Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession dedicated to enabling people of all ages and abilities to engage in the “occupations” of daily life activities, work, play, school, and independent living. Occupational therapists are healers and teachers who enable people to achieve independence and live sustainable lives in healthy communities.
Occupational therapy professionals work with infants, children, and adults whose lives are challenged by physical injury, developmental or psychological impairment, or the aging process. Occupational therapists help people maximize their life potential through an emphasis on health promotion and wellness education.
Our alumni are innovators and entrepreneurs who enjoy the flexibility offered by their profession. Our graduates start new community programs and businesses and serve as consultants to government and industry. Alumni also work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, clinics, and home health care. OT offers diverse career opportunities that include:
- Practitioner
- Consultant
- Administrator
- Educator
- Researcher
Graduates holding an MSOT from Dominican are eligible to sit for the national registry examination, become licensed in California, or any other state, and practice nationally and internationally. Dominican’s Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). (link)
Jobs for registered occupational therapists have more than doubled in the past 10 years. Demand for OT professionals is projected to rise by more than 30 percent by the year 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Student Testimonials
"Besides the gorgeous setting, one can find the personal attention needed to develop into a great occupational therapist. Whenever I had a question, there were instructors I could rely upon. Best of all, the curriculum prepared me for the job market. Once out of the program, I was immediately offered an advanced position at a treatment center."
--Amy Rogers '01
"I had been a teacher and tutor and also was drawn to the healing arts such as nursing. When I found out what occupational therapy was, I felt it combined both of my interests. Because Dominican University is so small, I was able to received very personal attention."
--Lisa Haydon '01
"The professors encouragement of a close working relationship among the OT students has taught me how to work within the team model that so often is required in the organizations within which OTs work."
--Sarah Allison '01
"The occupational therapy classes are challenging but fulfilling. The instructors and upper-level students encourage and inspire me."
--Dean Aclan '04
OT Fieldwork Experiences
“The purpose of fieldwork education is to provide occupational therapy students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to practice in the clinical setting. Fieldwork experiences are designed to enrich the coursework through observation and participation in the occupational therapy process. This serves to integrate academic knowledge with practical knowledge." Taken from the Purpose and Value of Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Education by Costa and Burkhardt .
Some comments from Dominican OT students about their fieldwork experience.
- “My clinical instructor was an excellent role model, who was instrumental in making fieldwork a great experience;
-"My fieldwork educator was very approachable and supportive. She was a great match for my learning style.”
-"My clinical instructorI was extremely knowledgeable, approachable. and always gave me great feedback. She was a fabulous supervisor."
-“I’m leading an OT work readiness group and I have an OT Task Group. My supervisor is really great. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. I’m learning so much and have gotten much more comfortable in my role and my ability as an OT.”
