as they have met the program pre-requisites . There are several majors at Brenau specifically designed to provide the undergraduate preparation for entry into the M.S.O.T. program. Students who take the substantial portion of their undergraduate work at Brenau are given preference in admission if all admission requirements are met. Please click on the links below for the information specific to these options.

• Post Baccalaureate Pre-Occupational Therapy Program  for those with prior degrees: Students who already possess a bachelor’s degree and who wish to take program pre-requisites may enroll in the Pre-OT Post Baccalaureate Program which consists of all program pre-requisite courses. Students may choose this option if they wish to complete some or all of the required M.S.O.T. pre-requisite courses at Brenau.
• Health Science (B.S.) [Pre-OT]  
• Psychology (B.S.) [Pre-OT]  
• Dance (B.A.) - with Pre-OT concentration  
• Accelerated M.S.O.T. admission for those without a bachelor’s degree: Highly qualified applicants without a bachelor’s degree who meet program criteria may to apply directly to the M.S.O.T. program 

Accreditation  The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist 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. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Center for Productive Living

The Center for Productive Living (CPL) housed within the School of Occupational Therapy provides services to the community while at the same time providing educational opportunities for Brenau students. The Center reflects the School’s commitment to promote health through engagement in life by facilitating opportunities for all individuals to participate in purpousful and meaningful occupations of their choice. Further, the center provides students and faculty members, as well as clients and community members, the opportunity to engage in activities which help remove barriers to social participation.

Services are provided by occupational therapy students with supervision from licensed occupational therapists. The program is scheduled each semester based on both community and student learning needs. The CPL is located at the School of Occupational Therapy at Brenau East located at 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville, GA 30501, with additional programs offered at the North Atlanta (Norcross) Campus Occupational Therapy Department located at 3139 Campus Drive, Norcross, GA 30071. For information about services, please call (678) 707-5010.
 

Center for Clinical and Professional Reasoning

The mission of the Center for Clinical and Professional Reasoning (CPRC) is to promote effective professional practice through educational activities designed to stimulate systematic examination of current practices, as well as to promote the infusion of reasoning practices most likely to result in efficient and effective client outcomes. The CPRC provides a nexus for resources, scholarship and professional development activities, all designed to understand and promote effective professional reasoning in practice. Students are engaged in a professional process of reflection practice through coursework, fieldwork and research. Practitioners are engaged in practice improvement through collaboration with Brenau faculty members in research, workshops, seminars and consultation experiences, and development of publications and presentations to national and international audiences. The Center is located in the School of Occupational Therapy, at Brenau East, 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville, GA 30501. For information about the Center, contact Dr. Barbara Schell, Professor Emeritus, School of Occupational Therapy, at bschell@brenau.edu.

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Occupational Therapy Graduate Information

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The School of Occupational Therapy offers its entry level degree program at the graduate level, the Master of Science Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T) which is a professional entry program. The program is offered in three program tracks at two different locations: Gainesville and North Atlanta-Norcross. All programs are cohort programs.

Purpose
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) is for students who have a bachelor’s degree and who wish to become occupational therapists. The program is designed to meet the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards for entry level professional education and to provide advanced graduate education in occupational therapy.

About Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a health profession which is committed to helping all people participate in the activities of life. Occupations are activities that bring meaning to the daily lives of individuals, families, and communities and which enable them to participate in society. Examples of occupational activities include self-care, home management, work, play, education and community life. The profession is based in the belief that all individuals have a need and right to engage in meaningful occupations throughout their lives. Participation in these occupations influences human development, health and well-being across the life course, and is fundamental to a just and equitable society. Occupational therapy practitioners conceptualize occupations as both a means and an end to therapy. That is, there is therapeutic value in occupational engagement as a change agent, and engagement in occupations is also the ultimate goal of therapy.

Educational Outcomes: Professional Entry M.S.O.T Program

Together with our Community of Practice—faculty, alumni, clinical educators, and students—the M.S.O.T. program prepares its graduates to excel in Professional Practice, Scientific Inquiry and Advocacy. Brenau graduates are reflective, pragmatic scholars who use effective professional reasoning to engage in innovative, ethical, science-driven and culturally-relevant therapeutic practice. Our graduates value life-long personal and professional growth and share a commitment to contributing to the wider body of professional knowledge through scientific endeavors and scholarship. Finally, we endeavor to educate occupational therapists who will provide transformative leadership at the local, state, national and international levels within the profession and society at large.
Specific educational goals are to develop occupational therapists who can:

1. Provide high quality professional occupational therapy services in diverse practice environments including medical, educational and community settings.

