Occupational Therapy

Program Director: Dr. Potter

The Occupational Therapy Program at Moravian University offers a full-time educational program comprised of four terms on campus and 24 weeks of Level II Fieldwork placement, leading to the Entry-Level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. The Moravian College Occupational Therapy Program seeks to set the stage for the emerging occupational therapy practitioner to learn and to develop competence in meeting the occupational needs of a variety of consumers through the power of occupation, reflective practice, advocacy, and occupational justice. Because active doing is central to occupational therapy, learning takes place in active classrooms where students engage with each other, their environment, and the tools around them to solve problems that are meaningful and relevant, critiquing and sharing their work with others as advanced knowledge is constructed in a community.

Occupational Therapy Program Vision

The vision of the Moravian University Occupational Therapy Program is to be recognized for its innovative occupation-based community programs and interprofessional collaborations while preparing professionals to change lives through the power of occupation.

Occupational Therapy Program Mission

Moravian University Occupational Therapy Program builds on a liberal arts foundation to lead occupational therapy students to a reflective professional practice, a fulfilling and invigorating career dedicated to engaging individuals in meaningful occupations, and transformative leadership opportunities that improve the quality of life, improve the health and well-being of others, and change lives through the power of occupation.

Occupational Therapy Program Goals

Graduates from the Moravian University Occupational Therapy Program, through the power of occupation, will strive to be reflective leaders in Occupational Therapy by:

  • translating knowledge to meet the occupational needs of individuals, groups, and communities 
  • advocating and leading for occupational justice as a politically competent practitioner 
  • engaging in the occupational therapy process as a reflective practice scholar 
  • promoting quality of life, health, and wellness in a variety of contexts 
  • enjoying a fulfilling career in occupational therapy, consistent with the University mission 
  • effectively incorporating research into everyday evidenced based practice in collaboration with clients 
  • ethically solving challenges presented in practice

Program Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Admission Requirements

  1. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  2. Minimum pre-requisite GPA of 3.0 
  3. Three letters of recommendation
  4. Written personal statement 
  5. Resume
  6. Interview
  7. Grade of C or higher in the following pre-requisites:
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology (3 credits)
  • Developmental/Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
  • Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab (6-8 credits)

8. Optional: Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (school code: 2418 0618).

Occupational Therapy Curriculum Sequence

To receive a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, students must earn a total of 77 credits. The following course sequence of occupational therapy courses is required:

Term 1 (Summer):
17 Total Credits

  • OT 500 Foundations of Occupational Therapy (2)
  • OT 501 Psychosocial & Physical Influences on Occupational Performance: (4)
  • OT 520 Development of Occupational Participation (2)
  • OT 540 Clinical Neuroscience (4)
  • OT 542 Activity Analysis & Group Process (4)
  • OT 551 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection A (1)

Term 2 (Fall):
16 Total Credits

  • OT 510 Kinesiology & Occupational Analysis (4)
  • OT 525 Evaluation Process in Occupational Therapy (4)
  • OT 530 Environmental Modifications & Adaptations (4)
  • OT 535 Occupational Therapy Theories & Models of Practice (2)
  • OT 552 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection B (1)
  • OT 611 Evidenced-Based Practice I (1)

Term 3 (Spring):
17 Total Credits

  • OT 541 Occupational Performance I: Pediatrics (4)
  • OT 553 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection C (1)
  • OT 605 Management of Therapy Services (2)
  • OT 606 Advanced Management in Occupational Therapy (2)
  • OT 612 Evidenced-Based Practice II (3)
  • OT 642 Occupational Performance II: Adults (4)
  • OT 671 Research Mentorship in Occupational Therapy I (1)

Term 4 (Summer):
6 Total Credits

  • OT 630 Advanced Professional Ethics in Occupational Therapy (2)
  • OT 681 Level II Fieldwork in Occupational Therapy A (4)

Term 5 (Fall):
16 Total Credits

  • OT 614 Evidence Based Practice: Analysis to Dissemination (2)
  • OT 622 Occupational Justice & Community Health (4)
  • OT 635 Transformative Leadership in Occupational Therapy (2)
  • OT 643 Occupational Performance III: Contextual Applications (4)
  • OT 645 Occupational Performance IV: Functional Cognition (2)
  • OT 654 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection D (1)
  • OT 672 Research Mentorship in Occupational Therapy II (1)

Term 6 (Spring):
5 Total Credits

  • OT 666 Interprofessional Development & Reflection VI (1)
  • OT 682 Level II Fieldwork in Occupational Therapy B (4) (12 weeks)

Clinical Placement

Occupational Therapy students will complete several Level I fieldwork visits in the immediate geographic area which will require the availability of reliable transportation during the first four terms. Additionally, students are required to complete two Level II Fieldwork placements, each for a duration of 12 weeks. These placements may not be in the immediate geographic area and will likely require the student to incur additional living expenses. The Level II Fieldwork placements must be completed within 24 months from the end of didactic coursework.

