Occupational Therapy, MS Program Handbook
Subpages
- Occupational Therapy, MS Program Handbook
- Accreditation Statement
- Curriculum Design
- Courses in Occupational Therapy
- University Policies
- Program Policies
- Student Activities and Resources
- Student Behavior Policies
- Professional Behavior and Development
- Role of a Preceptor
- Professional Use of Social Networking Site
- Faculty Review
- Technical Standards for Admission and Retention
- Appendix A: Technical Standards Certification
Mission Statement and Philosophy
Program Mission
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Program at Stockton University is to help our students become competent and caring practitioners and lifelong learners. We are committed to helping our students develop the capacity for continuous learning based on the belief that human beings learn and acquire knowledge as unique individuals who engage in the educational process through personally held values, interests, and beliefs as well as individual drives to participate in desired occupations.
Learning occurs in a variety of curricular and co-curricular contexts/environments and requires the integration of cognitive, motor, perceptual, social, and sensory skills so individuals are prepared to apply knowledge in the dynamic environments of a diverse and multicultural society. The Program recognizes the diverse needs of students and faculty in the learning process and utilizes various pedagogical methodologies, including the use of technology and interprofessional educational experiences, to develop critical thinking and problem-solving, resourcefulness, scholarship, creativity, and intellectual achievement.
Students emerge with integrated knowledge and skills to provide client-centered, occupation-based, holistic occupational therapy services and understand the need to engage in lifelong learning.
The Occupational Therapy Program at Stockton University is also committed to the development of southern New Jersey through research and community service.
Program Philosophy
The philosophy of the Occupational Therapy Program at Stockton University is based on the philosophy of the profession as well as an articulated approach to human beings and how they learn based on the philosophy of occupational therapy education (AOTA, 2014).
The Occupational Therapy Program at Stockton University is based on the philosophy of the profession that describes occupation as the uniquely personal and meaningful activities that provide clients with a sense of personal identity and support participation in a variety of contexts/environments. Occupation is expressed uniquely in clients across the lifespan, along a developmental continuum, and within varied contexts. Occupational therapy is a profession that understands the primary importance of occupation in allowing clients to be productive, satisfied, and contributing members of society. When clients are prevented from participating in occupations due to biological, psychological, societal, or other environmental factors, dysfunction may occur. Occupation is utilized by the occupational therapist for both intrinsic and therapeutic purposes. Occupational therapists’ understanding of the restorative, normalizing, and life-enhancing role of occupation enable clients to engage in occupation to support participation in context(s) (AOTA, 2017).
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Philosophy of occupational therapy education. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(Suppl. 3), 6913410052. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.696S17
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2017). Philosophical base of occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(Suppl. 2), 7112410045. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.716S06
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Statement
The Stockton MSOT Program respects all people, regardless of ability, color, cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We strive to create an equitable, inclusive, welcoming environment free from bias in our program, University, community and the occupational therapy profession. Threaded throughout the MSOT curriculum students are exposed to individuals of varying backgrounds and abilities. We invite guest lecturers from a variety of backgrounds for student enrichment and seek to provide the best representation of society. Cultural and social competence is addressed in assignments throughout the curriculum including case studies and reflections focusing on systemic issues related to disparity in healthcare. Students are immersed in resources and education to achieve the MSOT Program’s mission of fostering competent and caring practitioners and lifelong learners to meet the occupational needs of diverse populations.