1. Collaborate with individuals and groups in the identification of service goals:
2. Evaluate occupational performance history, capacities and limitations;
3. Identify the influence of personal factors and developmental status affecting performance;
4. Evaluate contextual factors affecting occupational performance;
5. Design and provide services to maintain, improve and prevent limitations in occupational performance; and
6. Develop programs to promote healthy access and participation in society.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in:

1. Program design and development,
2. Community and population-based care and,
3. Selected specialty practices.

3. Communicate professionally in written and oral form using applicable technological resources.

4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of occupational therapy and occupational science theories and their utility for guiding practice and research.

5. Conduct and use research to inform practice:

1. Understand and use a range of research designs and methods.
2. Access and critically evaluate evidence to inform practice decisions and program planning.
3. Collaborate in designing and conducting research relevant to practice.
4. Communicate research findings in order to contribute to client and professional knowledge.

6. Participate in life-long professional development through:

1. Critical reflection on practice,
2. Identification and implementation of professional development plans.

7. Participate in life-long personal development related to self-awareness, spirituality, and life-time fitness.

8. Contribute to the development of the profession through ongoing professional activities.

9. Reflect the values and attitudes of the profession through ethical practice.

10. Analyze socio-cultural factors affecting practice, including organizational, legal and global/political issues.

11. Advocate for societal acceptance of individuals with occupational performance problems in order to support access to and participation in desired activities.

Please see the Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)  program for prerequisite and graduation requirements.

M.S.O.T. Program Locations 

The program is offered at two different locations (Gainesville and North Atlanta/Norcross) with three program tracks: Gainesville-day program, North Atlanta/Norcross day program, North Atlanta/Norcross weekend program. All programs are cohort programs. All program tracks are full time, with high course loads. Students can expect to devote the majority of their time each week in class meetings, fieldwork, and assignments regardless of the program track selected.

Day Program-Gainesville is a seven semester weekday program. Students attend classes and fieldwork 4-5 days each weekday (and occasional evenings) on ground, supplemented by online work.  There are two full time fieldwork semesters towards the end of the program. Students enter in the Fall Semester (August), and deadlines for admission to this program track are in the preceding December.  Students are advised that there is very limited time for outside employment, primarily on weekends.

Hybrid Day Program-North Atlanta/Norcross is a seven semester hybrid weekday program.  Students attend class and fieldwork 3 days/evenings a week on ground and spend significant time in coursework online between class meeting times. The last two semesters are full-time fieldwork. Students enter in the summer, and deadlines for admission to the program are in the preceding October. Students are advised that there is very limited time for outside employment, but with some flexibility regarding weekday work hours.  

Hybrid Weekend Program- North Atlanta/Norcross is a nine semester hybrid weekend program. Students attend on-ground classes on Friday afternoons and evenings and Saturdays for 8-9 weekends per semester. Students have a significant amount of online coursework every week. Six to eight hours of fieldwork during the weekday is required in some semesters, in addition to two full-time fieldwork semesters at the end. Students enter in the spring semester and deadlines for admission to the program are in May of the preceding year. Students are advised that the program typically requires 30-40 hours of time every week, but allows for weekday flexibility for employment or family obligations.

Admission Process

 The Brenau School of Occupational Therapy participates in the Occupational Therapy Centralized Applications Service, known as OTCAS. Students wishing to be considered for admission to the occupational therapy program need to complete a full application package including both the online OTCAS application and the Brenau Graduate Application and must submit both completed applications by the published deadlines scheduled approximately 6-8 months prior to the start of any of the MSOT programs. The OTCAS application requires each applicant to include the following: 1) three professional references, 2) documentation of observation/shadowing hours in at least two different occupational therapy practice settings, and 3) a copy of official transcripts from all previous institutions. To learn more about the OTCAS application process, visit the OTCAS website. Documents submitted for admission through the OTCAS system will count as official submissions to the University.

Due to the competitive nature of the program applications, meeting admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Students who meet the admission requirements may be invited to participate in an interview and to submit an additional writing sample.  Applications are evaluated based on the admission requirements.  A wait list of qualified students is maintained until the program track cohort is filled and classes start.