Additional Requirements

In addition to meeting University admission requirements, all occupational therapy students will be required to show ongoing proof of the following as prerequisites for Level I and Level II occupational therapy fieldwork courses. Failure to do so may be grounds for dismissal from the occupational therapy program:

  • Negative finds on the Federal Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
  • Negative urine drug screen
  • Updated health information
  • Ability to meet the essential functions of an occupational therapist to perform the safe practice of occupational therapy

A felony conviction could preclude the student from sitting for the NBCOT exam or from gaining state licensure, both of which are required to practice occupational therapy. Students wishing to receive early determination review from NBCOT can apply on the NBCOT website. Copies of student clearance and health records may be provided to fieldwork sites.

Additional Expenses in the Occupational Therapy Program

In addition to the tuition fees, students in the occupational therapy program incur additional expenses for such things as physical examinations, specialized immunizations, background checks, uniforms (as required by fieldwork sites), and malpractice insurance. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation for Level I Fieldwork as well as transportation and housing associated with Level II Fieldwork. Students are required to have and be proficient in the use of an Apple device capable of Apple Airplay (iMac, iPad, or iPhone) and computer resources with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Retention in the Occupational Therapy Program

  1. Students must be continuously enrolled full time in the occupational therapy program.
  2. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or better in the occupational therapy courses throughout the curriculum. Any student who falls below the 3.0 in any given term will be placed on program probation and be required to raise the GPA to a 3.0 by the end of the subsequent term, or be dismissed from the occupational therapy program.
  3. Students must acquire a grade of C or better in all occupational therapy courses to advance in the program.
  4. Students who receive an F in any didactic course will be dismissed from the occupational therapy program.
  5. Students who receive an F or NC in a Level II Fieldwork placement will be permitted to repeat the Fieldwork experience one additional time.
  6. Students will be expected to adhere to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Code of Ethics. They may be dismissed from the program for any serious violation of these principles by a vote of the full-time occupational therapy faculty.
  7. Occupational therapy students must meet the prerequisites to progress in the occupational therapy course sequence; therefore, an incomplete may disrupt the student's progression.

Leaves of Absence and Withdrawal

Students may request a leave of absence  through the occupational therapy Program Director. The Program Director will assist the student in completing the request through the University.  A leave of absence may impact the student’s ability to complete the curriculum as no guarantees can be made that the same occupational therapy curriculum will be available upon the student’s return.

Students must follow the University policy for “Withdrawal from the University” found in the Moravian University Catalog. The effective date for any withdrawal will be the date that the student notified the Occupational Therapy Program Director

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the requirements of the University, students enrolled in the occupational therapy program must complete the following:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better
  • C or better in all graduate courses
  • Satisfactory fieldwork evaluations in all occupational therapy fieldwork courses
  • Completion of the prescribed occupational therapy program of study, including an NBCOT exam preparation course and end-of-program survey/exit interview within 36 months
  • Completion of all Level II Fieldwork requirements within 24 months from completion of didactic coursework.

Graduate Courses in Occupational Therapy

OT 500 Foundations of Occupational Therapy
Students explore the foundations of the occupational therapy profession with an emphasis on the history, philosophical base, and the code of ethics. The way in which society’s current and future occupational needs can be met will be examined and students will gain insight into the unique contributions of occupational therapy through an examination of occupational science literature. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy Program. Two graduate credits.

OT 501 Psychosocial & Physical Influences on Occupational Performance
Students examine a variety of psychosocial and physical factors that influence occupational performance, including a formal medical or DSM diagnosis, trauma, homelessness, joblessness, literacy, poverty, access to healthcare, community access, and incarceration. Medical terminology is introduced and integrated into this course. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy Program. Four graduate credits.

OT 510 Kinesiology & Occupational Analysis
The focus of this course is the study of normal functional human anatomy (muscle origins, insertions, innervations, actions) applied to the principles of kinesiology. Biomechanical forces as they act upon the body will be incorporated into this study of normal movement. Students will gain experience and beginning skills in the analysis of normal movement. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy program. Four graduate credits.

OT 520 Development of Occupational Participation
This course emphasizes the development of occupational performance across the lifespan, integrating concepts from developmental psychology into the study of human occupation. Students gain in-depth knowledge about the influence of meaningful activity on human development as well as the manner in which human development shapes the acquisition of everyday occupations throughout an individual’s life. Students examine the developmental milestones not typically studied in a developmental psychology course, including grasp, the sucking and swallowing, and reflex inhibition as they relate to writing, eating, and other purposeful movements which are necessary to engage in everyday living. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy Program. Two graduate credit.

OT 525 Evaluation Process in Occupational Therapy
Students explore measurement as part of the evaluation process through this survey course designed to provide in-depth knowledge about the psychometric properties of a variety of evidenced based assessment tools, principles of assessment including the interpretation of criterion-referenced and norm-referenced standardized test scores, the factors that might bias assessment results, and relating assessment results to a variety of audiences. In this course students are introduced to the assessment process as a highly reflective process that allows for the integration of theory and practice. Prerequisite: OT 500. Four graduate credits.

