Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Transcription

1 Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Applicant Handbook (entering 07-08) Occupational Therapy: Living Life to Its Fullest Philadelphia University 0 Henry Avenue Philadelphia, PA

2 Application Materials for Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Priority Deadline: January 5 The MS in Occupational Therapy Program is offered through the College of Science, Health and the Liberal Arts of Philadelphia University. It is designed to accommodate students from all undergraduate disciplines. Qualified candidates who hold or are about to receive an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply. Students seeking admission must meet the Occupational Therapy Program and University s acceptance criteria. Candidate selection is based upon the number of applications, candidates collective qualifications and the number of openings in the program. The OT program subscribes to the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. Applicants for the 07 entering class should apply online using the OTCAS application. Our applicant deadline is January 5, though candidates are encouraged to apply early due to rolling admissions. Applications received after the deadline date will be considered subject to space availability in the entering class. Admission letters will be distributed beginning in December. To learn more about the OTCAS application process and to get started please go to the OTCAS Applicant Portal Link: portal.otcas.org. Once processed, the Admissions Committee looks forward to receiving your application. Admission Requirements: all materials submitted to OTCAS Bachelor s degree demonstrating minimum overall.0 grade point average (GPA) OT Program prerequisite courses: minimum overall.0 GPA (minimum grade of B- or better in each course; courses must be taken within last 0 years): Developmental Psychology (Lifespan) Anatomy & Physiology I Abnormal Psychology Anatomy & Physiology II Sociology/ Anthropology/ Cultural Studies Statistics Science with Lab (Physics preferred; Bio, Chem, Exercise Physiology, Neuroscience or Kinesiology accepted though not weighted as high as Physics) Clinical observation documentation: 0 hours of observation under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Two letters of reference: one professional and one academic, preferred Resume (highlight accomplishments and work and volunteer experiences in health care, community, social and/or human servcies) Personal essay (500 words): The essay will be examined for written communication skills, knowledge of the occupational therapy profession, personal insight, and motivation for the profession. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) results. Candidates with GRE or MAT scores at the 50 percentile or greater will receive primary consideration. Candidates applications will only be reviewed after the GRE or MAT scores are self-reported in OTCAS. If accepted to the OT Program, candidates must provide official score reports to the university prior to enrolling (GRE school code through OTCAS is 767; MAT school code is 65). Information for applicants with foreign education: Students must be able to provide sufficient documentation to be issued an I-0 form indicating adequate financial support. TOEFL scores are required. Note: the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) will be considered as a possible substitute for the TOEFL. International applicants must submit an evaluation of academic credentials. While world Education Services (WES) is Philadelphia University s preferred evaluator, any evaluation service accredited through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) will suffice. PhilaU MSOT Applicant Handbook, /7 Page

3 Program Requirements This program is offered in a blended learning format that involves both on campus and distance learning experiences. Students are required to participate in two intensive on-campus weekend class meetings per month and complete extensive reading and online learning activities during the week(s) between campus meetings. The program requires students to: have daily access to a laptop computer with camera, headset and microphone, and familiarity with basic computer functions including , internet, and Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software. have a reliable internet connection in order to access BlackBoard, the university s electronic course management system. bring laptop computers to class that are compatible with our testing software (PC or Mac) as all exams are delivered online. For minimum requirements go to the following website for assistance regarding supported operating systems participate in various online guided and independent learning activities, facilitated through the use of , internet, and distance learning technologies (Blackboard, web conferencing). matriculate into the OT Program in the fall and participate in the mandatory on-campus orientation weekend held in late July or early August. keep continuous matriculation as the curriculum s courses are sequential. obtain annual health and legal clearances required for fieldwork complete all Level II fieldwork within 5 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program. (See note about eligibility below) maintain professional organization memberships (AOTA, state OT association, Student OT association) complete the degree in no more than.5 years from the date of first enrollment. Students who have not earned the graduate degree during this period will have their academic records reviewed and may be asked to meet additional requirements in order to graduate. Fieldwork Eligibility and Certification/ Licensure Information Participation in fieldwork experiences are required components of the OT curriculum. Fieldwork sites require health clearances, CPR certification, and legal clearances such as a criminal background check, finger printing, and/or child abuse history clearance in order to permit participation in the clinical experience. Fieldwork sites may deny a student's placement because of a felony or misdemeanor conviction, failure of a required drug test, or inability to produce an appropriate health clearance, all of which would result in delayed graduation, or, in the inability to graduate from the program. Note: A felony or misdemeanor conviction may affect a graduate s ability to sit for the certification exam or to attain state licensure as a health professional. Contact the appropriate national or state credentialing bodies for information regarding individual eligibility. Philadelphia University OT Program Accreditation The Philadelphia University Occupational Therapy Program is registered with the PA Education Department and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 70 Montgomery Lane, Suite 00, Bethesda, MD 08-9, 0/65-68 ( The most recent reaccreditation was granted in April 008. Upon graduation students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam that is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice occupational therapy; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the national certification exam. PhilaU MSOT Applicant Handbook, /7 Page

