Occupational Therapy

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Entry Level Degree Program

Occupational therapy is the use of occupation-purposeful activity or interventions to promote health and achieve functional outcomes. Achieving functional outcomes means to develop, improve, or restore the highest possible level of independence of any individual who is limited by a physical injury or illness, a cognitive impairment, a psychsocial dysfunction or mental illness, a developmental or learning disability, or adverse environmental condition. Occupational therapists work cooperatively with other members of the healthcare team.

The Occupational Therapy Entry Level Program at ASHS is a 28-month program. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapists administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), located at 800 South Frederick Ave., Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150. The NBCOT may be reached at 301.990.7979. 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.

The Occupational Therapy Program supports the philosophy of whole person healthcare, incorporating the body, mind, and spirit. The mission of the Occupational Therapy Program is to prepare high-quality clinicians to meet patient needs in changing healthcare delivery settings. Students in the Occupational Therapy Program have opportunities, through core classes in the curriculum, to learn about other professions and work with students from the Arizona School of Health Sciences' Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Audiology, and Athletic Training programs.

Interdisciplinary education demonstrates cooperation and collaboration among health science professionals and leads to more effective healthcare delivery in divergent practice settings. The Occupational Therapy Program provides a strong foundation of critical inquiry applied to the practice, education, and administration of healthcare. The program is committed to integrating technology in instructional processes and occupational therapy treatment.