Admission Requirements  Admission to the M.S.O.T. program is highly competitive. There is no graduate entrance examination (GRE/MAT) requirement, but the following academic and other admission criteria must be met for consideration.

1. Overall GPA of 3.0 in college course work.
2. Successful completion (no grade below C) of all prerequisite courses by the end of the semester before starting the program. Combined GPA of 3.0 in these prerequisites.
3. Basic understanding of the profession.

• Evidence of sustained volunteer, work or life experience with individuals who have disabilities.
• Evidence of volunteer or observations of occupational therapy in two different settings (no minimum number of hours required).
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and potential to work in a therapeutic relationship.

4. Three recommendations, using OTCAS form. One must be from an occupational therapist, and all from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s work and potential for occupational therapy.
5. Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Writing sample.
• Interview.

International Applicants:

Applicants with F-1 Visa must complete the following by the program deadline:

• Course-by-course NACES-approved transcript evaluation for any non-US courses to be sent directly to Brenau University.

International Student English Language Requirement: Proficiency in the English language can be proven through submission of a minimum of one of the following:

• ACT composite score of 19
• IELTS score of 6
• SAT total of 900 (verbal 450)
• Test of English as a Modern Language (TOEFL) score of 527 (Paper based test)
• Test of English as a Modern Language (TOEFL) score of 213 (Computer based test)
• Test of English as a Modern Language (TOEFL) score of 71 (Internet-based test).
• Or a grade of “C” or better in EH 101 & EH 102 from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Accelerated M.S.O.T. admission for those without a bachelor’s degree

This accelerated admission entry is designed for academically strong undergraduates who meet all program requirements except the bachelor’s degree. In this program, students will proceed from the end of their junior year (or equivalent 90 hours) directly into graduate studies. At the completion of the occupational therapy program, they will be awarded an M.S.O.T.; no bachelor’s degree is awarded. Students interested in this option are advised that there may be financial aid implications associated with an early move to graduate status; therefore, they are encouraged to work with their financial aid and academic advisors prior to deciding on this option.

Admission criteria for accelerated program:

1. 90 hours of completed coursework with an overall GPA of 3.4 or better

• 9 of the 90 undergraduate credit hours must be upper division courses (300-400 level).
• 75 credit hours must be completed at time of application.

2. B or better in all completed pre-OT requirements:
3. A minimum 18 of the required 25 pre-requisite hours completed at time of application.

Factors that would be considered for such students would include a strong GPA (3.4 or better), a prior OTA degree and/or other relevant work experience.

Progression Policies and Procedures

The following academic requirements must be met for students to remain classified in good standing in the occupational therapy (OT) program, therefore earning the right to continue in the program:

1. Consistent with the Brenau Graduate School requirements, a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA must be maintained by students in the M.S.O.T. program to be considered in good standing.

1. Academic Probation: If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on Academic Probation by the university.
2. Academic Suspension: Students will be placed on Academic Suspension by the university following a second semester cumulative GPA below 3.0. Students who are placed on Academic Suspension by the university will automatically be dismissed from the OT program. Refer to the Brenau Catalog for information on Graduate Academic Probation and Academic Suspension.

2. Students who receive below a C in any occupational therapy course will be dismissed from the OT program and placed on Academic Suspension.
3. Courses within the M.S.O.T. curriculum may have higher grade requirements. These will be published in the course syllabus and must be met in order for students to remain in good standing and progress in the curriculum. Failure to meet the course requirement will results in dismissal from the OT program.
4. Students have the option to apply for reinstatement to the OT program one time. Reinstatement is not automatic. If a student is reinstated in to the OT program, courses with  a grade of “D” or “F” must be repeated and successfully completed with a grade of “B” or higher prior to continuing progression in the program. If the failed course has a corresponding lecture or lab course, that course must be simultaneously audited. Students may be required to complete additional coursework or meet specified criteria in order to be reinstated.
5. Pending successful completion of repeated courses, reinstated students will join the next available cohort in the same program track to which they were originally admitted.
6. All reinstated students will be placed and remain on academic probation.
7. Students must demonstrate satisfactory professional behaviors, ethical and safe behavior in all classes and field work. Documentation of unsatisfactory ratings of professional behavior in two or more semesters can be grounds for dismissal from the program.
8. Level II Fieldwork must be successfully completed within 24 months of the academic program completion.
9. Students must complete the degree within 150% of the published length of the program.

