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. Occupation refers to everything people do during the course of everyday life - the activities in which they engage that make life meaningful.

Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate and design therapeutic interventions that enable people to participate in personal and community activities of their choice. These "occupations" may be related to developmental, work, leisure, or independent living needs. 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 also 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. Occupational therapy offers diverse career opportunities that include, clinical practice, administration, consultation, education and research.

Demand for Occupational Therapy professionals is projected to rise by more than 30 percent between 2007 and 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average student has multiple job offers upon graduation.

Graduates holding an MSOT from Dominican are eligible to sit for the national examination administered by the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) (http://www.nbcot.org), and are eligible to be licensed in any state, enabling them to practice nationally and internationally.

Dominican’s Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) (http://www.aota.org/Educate/Accredit.aspx)

Additional information about the profession of occupational thearpy can be found at the American Occupational Therapy Association  (AOTA) website (http://www.aota.org).

What Students Say About their Dominican OT Education:

"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

"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 receive very personal attention." --Lisa Haydon

"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

"The occupational therapy classes are challenging but fulfilling. The instructors and upper-level students encourage and inspire me."

--Dean Aclan