Occupational therapists use goal-specific, personally meaningful activities to help people of all ages prevent, lessen, or overcome disabilities. Those who work in occupational therapy use their personal and professional skills to help people to function in their daily lives.
Occupational therapists are important members of the health-care team working closely with physicians, psychologists, nurses. and physical, speech, and recreational therapists. Occupational therapists work in mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, physical disabilities, and many other areas such as hand rehabilitation, drug and alcohol abuse, and vocational rehabilitation.
Career opportunities abound for occupational therapists in hospitals, public and private schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health programs. Experienced therapists may also become private practitioners or choose to work in business and industrial settings. In addition to clinical practice, occupational therapists may choose to become involved in administration, education, or research. Occupational therapy is a diverse, interesting, and rewarding career!
This program offers a three-year, upper division curriculum leading to a combined Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Health Sciences and Master of Science (MS) degree in Occupational Therapy. Classes at the Bay Shore, Long Island campus begin in the Fall of each year and are presented in six sequential academic semesters. Fieldwork is incorporated by way of three strategically placed full-time clinical experiences during the three-year commitment.
Classes at the Manhattan campus begin in February and follow the same six sequential academic semesters and fieldwork plan.
Students may apply for admission directly to the Occupational Therapy Program they wish to attend. Please note that you must apply through the Touro College School of Health Sciences website. Applications are accepted at both campuses until the class is filled (note application deadlines below). Admission decisions are made by a faculty committee and are based on assessment of the applicant’s academic preparation, as well as the applicant’s apparent potential for academic success, professional development, and commitment to the profession of occupational therapy.
A minimum of 60 credits in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a minimum grade point average of 2.8 is required for admission. Prerequisites include:
The curriculum has been designed to provide an education that begins with a strong foundation in anatomical and social sciences. The first year includes intensive study related to occupational therapy and psychosocial issues.
The second year of the curriculum builds on prior knowledge. In addition, it fosters critical thinking skills and clinical practice in pediatrics and adult physical disabilities.
The final year incorporates advanced theory and treatment/intervention courses which reflect the vast diversity of present-day occupational therapy practice. This year includes the completion of a research project.
The occupational therapy curriculum is designed as an integrated, developmental process; courses must be taken in sequence. Completion of the program normally requires a minimum of three years of full-time study.
The Occupational Therapy Program offers an extended study program for students unable to carry a full credit load for personal, academic standing or financial reasons. If a student is interested in pursuing this option as opposed to beginning the curriculum as a full-time student, it should be explored during the admission process or with their OT advisor. The extended study program requires an extended amount of time to complete the degree program and is offered over a 4 or 5 year period. Extended study students are required to be full-time for the final year of the curriculum (identified as semester V and VI within the full-time curriculum sequence, semester VII and VIII of the four-year extended study program, and semester IX and X of the five-year extended study program). Students should be aware that their tuition and/or financial aid status may be affected by electing this option, and are encouraged to seek advisement from the Touro College Financial Aid Office, as well as from the Occupational Therapy Program.
The Occupational Therapy Program encourages Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA's) to advance their careers.
Occupational Therapy Assistants applying to the BSHS/MSOT degree program may have their academic transcripts and experience evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether they have satisfied any of the 60 prerequisite Liberal Arts and Sciences credits, or any portion of the volunteer work component, required for admission to the program. However, previous training can not exempt a student from the need to complete all courses in the BSHS/MSOT program
Bay Shore: The Bay Shore campus is located on the south shore of Long Island. The campus is accessible by automobile and railroad.
Manhattan: The Manhattan campus is located in the Chelsea neighborhood and is accessible by automobile and public transportation.
The Touro College Occupational Therapy Program is registered with the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO.Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20814-3425, (301) 652-2682. Occupational Therapy Program graduates are eligible to apply for all occupational therapy state professional licenses, and the professional certification examination offered through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Licensure is required in New York State
According to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, 86 students in the BS in Health Sciences/MS in Occupational Therapy program (Bay Shore and Manhattan campuses combined) passed the certification exam, 75 of whom passed on their first attempt, resulting in a first-time "new graduate"* pass rate of 87% during this specific three-year period.
* defined as individuals taking the test for the first time within 12 months of graduation.
Touro College participates in Federal and New York State financial aid programs.
Touro College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law in employment, or in its admission, treatment or access to its educational programs or activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Touro College’s nondiscrimination policies:
Ms. Rosie Kahan, Director of Human Resources
27-33 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010-4202, 212-463-0400, Ext. 5706
For additional information, please contact the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights at http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm or (800) 421-3481.
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Occupational Therapy Department
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Occupational Therapy Department
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Click Here To Download Application Form, OT Directives, BSHS/MSOT Applicant Recommendation Form
For more information about the SHS and the Occupational Therapy Program please click here: http://www.touro.edu/shs/2008-2010_BULLETIN.pdf
For additional information about the profession of occupational therapy click on these links:
http://www.aota.org
http://www.nbcot.org
http://op.nysed.gov
http://nysota.org
http://www.promoteot.org/PG_FactSheet.html