Occupational Therapy

Website: www.health.utah.edu/occupational-recreational-therapies

520 Wakara Way

Phone: 801-585-0555

Occupational Therapy makes it possible for people to live life to the fullest. Many people face daily challenges - a refugee new to America, an injured worker returning to work, a child with autism at school, a grandfather who has had a hip replaced, a young adult with a traumatic brain injury, a mother with depression. Occupational Therapists help people learn new ways to do things they used to do but, for whatever reason, can no longer do them. Occupational therapy helps people be successful in doing what is important to them.

An occupational therapist should be resourceful, compassionate, a good listener, a creative problem-solver and interested in health, science and the arts. Occupational therapy is a perfect blend of life science (anatomy & physiology) and social science (psychology & sociology). Occupational therapists have knowledge of the person and the environment and how to support the person in what they want and need to do. Occupational therapists make a difference.

The Occupational Therapy Doctoral program is an entry-to profession program that provides progressive instruction meeting all of the curricular standards required by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education at the clinical doctoral level. It prepares students to sit for the National Board for the Certification for Occupational Therapy national exam. Passing this exam is required for occupational therapists to practice in the United States. The objective of entry-level Occupational Therapy doctoral programs are advanced training in Occupational Therapy clinical reasoning and professional skills (in program development, teaching, advocacy, leadership, or research). All Occupational Therapy doctoral students will complete 5 semesters of coursework, 2 semesters of clinical fieldwork, and a semester to complete a capstone experiential.

Students are encouraged to visit our website for the most current information.

All students will enter the Masters of Occupational Therapy and complete 2 semesters of coursework in that program. At the end of the second semester, students will meet with the capstone coordinator to review their academic performance and discuss their career goals. This process is meant to assist students in deciding which degree they would like to pursue. Those students interested in obtaining the OTD degree will declare their intent, submit documentation to change to the OTD program and register for doctoral courses.

Background Checks: Because of the internship experience that students fulfill as a part of the curriculum, students will be required to have a criminal background check done after admission to the program. In addition, NBCOT, the body that certifies occupational therapists following graduation, queries applicants regarding any felony convictions. Most convictions will not automatically disqualify a candidate but they will review it and make a final determination.

College of Health Commitment to Inclusive Excellence in Admissions: The University of Utah College of Health strives to promote diversity and inclusion among its students, faculty, and staff with the realization that diverse perspectives and life experiences strengthen our academic community in multiple ways. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages academic excellence and diverse perspectives, we work toward the creation of opportunities for all to learn from one another by sharing our wealth of talents and histories. Each of our departments offer degrees in professions focused on health, wellness, and research. With the increasingly rich complexity of our population, we recognize the need for our graduates to reflect the diversity of our community. Furthermore, we also recognize the strong and positive impact a diverse collective of faculty, staff, students, and alumni can have on issues of health equity and the valuable role our College can play in reducing health disparities for all populations.