Reinstatement Procedures

1. Students who are suspended from the university and dismissed from the OT program will receive a letter of notification from the university Registrar. Students have two weeks to apply for reinstatement to the OT program and the university.
2. The student must meet with his or her Academic Advisor to discuss the dismissal from the OT program.
3. To apply for reinstatement to the university and the OT program, students must submit a formal letter to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs requesting reinstatement within two weeks of notification as outlined in the Graduate section of the catalog. A copy of the letter should be submitted to the OT Academic Advisor and Department Chair.
4. The OT Academic Advisor and the Department Chair will review the request for reinstatement and determine if the student’s case should go through the expedited OT Progression Committee to permit quick reinstatement or go through the full Progression Committee review which requires additional time for completion. Students may be asked to provide additional information to the Progression Committee which will provide recommendations to the Academic Advisor and Department Chair regarding reinstatement. The Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs will consult with the student’s Department Chair from the occupational therapy program regarding recommendations for reinstatement to the program. In the case of a full Progression Committee review, it is the Department Chair’s responsibility to notify the Provost regarding whether restatement is to be recommended.
5. The Provost issues a letter to the student regarding the decision. If reinstated, the student must then follow up with the Academic Advisor to determine next steps regarding return into the program
6. When students are dismissed from the OT program, but not suspended from the university, they may request reinstatement to the occupational therapy program through a formal letter submitted to the Department Chair of the program track (Gainesville Day, Norcross Day, or Norcross Weekend).

OT Grading Scale

Criteria for grading will be discussed at the beginning of each course and will be included in the course syllabi. Unless otherwise specified, the grading scale is:

Attendance requirements

All grades and evaluations earned by the student and issued by the faculty are based upon the quality of the student’s overall academic performance both in and out of class. Students are expected to attend and participate in class regularly and to contact course instructors for any absence. Within the M.S.O.T. program, the instructors and course syllabi may incorporate stricter attendance policies which supersede those described below. Students are to assume responsibility for meeting all requirements as specified in the course syllabus.

Gainesville and Norcross Day Programs
Students who miss more than 20 percent of the scheduled class sessions for whatever reason may be removed from the class with a failing grade due to non-attendance and non-participation.

Norcross Weekend Program
Due to the limited number of on-ground class sessions, students who miss more than one class period or the equivalent (which is four hours) may be at risk for receiving a failing grade due to non-attendance and non-participation.

Special Fees and Expenses

In addition to the University tuition and fees, students are responsible for additional expenses for fieldwork, lab fees, and textbooks for selected courses and other required certifications, examinations, coverage, and memberships needed for completion of the M.S.O.T. program.

• Textbooks tend to be expensive, but are used across the program and as professional references once in the field. Each semester, students must check the Campus Web schedule where there is a feature to assist in generating the textbook list. Direct questions regarding textbook editions and formats to the course instructor.
• E*Value database Students are charged a onetime $300 fee for the E*Value web database to maintain health records and other professional resources including a professional portfolio. Students retain access to E*Value for a period of time after graduation from the program.
• Fieldwork Expenses Students must be able to provide their own transportation to fieldwork sites. Level I Fieldwork sites may occur within a 90 minute drive of the campus or student’s home. Students should plan early in their curriculum for potential future costs associated with Level II fieldwork, to include travel (at least one Level II may occur out of area/state), housing, site required clothing, additional background requirements, immunizations, etc. as listed below.

1. Students may have to pay transportation, parking and meals during fieldwork experiences.
2. Students may have to pay for random drug tests required either by the program or the fieldwork site.
3. Students are expected to pay for criminal background checks at the beginning of the program for Brenau University and possibly for the fieldwork sites.
4. Students are expected to pay any costs associated with immunizations required by the program and fieldwork sites.
5. Students may need to pay additional fees associated by fieldwork sites related to management of student records during the fieldwork experience.
6. Students are also expected to cover tuition costs and living expenses related to the two required full-time (typically 12 week) fieldwork experiences (OT 715 and OT 716). In addition, these fieldwork experiences typically require working over 40 hours per week, making it extremely difficult to work during the completion of these experiences. Therefore, students must plan well in advance to cover all of their costs for the semester that they are in full-time fieldwork.

