Graduate Bulletin

Occupational Therapy, D.O.T.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SOCIAL WORK

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall:  August 1

Spring:  December 1

Applications are processed throughout the year as they are received. To ensure speed in review and accuracy of information, applicants are strongly urged to submit the online application. While a paper application is available, its use slows the process and invites error in the transcription of application information.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required:  2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators, typically college/university faculty or an immediate work supervisor, who can provide insight into the applicant's abilities and talents, as well as comment on the applicant's aptitude for graduate study.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

All applicants must be certified as an Occupational Therapist via the procedures specified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or certified in the country of practice and graduated from a program recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT). Applicants are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate work or a GRE score of 50% or higher. The GRE is not required if a GPA of 3.0 or above was earned in completing the master's degree.

International students who earned a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English must meet minimal scores on the TOEFL or IELTS. See: http://www.temple.edu/grad/admissions/international.htm.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A master's degree in Occupational Therapy or another field is required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Statement of Goals:

A Statement of Professional Plans and Goals should describe your reasons for choosing a career in Occupational Therapy.

Standardized Test Scores:

GRE scores are required only if the cumulative GPA on the master's degree is below 3.0. Scores of 500 each are preferred on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 79 iBT or 550 PBT.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Program Requirements

Number of Didactic Credits Required: 30

Required Courses:

Year 1/Fall Semester

OTHR 8509:  Leadership in the Health Professions: The Art and
Science of Influence

Specialty elective clinical course

Year 1/Spring Semester
OTHR 8513:  Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Research
OTHR 8514:  Occupational-Based Theories and Participation

Year 1/Summer Semester
OTHR 8511:  Clinical Education and Fieldwork Supervision

OTHR 9089:  Field Study and Professional Portfolios

Year 2/Fall Semester
OTHR 8512:  Studies in Outcome Measures and Analysis

Specialty elective clinical course

Year 2/Spring Semester

OTHR 8901:  Capstone Project

Specialty elective clinical course

It is recommended that students complete the D.O.T. Program with a cohort, taking two courses per semester. In this format, students can complete the degree program over five semesters and within two years. Students develop a professional development plan at the beginning of the program to guide them through the curriculum and in the development of a professional portfolio based on their goals combined with expertise acquired throughout the program.

Internship:  No internship is required.

Language Examination:  No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Clinical Specialty Field Study:

Students are required to complete 160 hours or four weeks of a clinical specialty field study.

Capstone Project:

The Capstone Project must be founded in evidence-based practice and either be supported by evidence in peer-reviewed literature or provide outcomes identifying the effectiveness of the project. It reflects the goals of the program as well as the goals of the student as structured by the student’s learning objectives as directed and informed by the development of a professional portfolio. The results of the Capstone Project are disseminated to appropriate audiences through presentations, demonstrations, publications, and/or incorporation into a program.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

http://chpsw.temple.edu/rs/academics-rehabilitation-sciences/occupational-therapy

Department Information:

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Occupational Therapy Program

3307 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

otchpsw@temple.edu

215-707-4875

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Jacquee Lukawski

otadmissions@temple.edu

215-707-4875

Program Coordinators:

Dr. Ivelisse Lazzarini

ivelisse.lazzarini@temple.edu

215-707-4843

Dr. Fern Silverman

fernsil@temple.edu

215-707-4879

About the Program

The D.O.T. Program is offered in a flexible-distance education format with 2-3 long-weekend on-campus sessions per year. Students are required to attend the on-campus sessions to launch and wrap up the coursework. Orientation, advisement, and introductions to faculty are also provided during on-campus sessions.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years

Campus Location:

Temple University Center City (TUCC)

Information on housing arrangements, parking, and local events is provided by the department prior to each in-person session. The location is easy to access from the airport and public transportation. Discounted parking rates are available along with discounted hotel rates at local Center City hotels.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Full-time enrollment is not required.

Department Information:

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Occupational Therapy Program

3307 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

otchpsw@temple.edu

215-707-4875

Interdisciplinary Study:

Not applicable.

Affiliation(s):

Students must engage in a clinical specialty field study. A variety of excellent fieldwork settings are available.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

34

Accreditation:

The D.O.T. Program is accredited by 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. ACOTE’s telephone number is 301-652-2682.

Areas of Specialization:

Not applicable.

Job Placement:

Information and advisement are provided as needed to graduates of the D.O.T. Program.

Licensure:

Graduates are previously certified as Occupational Therapists via the procedures specified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Non-Matriculated Student Policy:

D.O.T. coursework is available only to matriculated students.

Financing Opportunities

Limited scholarships and financial aid are available to students. For information on financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services at 215-707-2667.

Updated 10.15.12