School of Occupational Therapy

Click here for information about the Graduate Occupational Therapy Department

Undergraduate Occupational Therapy

Barbara Schell, associate dean, College of Health & Science; director, School of Occupational Therapy

Degrees Offered The occupational therapy program leads to a Combined Degree (B.S./M.S.) in Occupational Therapy . This section concerns the undergraduate phase of the program. Graduate requirements are listed in the graduate section of the Catalog. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to enter the profession should refer to the graduate section of the Catalog under the Occupational Therapy – Professional Entry program option.

Purpose The Occupational Therapy Program prepares students to become occupational therapists who excel in Practice, Inquiry and Advocacy. The intent is three-fold: to prepare students for entry level and advanced level practice in diverse settings; to provide leadership related to advocacy at the local, state, national and international levels; and to contribute to the body of knowledge through inquiry and scholarly activities.

Program Philosophy The occupational therapy curriculum is based in the progressive tradition. The curriculum’s progressive educational position integrates effectively with the philosophical base of occupational therapy:

Humans are active beings whose development is influenced by the use of purposeful activity. Using their capacity for intrinsic motivation, human beings are able to influence their physical and mental health and their social and physical environment through purposeful activity. Human life includes a process of continuous adaptation. Adaptation is change in function that promotes survival and self-actualization. Biological, psychological and environmental factors may interrupt the adaptation process at any time throughout the life cycle. Dysfunction may occur when adaptation is impaired. Purposeful activity facilitates the adaptive process.

Occupational therapy is based on the belief that purposeful activity (occupation), including its interpersonal and environmental components, may be used to prevent and mediate dysfunction and to elicit maximum adaptation. Activity as used by the occupational therapist includes both an intrinsic and therapeutic purpose.

Occupational therapy practice requires an appreciation of the many personal and environmental factors which inter-relate in the performance of occupational tasks associated with activities of daily living, work and productive activities and play-leisure. Personal characteristics affecting performance include sensorimotor, cognitive and psychosocial attributes. These characteristics are assessed within temporal contexts which include life span development and the acuity or chronicity of the health problem affecting performance. Environmental factors affecting performance include physical, social and cultural arenas in which performance occurs. Occupational therapy interventions are often aimed at several of these variables, in order to improve performance. Therefore, students require extensive opportunities for recognizing the complexities associated with performance problems, as well as selecting and combining interventions likely to be effective. This curriculum is designed to provide the student with opportunities to use these fundamental principles as a basis for clinical reasoning in professional practice.

Educational Outcomes: B.S./M.S. Entry Level MSOT in Occupational Therapy

Specific educational goals are to develop occupational therapists who can:

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

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

Demonstrate knowledge and skills in:

Program design and development,
Community and population-based care and
selected specialty practices.

Communicate professionally in written and oral form using applicable technological resources.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of occupational therapy and occupational science theories and their utility for guiding practice and research.
Conduct and use research to inform practice:

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

Participate in life-long professional development through:

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

Participate in life-long personal development related to self-awareness, spirituality and life-time fitness
Contribute to the development of the profession through ongoing professional activities
Reflect the values and attitudes of the profession through ethical practice
Analyze socio-cultural factors affecting practice, including organizational, legal and global/political issues.
Advocate for societal acceptance of individuals with occupational performance problems in order to support access to and participation in desired activities

Program Description

Undergraduate Liberal Arts/Prerequisites All students are required to complete the liberal education requirements described in the Brenau Catalog. Transfer students with a prior degree must have comparable liberal arts courses, which are evaluated according to guidelines in the Catalog. As part of or in addition to these liberal education requirements, students must also complete the occupational therapy program prerequisites. These are listed using Brenau course designations; comparable course work from other institutions will be accepted with department approval.

Natural Science Behavioral/Social Sciences: BY 209 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I * One of the following: CY 103 - Principles of Chemistry * BY 105 - Human Biology * BY 206 - Microbiology * PS 121 - General College Physics I * Other department approved lab science (4)	Behavioral/Social Sciences: PY 101 - Introduction to Psychology * PY 202 - Survey of Human Growth and Development * PY 309 - Abnormal Psychology AY 101 - Introduction To Anthropology * - or - SY 101 - Introduction To Sociology *
Arts: AR 110 - Three-Dimensional Design AR 115 - Ceramics I AR 206 - Sculpture I AR 226 - Wheel Throwing other approved AR course

It is expected that students will possess basic skills using Microsoft office, email and the internet.

Professional Preparation Phase (3 Years) Students accepted to the day program typically start in the fall and continue for eight semesters with one summer off. Students accepted to the evening/weekend begin spring semester and continue for 10 semesters. The undergraduate portion focuses on the development of entry-level clinical skills, with extensive Level I fieldwork experiences in medical, educational and community-based practices. The graduate portion of the program addresses the development of applied clinical research skills, advanced theory in practice and administration and the acquisition of selected post-entry level practice skills. Two full-time Level II Fieldwork Experiences are required. Students who wish to attend school part time may choose an extended program of study.