• Laptop computer Students will find that the program practices necessitate a laptop computer which meets specifications consistent with Brenau IT guidelines available on the Brenau IT web page. The University charges a Technology Fee each semester. For fee costs and what is covered refer to that section of the Catalog. Students are required to own a computer that has sufficient memory for the use of streaming video or audio, as well as significant word and data processing. At present, the Microsoft Office Suite is the standard product used by all instructors, so students are expected to have computers that have compatible software for all coursework.
• Liability Insurance is provided by the University and is not valid after the student leaves the program.
• Tuition and University Fees are the same as those published in the Catalog.
• Lab/Course Fees are assigned as needed to cover consumable materials, such as supplies, assessments, and NBCOT tests used in the course of teaching. These are posted online in the course listings. Fees are paid at the time of registration.
• State and National Professional Organizations Students are expected to obtain and remain members of the student, state and national professional organizations, and can obtain fee costs from the relevant organizations as noted in the School of Occupational Therapy Handbook. Proof of membership is required within two courses in the M.S.O.T. program.
• Thesis Project expenses typically range from $200-600 per thesis team member which includes costs associated with conducting the research. Depending upon the Thesis delivery method chosen by the Thesis Chair, there may be costs for creating posters and/or presentations and/or duplicating and binding the finished thesis.
• Graduation fees are posted by the registrar and listed in the Catalog.
• NBCOT Certification Examination fees currently are approximately $515. This examination is taken after earning the M.S.O.T. degree which includes both academic and fieldwork components.

If for any reason a student is unable to comply with required fees and deadlines, the student is expected to notify his or her advisor in a timely manner, so that the student may be referred to the appropriate financial support resources.

Health and Other Special Requirements

Because of the intensive clinical work in a variety of health settings, the following additional requirements must be met upon admission to the program and renewed as needed throughout the program. Students will be notified of due dates for fees and documentation for these requirements. Students must pay these fees in order to start classes each year.

1. Record of immunization (PPD, MMR, Hepatitis B, varicella/chicken pox, and DPT)
2. TB Testing
3. Results of a yearly physical examination
4. CPR at the basic health care provider level
5. Health Insurance
6. Documentation supporting reasonable accommodations for fieldwork (if needed)
7. Completed Background Check (must be completed with Advantage student prior to first semester in program)
8. A signed copy of the “Rights and Responsibilities of Student” form
9. Universal Precaution/OSHA and Safety Training
10. Student Data Form (must be updated yearly)

Course Sequence and Requirements  The professional entry program tracks are scheduled as cohort programs, and courses are generally offered only once a year in each program site. Course sequences for each program track location are available on the web site.

Essential Functions  Admitted students are required to meet essential functions necessary for an occupational therapy student. A list of these is available from the School of Occupational Therapy, the Student Handbook, and is also on the School website. Reasonable accommodations are provided consistent with Brenau Policies.

General Certification and Licensure Requirements  Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist 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. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination. All applicants should be aware that the certification and licensing boards have the right to refuse to grant occupational therapy certification and/or licenses to any individuals regardless of their educational credentials under circumstances of

• Falsification of application for certification/licensure
• Conviction of a felony or crime of moral turpitude
• Other moral and legal violations specified in relevant state laws. 

Any applicant who thinks they may have an applicable situation should talk with the Occupational Therapy Department Chair for their program location. This should be done either prior to admission or shortly thereafter.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

The School of Occupational Therapy offers a post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree.

Purpose

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is designed for practicing occupational therapists who want to advance practice and their professional development. This doctoral program is based on the belief that advanced practice in occupational therapy requires a synthesis of expert knowledge, effective professional reasoning, and the ability to communicate and share knowledge with others. The program curriculum integrates the Brenau University School of Occupational Therapy philosophy by preparing students to advance and excel in their ability to engage and lead in practice, inquiry and advocacy.

In this program, students engage in mindful and ongoing examination of their experiences and assumptions about practice as they learn more about emerging theories, research, and clinical practice. The OTD curriculum prepares students to advance practice and their professional development through multiple routes including scholarship; leadership; program development and management; skill with evidence based practice; education of students, practitioners co-workers, clients, families, and communities; promotion and engagement in clinical research; development of new businesses; and/or gaining support and funding for their goals.