4 OT Program Mission Statement The Occupational Therapy (OT) Program s mission is to prepare competent, reflective, and ethical occupational therapists whose practice philosophy is client-centered, occupation-based, and grounded in evidence. In keeping with the University mission to prepare graduates for successful careers in an evolving and interconnected world, the OT Program incorporates interprofessional learning to enable graduates to practice in diverse environments and changing service-delivery contexts. The curriculum is organized around three themes that reflect the program s philosophy. Participation encompasses client-centered practice and is grounded in the person-environmentoccupation perspective. Evidence and Professional Reasoning inform practice decisions and contribute to the profession s distinct value. Collaboration and Innovation reflect Philadelphia University s unique teaching-learning philosophy that engages students in creative partnerships to enhance clients well-being and quality of life. It is further enriched through a curricular thread, Professional Identity, which is integrated within the student s program of study. Students are supported in the development of a professional identity through a series of regular processes that are grounded in advocacy, volunteerism, and professionalism. Occupational Therapy Program Outcomes The Philadelphia University entry-level master s degree in occupational therapy program prepares competent and reflective occupational therapists who possess a commitment to professionalism and lifelong learning. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to: Provide occupation-based and client-centered care by competently applying and adapting the occupational therapy process Demonstrate the attitudes, behaviors and responsibilities associated with being a health professional (e.g. effective communication, respect for diversity, ethical practice) Apply and integrate evidence-based methods to facilitate outcomes, build knowledge, and inform occupational therapy practice Partner with stakeholders to address the health and participation needs of individuals, groups and populations. Develop innovative tools, programs, and services to promote participation and well-being. Occupational Therapy Program Academic Standards The Occupational Therapy Program admission criteria are designed to select candidates who are most likely to succeed both in the university academic environment as well as in OT professional practice. While the Program faculty is dedicated to assisting students in their professional education, the student also has responsibilities. Students enrolled in the program must demonstrate achievement in academic and clinical competencies necessary for professional practice, and meet academic standards consistent with graduate school criteria. Students must also demonstrate effective professional behavior as detailed in the Fieldwork Readiness Behavior Development Form (refer to OT Student Center on BlackBoard, Student Handbook ). Retention and Progression In order to remain in good academic standing, students must meet the following standards. These academic standards are in addition to the university academic standards as described in the University Student Handbook, Graduate Catalog and on the Philadelphia University web site. The student s cumulative academic record is reviewed at the end of each semester, including summer, to evaluate PhilaU MSOT Applicant Handbook, /7 Page