Accreditation In order to be eligible for certification, licensure and in many cases, employment, students must graduate from an accredited program. In occupational therapy, the accrediting body is 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. AOTA’s telephone number is (301) 652-2682.

Both Occupational Therapy programs are full accredited by ACOTE.

General Certification and Licensure Requirements

Students must complete BOTH the undergraduate and graduate phases of the program to be eligible for credentialing as an occupational therapist.

After completion of the M.S., graduates 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). Most states require licensure to practice occupational therapy. State licenses are typically based in part on the results of 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.

An applicant who thinks she may have an applicable situation should talk with the department chair early in her program of study.

Admission

Brenau Students Students attending Brenau University who are pre-OT majors will be invited to apply to the occupational therapy program as soon as they have completed the majority of their pre-requisite coursework, which is generally in early spring of the sophomore year. When a Brenau pre-OT student has completed 30 semester hours of coursework, the student will be advised to complete the supplemental Occupational Therapy Application. Students who have or plan to complete at least 24 hours of pre-requisite coursework at Brenau and who meet all admission criteria are eligible for preferred admission.

Transfer Students Transfer students are routinely accepted into the program and exceptionally qualified students may be granted early admission status. A student who wishes to be considered for admission to the occupational therapy program should complete a Brenau application. Students who meet G.P.A. requirements will be invited to complete additional program application requirements, which include an interview, on-site writing sample and references. In order to facilitate appropriate advisement, transfer students are encouraged to apply for University admission early and no later than one full semester prior to the year in which the student wishes to start the program. Inquiries regarding the transfer process may be directed to the Admissions Office.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applications are evaluated based in admission requirements. All Brenau pre-OT majors who meet the admission criteria are accepted in order of cumulative ranking. Transfer students who have been granted early admission status and meet criteria are also admitted. All other students who meet the criteria are considered until the class is filled. An alternate list of qualified students is maintained until confirmation is obtained on all vacant positions in the class.

Minimum Admission Criteria

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:
Overall GPA of 3.0 in college course work.

Individuals who have had discontinuous college experiences and who do not meet this criterion may be considered if the most recent 24 semester credit hours meets the requirement. These individuals must meet all other criteria.

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.

Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and potential to work in a therapeutic relationship.

Three letters recommendation, (one must be from an occupational therapist) who are knowledgeable of the applicants work and potential for occupational therapy.
Interview

Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.

Writing sample on admission form and on site.
Interview.

Essential Functions Admitted students are required to meet essential functions necessary for an occupational therapy student. A list of these is available from the department. Reasonable accommodations are provided consistent with Brenau Policies.

Progression Requirements

The following requirements must be met for students to remain classified as in good standing in the undergraduate portion of the occupational therapy program, therefore earning the right to continue in the program:

1) Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the undergraduate phase of the program and must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework to transition into the graduate phase of the program. Students must have no major course grade below a C and must demonstrate satisfactory professional behaviors to progress in the program.

Students who fall below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Failure to return to a GPA of 3.0 or occurrence of any grade below C during the probation semester will result in termination from the program.
Students who do not achieve a C or better in any occupational therapy program course will be terminated from the program with the option to reapply. Readmission is not automatic.
Unsatisfactory ratings of professional behaviors in two or more semesters may result in termination from the program.

2) Successful completion of all clinical fieldwork.
3) Timely completion of all liberal education requirements necessary to transition to the graduate phase of the program.

Students are awarded B.S. and M.S. degrees simultaneously upon completion of those requirements noted in the undergraduate and graduate section of the Catalog.

Readmission After Dismissal After being dismissed from the occupational therapy program, a student may be readmitted one time. Requests for readmission must be submitted to the Department Chair one semester prior to the desired readmission date. Documents submitted must include a letter requesting readmission as well as transcripts and other documents deemed necessary by the department. Readmission after academic dismissal is probationary at the discretion of the Department Admissions Committee. Students may be required to complete additional coursework or meet specified criteria in order to be readmitted. Readmission is not automatic.

Fees

In addition to the University tuition and fees, students are responsible for additional expenses for lab coats or uniforms, lab fees for selected courses and required health and other requirements noted in the next section. Textbooks tend to be expensive, but are used across the program and as professional references once in the field. Students are also expected to cover living expenses related to the required two semesters of full-time Level II fieldwork.

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.

Annual physical
Annual T.B. Titer Test or Chest X-Ray: T.B.
Tetanus Shot done during past 10 years
MMR Shot or documentation of having illnesses in past
Hepatitis B Vaccine Series or Waiver (Students may not be able to go to certain fieldwork sites if they do not receive the vaccine)
C.P.R. Training
Health Insurance
Malpractice Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000
Criminal background check
Additional information, such as drug screening, may be required by some facilities. This cost is the student’s responsibility.

Students will be notified of due dates for fees and documentation for these requirements. Students must pay fees in order to start classes each year.