Educational Outcomes: Post-Professional OTD Program

Upon completion of the OTD program, students will be able to:

1. Clearly articulate their professional reasoning and support the development of professional reasoning in others.
2. Facilitate and promote ethical leadership in practice, education, and clinical research.
3. Find, evaluate, and incorporate research evidence when making practice and programmatic decisions.
4. Develop new programs that meet societal needs for participation in occupations.
5. Find and solicit support and/or funding for advanced practice, clinical research, and/or educational initiatives.
6. Critically review and synthesize information about the multiple and complex factors that influence practice and professional roles.
7. Develop and provide education to adults in diverse health and education contexts based upon best practices in learning theory and teaching methods
8. Effectively disseminate information about projects or programs in both oral and written formats.

OTD Program Location This program will be conducted primarily online. Students will be required to attend one two-day weekend each semester, on either the Gainesville or the North Atlanta/Norcross campus. All programs are cohort programs.

Admissions Process

Post-Professional OTD students will be admitted in the fall. The OTD committee will review applications from practicing therapists who meet the admission requirements including a letter of intent that details their professional interests in an OTD degree. Applications are evaluated based on the admission requirements and will continue until the cohort is filled.

Admission Requirements Admission to the OTD program is competitive. There is no graduate entrance examination (GRE/MAT) requirement, but the following academic and other admission criteria must be met for consideration.

1. Currently practicing and licensed occupational therapist
2. Master’s degree or at least 30 credits of graduate coursework, and official transcripts
3. Minimum overall GPA in college and graduate coursework of 3.0
4. Letter of intent describing professional goals, interests, potential capstone interest with potential contributions to occupational therapy practice
5. Resume
6. Three professional references who can be contacted and can address the applicant’s professional abilities, academic and leadership potential.

Progression Requirements

The following requirements must be met for students to remain classified as in good standing in the OTD program, therefore earning the right to continue in the program:

1. Consistent with the Graduate School requirements, a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA must be maintained while at Brenau to be considered in good standing. Refer to the Brenau Catalog for information. Students who do not meet university academic standards will be dismissed from the university as noted in the graduate portion of the catalog. Dismissal from the university results in an automatic dismissal from the OTD Program.
2. Students who achieve below a C in the OTD program will be dismissed from the program. A student who is dismissed from a program may appeal and/or reapply. Readmission is not automatic. A grade of “C ” or below requires that the course be repeated. Refer to the Brenau Catalog for procedures.
3. Courses within the OTD curriculum may have specific grade requirements for students to progress within the curriculum. The course syllabus gives information about specific grading requirements.
4. OTD students are expected to enroll in the capstone project starting their second semester and continuing with enrollment each semester until the capstone project is completed. If there are extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical, family), the OTD student may request a leave of absence and then return to resume the program.
5. OTD students are required to complete the OTD program within four years from their matriculation into the Post Professional OTD program.

Readmission after Dismissal

After being dismissed from the OTD program, a student may be readmitted one time. Formal requests for readmission to the university must be submitted to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs as outlined in the Graduate portion of the catalog. The Director of the OTD Program will advise the Provost regarding recommendations for readmission. Additional documentation may be required. The Director of the OTD Program and the Director of the School of Occupational Therapy determine the documentation required for the student’s readmission. Students may be required to complete additional coursework or meet specified criteria to be readmitted. All readmitted students will be on probation for one semester. Readmission is not automatic.

Special Fees and Expenses

• Professional Organization Memberships - Memberships in the American Occupational Therapy Association and the student’s state or regional organization are required. Information from these organizations is routinely used in coursework.
• Laptop computer - Students will find that the program practices necessitate a laptop computer which meets specifications consistent with Brenau IT guidelines available on the Brenau IT web page. The University charges a Technology Fee each semester. For fee costs and what is covered refer to that section of the Catalog. Students are required to own a computer that has sufficient memory for the use of streaming video or audio, as well as significant word and data processing. At present, the Microsoft Office Suite is the standard product used by all instructors, so students are expected to have computers that have compatible software for all coursework.
• Course Sequence and Requirements - The post-professional doctoral program courses are offered only once a year. Course sequences are available on the web site.

