Occupational Therapy, MS

Program Overview

Florida A&M University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program prepares students to work in diverse settings, serving clients of all ages. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and cultural sensitivity. Fieldwork experiences provide hands-on training in various practice areas, preparing graduates for successful careers as occupational therapy practitioners.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Florida A&M University is designed to prepare occupational therapy practitioners who work in a variety of settings, have a broad base of knowledge serving consumers of all ages, and can critically appraise health science literature.
• They will also be able to apply appropriate principles and procedures to the evaluation, interpretation, and intervention processes.
They will understand use of current trends in clinical practice and demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and their attitude towards health care.

Outline:

• Year One

Fall Semester

OTH 5032 Foundations of Occupational Therapy (3) OTH 5241 Human Gross Anatomy for Occupational Therapy (3) OTH 5241L Human Gross Anatomy for Occupational Therapy-Lab (1) OTH 5451 Conditions In Occupational Therapy (3) OTH 6017 Evaluation in Occupational Therapy (3) Total: 13

Spring Semester

OTH 5033 Concepts In Human Occupation (3) OTH 5142 Communication in Occupational Therapy (2) OTH 5245 Neuroanatomy For Occupational Therapy (3) OTH 5723 Professional Development I (3) OTH 5766 Scientific Inquiry I (1) Total: 12

Summer

OTH 5243 Functional Human Motion (3) OTH 5243L Functional Human Motion - Lab (1) OTH 6170 Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Assistive Technology (3) OTH 6439 Neurological Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy (2) OTH 6767 Scientific Inquiry II (1) Total: 10

• Year Two

Fall Semester

OTH 5205 Pediatrics in Occupational Therapy (2) OTH 5205L Pediatrics in Occupational Therapy Lab (2) OTH 5312 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health (3) OTH 5870 Level I Fieldwork in Pediatrics (1) OTH 5935 Interventions in Pediatrics (1) OTH 6768HB Scientific Inquiry III (1) Total: 10

Spring Semester

OTH 5141 Groups in Occupational Therapy (2) OTH 5141L Groups in Occupational Therapy Lab (1) OTH 5207 Adults in Occupational Therapy (3) OTH 5207L Adults in Occupational Therapy Lab (2) OTH 5208 Fieldwork I with Adults (1) Total: 10

Summer

OTH 6002 Advocacy, Leadership, Management Skills (2) OTH 6600 Aging and Occupational Therapy (2) OTH 6715 Integrating Occupational Therapy Concepts: Applied Learning (2) OTH 6830 Community Practice (2) OTH 6833 Level I Fieldwork: Mental Health (1) Total: 9 OTH 6941 Fieldwork: Rotation I (8) Total: 9

Spring Semester

OTH 6727 Competency in Occupational Therapy II (1) OTH 6942 Fieldwork II: Rotation II (8)

Teaching:

• Faculty
• Director: Oliveira, Debora
• Professor: Hughes Harris, Cynthia
• Associate Professor: Alexander, Aurelia
• Academic Fieldwork Coordinator: Mbiza, Sarah
• Teaching Methods
• The program acknowledges that: 1) skills must be achieved and maintained through the acquisition of knowledge acquired through research; and 2) foundational knowledge is best retained and applied when learned in a meaningful context of practice problems.
• Unique Approaches
• The curriculum is designed to impart relevant content and stimulate a creative and critical graduate experience.
• Fieldwork is a substantive aspect of occupational therapy education and provides students with the opportunity for role-modeling, supervision, and the experience in execution of professional responsibilities.
Fieldwork takes place in a variety of settings (traditional and non-traditional) and emerging areas of practice.

Careers:

• Occupational Therapy Practitioners work in a variety of settings, including:
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Schools
• Home health agencies
• Private practice
• Career Opportunities:
• Evaluate and treat patients with a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges
• Develop and implement treatment plans
• Educate patients and families on self-care and injury prevention
• Advocate for patients' rights and access to services
• Career Outcomes:
• Most graduates of the program are employed as occupational therapists in various settings
• Some graduates pursue further education in occupational therapy or related fields