5 academic standing and satisfactory progress toward degree requirements. The Program Director will notify the student when problems in academic performance may jeopardize a student s good standing. The maximum time for completion of the degree program is.5 years from the date of first enrollment. Students who have not earned the graduate degree during this period will have their academic records reviewed and may be asked to meet additional requirements in order to graduate. Academic & Professional Conduct In order to remain in good academic standing, students must meet the following standards. These academic and conduct standards are in addition to the university academic standards as described in the University Student Handbook, University Catalog and on the University web site. a. Maintain a minimum semester grade point average (GPA) of.0 in Occupational Therapy coursework. b. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of.0. (Graduation eligibility requires minimum overall.0 GPA.) c. Receive no more than one grade below B- while in the OT Program. (A second grade below B- will result in dismissal.) d. Repeat core course when C (.0) grade is earned. While the grade of C is regarded as a minimum passing grade, it is judged as unsatisfactory performance. Students who earn a C grade in a core course must decelerate, and repeat the course before proceeding in the full time program (see Deceleration below). Students who are unable to earn a minimum B (.0) in a repeat course will be dismissed from the program. A course can be repeated only once. e. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior and conduct (refer to Standards of Professional Behavior and Conduct in the OT Student Handbook. Fieldwork a. Students must attain a minimum overall.0 GPA prior to enrolling in Level II fieldwork courses. b. Students must successfully complete Level II fieldwork within 5 months beyond the date of completion of didactic coursework. In instances where there is more than months of inactivity, faculty may require students to engage in competencies and/or other learning activities to assure fieldwork readiness. c. Students must receive satisfactory reports and evaluations from all fieldwork educators to receive fieldwork credit ( CR ). d. Failure to complete a fieldwork, student withdrawal, or having to be removed from a placement may result in a student s dismissal from the program. Students who need to repeat more than one Level II fieldwork due to unsatisfactory performance will be dismissed from the program. e. If a grade of NC (no credit) is obtained in a fieldwork, faculty determines whether the student is permitted to repeat the fieldwork, or be dismissed from the program. If permission to repeat the fieldwork is granted, the student must develop a written plan of self-correction prior to being placed in another fieldwork. f. A fieldwork may be repeated only once, and the student must achieve a CR (credit) grade on the second attempt. The decision to permit a student to repeat fieldwork is dependent on fieldwork educator s verbal or written reports about student behavior with respect to adherence to site regulations, site schedule, ethical standards of conduct, or engagement in behavior that puts patient/ client safety at risk. g. Students receiving a NC grade, including W (withdrawal) in fieldwork will receive an academic warning. The student must re-register and repeat the fieldwork in order to progress in the program. Repetition of a fieldwork could delay graduation. Withdrawal for medical or personal reasons, approved by program faculty, will not result in a warning. h. A student must earn a grade of CR in all fieldwork in order to graduate. Academic Warnings PhilaU MSOT Applicant Handbook, /7 Page 5

6 Academic warnings are issued to students when their records are unsatisfactory, while there is still time to remedy the situation. Students will receive academic warnings when their records indicate that typical progress toward a degree may be in jeopardy. Students should meet with their advisors to discuss plans for improving their academic performance. Students whose academic records include one or more of the following will receive an academic warning from the Program Director: a. Semester grade point average (GPA) below.0 (OT Program GPA is compsrised of all OT courses taken, beginning with the semester that the student enters the professional phase of the OT Program.) b. Cumulative GPA below.0. c. Grade below B- in one course d. Withdrawing from a course for academic reasons e. While the grade of C is regarded as a minimum passing grade, it is judged as unsatisfactory performance. Students who earn a C grade in core courses must decelerate, and repeat the course before proceeding in the full time program (see Deceleration below). f. Verbal or written reports from fieldwork educators indicating non-adherence to site regulations, site schedule, ethical standards of conduct, or engagement in behavior that puts patient/ client safety at risk. g. A student who violates the OT Program s Standards of Professional Conduct or the AOTA Code of Ethics (most recent edition). This information may be reviewed by the Academic and Professional Standards Review Committee for action, depending upon the circumstances. Students who receive academic warnings will be required to improve their academic performance by the end of the next enrolled semester. Details will be provided in writing to the student upon academic warning notification. Deceleration a. Deceleration means that the student may not progress in the full time program. Students decelerate when they receive a C (.0) in any core course (Functional Anatomy, Applied Neuroanatomy, Assessment & Intervention courses (Children & Youth; Adult), and Psychosocial Interventions [or their equivalent]). Students must repeat the course and earn a minimum B (.0) in order to proceed in the program. Students who are unsuccessful with remediation activities will be dismissed. Students can decelerate once. b. Since the program is a lock-step curriculum, a course that was not successfully completed cannot be repeated until the following year. A second deceleration results in dismissal. Dismissal Students whose academic records include any of the following will be dismissed from the program. a. Cumulative grade point average below.0 for any two semesters b. Academic warnings in two consecutive seemsters, or any three semesters c. A grade below B- in more than one course d. A grade of F or NC in a non-fieldwork course e. Grade of NC in two fieldwork courses f. Failure to correct deficiencies outlined in academic warning notice. g. Failure to earn minimum.0 grade in a repeated course (a course can be repeated only once). h. Unprofessional behavior and/or conduct that violates the University s Code of Conduct, the AOTA Code of Ethics, or the OT Program s Standards of Professional Conduct.. Students who are dismissed from the OT Program for academic conduct or any other reason are not typically readmitted. In special circumstances, dismissed students may be considered for re-entry. To be considered for re-entry students must have developed and implemented an action plan that would facilitate successful academic performance. Refer to the re-entry policy outlined in the OT Student Handbook for further information. PhilaU MSOT Applicant Handbook, /7 Page 6