Transportation Students must be able to provide own transportation to fieldwork sites. For students in the day program, Level I fieldwork sites may occur in a 60 mile radius from Gainesville, including metropolitan Atlanta. For students in the evening/weekend program, Level I fieldwork placements may require similar distances from the student’s home. Level II Fieldwork may be out of state.

Occupational Therapy Graduate Information

Barbara Schell, associate dean, College of Health & Science; Director, School of Occupational Therapy

Please click on the line below to be directed to the section for detailed information:

Occupational Therapy - Professional Entry Program
Occupational Therapy - Graduate Phase of Combined Program

Occupational Therapy (M.S.) Professional Entry Program

The Professional Entry Program is designed for students who enter Brenau with a prior bachelor’s degree. This program leads to a Occupational Therapy (M.S.) degree.

Purpose The Professional Entry Program is designed for students who have a prior bachelor’s degree in another field and who wish to become occupational therapists. The program is designed to meet the ACOTE standards for entry level education, as well as to provide an advanced graduate degree in occupational therapy. The program is offered in two formats, the Day Program and the Evening Weekend program. Students in the Day Program typically start in the fall and continue for 8 semesters with one summer off. Students accepted to the Evening and Weekend Program begin spring semester and continue for 10 semesters. The required undergraduate coursework focuses on the development of entry-level clinical skills, with extensive Level I fieldwork experiences in medical, educational and community-based practices. The graduate portion of the program addresses the development of applied clinical research skills, advanced theory in practice and administration and the acquisition of selected post-entry level practice skills. Two full-time Level II Fieldwork Experiences are required. Students who wish to attend school part time may choose an extended program

Admission A student who wishes to be considered for admission to the occupational therapy program should complete a Brenau Application. Students who meet GPA requirements will be invited to complete additional program application requirements, which include an interview, on-site writing sample and references. In order to facilitate appropriate advisement students are encouraged to apply for University admission early and no later than one full semester prior to the year in which the student wishes to start the program. Inquiries regarding the transfer process may be directed the Admissions Department. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applications are evaluated based on the admission requirements and continue until the class is filled. An alternate list of qualified students is maintained until confirmation is obtained on all vacant positions in the class.

Admission Requirements

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:
Overall GPA of 3.0 in college course work.

Individuals who have had discontinuous college experiences and who do not meet this criterion may be considered if the most recent 24 semester credit hours meets the requirement. These individuals must meet all other criteria.

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.

Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and potential to work in a therapeutic relationship.

Three letters recommendation, (one must be from an occupational therapist) who are knowledgeable of the applicants work and potential for occupational therapy.
Interview

Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.

Writing sample on admission form and on site.
Interview.

There is no graduate entrance examination (GRE/MAT) requirement

Educational Outcomes Educational outcomes are the same as those for the BS/MS program (see both undergraduate and graduate portions of the catalog)

Special Requirements Due to the clinical nature of the program, there are specific requirements and fees. These are fully described in the undergraduate section of the Catalog in the occupational therapy section. The same requirements remain in place for entire course of the program.

Course Sequence and Requirements The professional entry programs are scheduled as cohort programs and courses are generally offered only once a year in each program site.

Note: Must earn a grade of “C” or better in all program prerequisite requirements and major classes. All these courses are prerequisites to the program. Day Program students may defer MS 205 and PY 309 until after completion of the first two semesters with adviser approval. Evening weekend students must complete all program pre-requisites, but are not required to take the art course.

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Occupational Therapy - Combined Program (B.S. & M.S.)

Purpose The graduate portion of the combined program in occupational therapy focuses on the advancement of clinical reasoning skills through critical analysis of practice theories, applied research and advanced practice experiences. Additionally, students are challenged to analyze the complex demands of practice environments and to expand professional skills to meet these demands.

Admission Requirements Only students who have been admitted to the combined program are eligible for admission to the graduate phase of this program. Acceptance to the graduate school is based on timely completion of application and confirmation of completion of undergraduate course work in good standing. Refer the Undergraduate Occupational Therapy program information for details about the B.S. requirements.

Professional Preparation Phase (3 Years) The undergraduate portion of this program focuses on the development of entry-level clinical skills, with extensive Level I fieldwork experiences in medical, educational and community-based practices. The graduate portion of the program addresses the development of applied clinical research skills, advanced theory in practice and administration and the acquisition of selected post-entry level practice skills. Two full-time Level II Fieldwork Experiences are required. Students who wish to attend school part time may choose an extended program of study.

Educational Outcomes
Completion of the graduate phase of the combined BS/MS program will prepare the student to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of occupational therapy and occupational science theories and their utility for guiding practice and research.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in:

Program design and development,
Community and population-based care and s
selected specialty practices.

Conduct and use research to inform practice:

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

Participate in life-long professional development through:

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

Analyze socio-cultural factors affecting practice, including organizational, legal and political issues.
Advocate for societal acceptance of individuals with occupational performance problems in order to support access to and participation in desired activities.

Course Sequence and Requirements The professional entry programs are scheduled as cohort programs and courses are generally offered only once a year.

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