Graduate Bulletin

Occupational Therapy, D.O.T.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SOCIAL WORK

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall:  August 1

Spring:  December 1

Applications are processed throughout the year as they are received.  To ensure speed in review and accuracy of information, applicants are strongly urged to submit the online application.  While a paper application is available, its use slows the process and invites error in the transcription of application information.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required:  2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators, typically college/university faculty or an immediate work supervisor, who can provide insight into the applicant's abilities and talents, as well as comment on the applicant's aptitude for graduate study.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

Applicants must be certified as Occupational Therapists via the procedures specified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and have a master's degree in Occupational Therapy or another field. Applicants are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate work and/or a GRE score of 50% or higher. GRE scores are not required for the application process if you have successfully completed graduate work with a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A master's degree in Occupational Therapy or another field is required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Statement of Goals:

A Statement of Professional Plans and Goals should describe your reasons for choosing a career in Occupational Therapy.

Standardized Test Scores:

GRE scores are required only if the cumulative GPA on the master's degree is below 3.0.  Scores of 500 each are preferred on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Program Requirements

Number of Didactic Credits Required: 30

Required Courses:

Fall Semester - Year 1

OT 8509:  Leadership in the Health Professions: The Art and
Science of Influence

Specialty elective clinical course

Spring Semester - Year 1
OT 8513:   Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Research
OT 8514:   Occupational-Based Theories and Participation

Summer Semester - Year 1
OT 8511:  Clinical Education and Fieldwork Supervision

OT 9089:  Field Study and Professional Portfolios

Fall Semester - Year 2
OT 8512:   Studies in Outcome Measures and Analysis

Specialty elective clinical course

Spring Semester - Year 2

OT 8901:   Capstone Project

Specialty elective clinical course

It is recommended that students complete the D.O.T. Program with a cohort, taking two courses per semester. In this format, students can complete the degree program over five semesters and within two years. Students develop a professional development plan at the beginning of the program to guide them through the curriculum and in the development of a professional portfolio based on their goals combined with expertise acquired throughout the program.

Internship:  No internship is required.

Language Examination:  No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Clinical Specialty Field Study:

Students are required to complete 160 hours or four weeks of a clinical specialty field study.

Capstone Project:

The Capstone Project must be founded in evidence-based practice and either be supported by evidence in peer-reviewed literature or provide outcomes identifying the effectiveness of the project.  It reflects the goals of the program as well as the goals of the student as structured by the student’s learning objectives as directed and informed by the development of a professional portfolio.  The results of the Capstone Project are disseminated to appropriate audiences through presentations, demonstrations, publications, and/or incorporation into a program.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.temple.edu/chp/departments/ot

Department Information:

Dept. of Occupational Therapy

College of Health Professions and Social Work

3307 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

otcahp@temple.edu

215-707-4813

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Matt DiMarco

mdimarco@temple.edu

215-707-4875

Program Coordinator:

Elizabeth Pfeiffer, Ph.D., OTR\L

bpfeiffe@temple.edu

215-707-4504

Chairperson:

Moya Kinnealey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

mkinneal@temple.edu

215-707-4813

About the Program

The D.O.T. Program is offered in a flexible distance education format. Students can complete all of their coursework online and with 2-3 long weekend on-campus sessions per year. Students are required to attend the on-campus sessions to launch and wrap up the coursework. Orientation, advisement, and introductions to faculty are also provided during on-campus sessions.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years

Campus Location:

Center City

Information on housing arrangements, parking, and local events is provided by the department. The location is easy to access from the airport and public transportation. Discounted parking rates are available along with discounted hotel rates at local Center City hotels.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Full-time enrollment is not required.

Department Information:

Dept. of Occupational Therapy

College of Health Professions and Social Work

3307 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

otcahp@temple.edu

215-707-4813

Interdisciplinary Study:

Not applicable.

Affiliation(s):

Students must engage in a clinical specialty field study.  A variety of excellent fieldwork settings are available.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

34

Accreditation:

The D.O.T. Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number is 301-652-2682.

Areas of Specialization:

Not applicable.

Job Placement:

Information and advisement are provided as needed to graduates of the D.O.T. Program.

Licensure:

Graduates are previously certified as Occupational Therapists via the procedures specified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Non-Degree Student Policy:

D.O.T. coursework is available only to matriculated students.

Financing Opportunities

Limited scholarships and financial aid are available to students.   For information on financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services at 215-707-2754.

Updated 8.12.09