7 Philadelphia University Occupational Therapy Program 0 Henry Avenue Philadelphia, PA Master of Science in Occupational Therapy The M.S. in Occupational Therapy at PhilaU is delivered in a blended learning model that involves on campus and online learning. Students attend bi-weekly on-campus weekend classes supplemented by off-campus, on-line assignments and discussions. Some courses may require additional days on campus, or travel to clinical facilities (to be determined each semester). The 7-credit program can be completed within.5 or academic years, depending on final fieldwork schedule.. Curriculum by Semester Cr Class Schedule Semester : Fall Evolving Professional Seminar Foundations for Practice Functional Anatomy Occupational Competence Clinical Skills A Semester : Spring Assistive Technology Design Intro to Evaluation Clinical Skills B Clinical Skills C Applied Neuroanatomy Interpersonal Relationships & Groups Semester : Summer Evidence-Based Practice Older Adults Level I Fieldwork A Psychosocial Interventions 0 8 weekends (plus final exam) Friday: 9:0-6:00; Saturday 8:0-6:00 8 weekends (plus final exam) Friday: 9:0-6:00; Saturday 8:0-6:00 *7 weekends (plus final exam) Friday: 9:0-6:00; Saturday 8:0-6:00 *Additional -0 hours of fieldwork during semester scheduled by student in collaboration with field site. Semester : Fall Children & Youth A Assessment & Intervention: Adults Environmental Dimensions of Occupation Level I Fieldwork B Semester 5: Spring Professional Issues & Trends Level I Fieldwork C Children & Youth B Critical Inquiry I Innovative Practice in OT Semester 6: Summer I Critical Inquiry II Specialty Practice: Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Mastery Track A Semester 7: Summer II & Fall Level II Fieldwork A (July- Sept) Level II Fieldwork B (Oct- Dec) Track B Semester 7 & 8: Fall & Spring Level II Fieldwork A (Sept-Dec) Level II Fieldwork B (Jan-Mar) Total Credits 7 *8 weekends (plus final exam) Friday: 9:0-6:00; Saturday 8:0-6:00 *Additional -0 hours of fieldwork during semester scheduled by student in collaboration with field site. *8 weekends (plus final exam) Friday: 9:0-6:00; Saturday 8:0-6:00 *Additional -0 hours of fieldwork during semester scheduled by student in collaboration with field site. 6 week intensive Thursday & Friday: 9:0-6:00; Saturday 8:0-6:00 Two, -week full-time fieldwork placements off-site, supplemented with on-line clinical reasoning assignments. PhilaU MSOT Applicant Handbook, /7 Page 7