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Programs

• Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)
• Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.)
• Post Baccalaureate Pre-Occupational Therapy Program

Courses

• CD 230 - Human Occupation and Lifestyle Design
• CD 415 - Qualitative Research
• CD 615 - Qualitative Methods for Evidence Based Practice
• CD 616 - Quantitative Methods for Evidence Based Practice
• CD 900 - Professional Reasoning
• CD 901 - Scholarship of Practice
• CD 902 - Leadership, Ethics, and Advocacy
• CD 903 - Teaching in Practice, Community, & Classroom
• CD 904 - Program Development
• CD 905 - Program Development and Systems
• CD 906 - Adult Learning and Development
• CD 920 - Qualitative Research Methods
• CD 921 - Adv Qualitative Research Methods
• CD 922 - Intermediate Quantitative Research Methods
• CD 923 - Single Subject & Small-n Design for Practice Studios
• CD 924 - Research Systems: Organization & Support
• CD 938 - Instruments and Measurements for Practice
• CD 950 - Advanced Anatomy of the Upper Limb
• CD 951 - Advanced Neuroscience
• OT 500 - Clinical Research Project
• OT 600 - Professional Reasoning
• OT 601 - Occupational Theories in Research and Practice
• OT 603 - Foundations of Practice
• OT 603L - Foundations of Practice Lab
• OT 606 - Professional Reasoning - Client Centered Care
• OT 607 - Professional Reasoning - Adolescent/Adults
• OT 608 - Professional Reasoning - Adult/Older Adults
• OT 609 - Professional Reasoning - Infants and Children
• OT 612 - Evidence Based Practice and Professional Literacy
• OT 613 - Research Supervision 1
• OT 614 - Research Supervision 2
• OT 617 - Level 1 FW - Community Based/mental health/DD
• OT 618 - Level 1 FW - Adult and Older Adult
• OT 619 - Level 1 FW - Infants and Children
• OT 621 - Functional Kinesiology
• OT 622 - Functional Kinesiology in OT
• OT 624 - Occupational Therapy - Adolescents and Adults
• OT 626 - Occupational Therapy - Adults and Older Adults
• OT 628 - Occupational Therapy - Infants and Children
• OT 634 - Occupational Therapy Applications - Adolescent and Adults
• OT 636 - Occupational Therapy Applications - Adults and Older Adults
• OT 638 - Occupational Therapy Applications - Infants and Children
• OT 639 - Neuroscience
• OT 639L - Neuroscience Lab
• OT 640 - Supervision & Service Management
• OT 655 - OT Community Based Practice
• OT 660 - Administration Issues in Health Care
• OT 665 - Clinical Conditions - Adults and Older Adults
• OT 667 - Clinical Conditions - Infants, Children and Adolescents
• OT 670 - Occupation and Adaptation
• OT 680 - Advanced OT Process
• OT 701 - Graduate Seminar
• OT 705 - Instruments and Measurement
• OT 710 - Advanced Anatomy of the Upper Limb
• OT 711 - Research Seminar
• OT 714 - Advanced Neuroscience
• OT 715 - Level II Fieldwork
• OT 716 - Level II Fieldwork
• OT 720 - Special Topics in Occupational Therapy
• OT 721 - Thesis
• OT 722 - Supervision and Administrative Issues in OT
• OT 723 - Vision
• OT 724 - Assistive Technology
• OT 725 - Health Education and Promotion
• OT 726 - OT for Individuals with Upper Extremity Impairments
• OT 727 - Applications for the Upper Extremity
• OT 731 - Sensory Integration
• OT 745 - Specialty Elective
• OT 750 - Specialty Elective
• OT 760 - Professional Development Planning
• OT 901 - Occupational Science and Occupation-Based Practice
• OT 920 - Occupational Therapy Services for Children and Youth
• OT 921 - Assistive Technology Across the Lifespan
• OT 922 - Aging in Place Across the Lifespan
• OT 923 - Vision and Occupation
• OT 924 - Motor Control & Occupational Performance
• OT 925 - Occupational Justice
• OT 926 - OT for Individuals With Upper Extremity Impairments
• OT 930 - Current Research in Pediatric Neuroscience & Developmental Disorders
• OT 931 - Advanced Theory, Research, and Practice in Sensory Integration
• OT 932 - Motor Control Issues in Childhood
• OT 938 - Cognitive/Psychosocial Aspects of Occupational Performance
• OT 940 - Special Topics in Advanced Practice
• OT 960 - Funding for Occupational Therapy Services
• OT 990 - Capstone Project and Seminar