Occupational Therapy at John Carroll University

The work of occupational therapy is concerned with the application of purposeful, goal-oriented activity in the evaluation, diagnosis and/or treatment of persons whose abilities to cope with the tasks of living are impaired by physical injury, illness, emotional disorders, congenital or developmental disability or the aging process, to achieve optimum function, to prevent disability, or to maintain health. Individuals are helped to attain the highest possible functional independence in self-care, work and leisure. (Allied Health Education Directory, 1992, p. 127)

While there has been a significant increase in interest  in Occupational Therapy as a career, there continues to be a shortage of occupational therapists that is expected to continue into foreseable future. Occupational therapists work in varied settings: health care centers, schools, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric institutions, nursing homes, private practice, community agencies and home health care. As with all health care occupations there are opportunities for research and education in the field.

Three educational program currently exist:

1. Associate Degree Programs, are 2 years in length or a one year certificate program. This preparation is for the Occupational Therapy Assistant.

2. Master Degree Programs, are 2 years in length. The masters degree in O.T. is the professional entry level. As a result a bachelors degree is required for entry into occupational therapy educational programs for the professional practitioner.  Any undergraduate major is acceptable for the entry level masters program. Specific prerequisites in the undergraduate program vary by school but usually include the following:

• two semesters of Biology (for majors) with labs
• one or two semesters of Chemistry (for majors) with labs
• one or two semesters of Physics (with labs)
• Introductory/General Psychology and 2-3 additional courses, especially dealing with the life cycle–child, adolescent, aging
• Additional courses often recommended are: statistics, human anatomy, physiology, sociology

For further information or questions contact , Dr. Gwendolyn Kinebrew, Chair  of Pre-Health Professions Studies, 216-397-1971 (e-mail: gkinebrew@jcu.edu), or Miss Nichole Carter, Department Assistant, Pre-Health Professions Studies, 216-397-4249 (e-mail: ncarter@jcu.edu).