OT 530 Environmental Factors, Modifications, & Adaptations in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists evaluate and adapt environments in order to promote participation in everyday activities. In this course, students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the physical elements of our world and their relationship to function, including technology, products (assistive devices and orthosis), as well as natural and man-made spaces. Students will study the impact of the American with Disabilities Act and Universal Design principles on creating an inclusive community for everyone. Prerequisite: OT 542. Four graduate credits.

OT 535 Occupational Therapy Theory & Models of Practice 
In this course, students will actively engage in a study of the major models of practice in occupational therapy that guide practice and an exploration of how theory supports these models as guides to evaluation and intervention decisions. The study of occupational therapy theory development, the importance that theory plays in clinical decision making, and in developing a strong occupational therapy professional identity will be explored. Prerequisites: OT 500. Two graduate credits.

OT 540 Clinical Neuroscience
This course will explore the functional organization and physiology of the human nervous system. The neurobiological framework for understanding human behavior will also be examined. Students who complete this course will recognize important symptoms and signs associated with neurological disease. In addition, students will understand the clinical significance of the organization of anatomical structures and the interconnections that bind structures together in the nervous system. Mastery of these concepts will enable students to localize lesions within the central and peripheral nervous systems and predict the neurological deficits associated with such lesions. An important outcome will be to achieve long-term acquisition of neuroscience concepts such that students perform well in health-related professions. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy Program. Four graduate credits.

OT 541 Occupational Performance I: Pediatrics
This is the first course in a three-semester lifespan sequence focused on clinical reasoning in the occupational therapy process to enhance lifestyle performance and quality of life with the construction of the occupational profile, an analysis of occupational performance, the construction and implementation of the intervention plan, an ongoing review of intervention, and outcome assessment for individuals and populations from birth through adolescence with physical and mental health challenges. Prerequisite: OT 525. Four graduate credits.

OT 542 Activity Analysis & Group Dynamics
In this course, students actively engage in a variety of activities across the lifespan to master the activity analysis which serves as a foundational skill to all areas of occupational therapy practice. This course will help the student build a firm foundation for the critical analysis of the power of occupation as it relates to health and well-being. The real and symbolic meaning of activities and objects in a variety of contexts will be explored as students examine a variety of activities including Occupations (ADL, IADL, Rest & Sleep, Work, Social Participation, Play, Leisure, Education), competitive and noncompetitive games, hobbies, crafts, mindfulness activities, expressive arts and media, as well as the tools and objects that are used for each of these. Corequisite: OT 500. Four graduate credits.

OT 551 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection A
This first course in the fieldwork and professional series offers integrated practical learning through the Interprofessional Education Sessions as well as community based experiences. Students are given the opportunity to reflect on and examine their experiences as an emerging occupational therapist emphasizing reflective practice and professional behaviors that promote meaningful collaborative working relationships.The student will interact with individuals who have challenges participating in everyday occupations in a variety of practice settings. In the first course of this series, emphasis is placed on communication, establishing the therapeutic relationship, and interviewing skills. One graduate credit.

OT 552 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection B
This second course in the fieldwork and professional series offers integrated practical learning through the Interprofessional Education Sessions as well as community based experiences. Students are given the opportunity to reflect on and examine their experiences as an emerging occupational therapist emphasizing reflective practice and professional behaviors that promote meaningful collaborative working relationships. In this second course, emphasis is placed on reflection, professional behaviors expected as emerging professionals, meaningful collaborative working relationships, and cultural competence.One graduate credit.

OT 553 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection C
This third course in the fieldwork and professional series offers integrated practical learning through the Interprofessional Education Sessions as well as fieldwork experiences focusing on pediatric/adolescent and adult settings. Students are given the opportunity to reflect on and examine their experiences as an emerging occupational therapist emphasizing reflective practice and professional behaviors that promote meaningful collaborative working relationships. In this third course, emphasis during fieldwork is the student’s reflection on application of theory, human development, assessment, intervention, and contextual influences within the treatment setting. Professionally the students explore their varied roles in occupational therapy as well as effective skills for managing conflict and dealing effectively with challenging behavior. One graduate credit.

OT 605 Management of Occupational Therapy Services
In this first course in a two-semester sequence, students build a foundation to plan, organize, staff, direct, and manage occupational therapy services as they actively participate in the design of an occupational therapy program proposal with an emphasis on occupation based programming. Prerequisite: OT 500. Two graduate credits.

OT 606 Advanced Management of Occupational Therapy Services
In this second part of a two-semester sequence, students gain in-depth knowledge to manage and lead occupational therapy programs with an emphasis on factors and trends that impact the delivery of occupation based services. Students actively collaborate and construct the second part of their program proposal initiated in the previous semester. Prerequisite: OT 605. Two graduate credits.

OT 611/ HLAT 511 Evidence-Based Practice I
This course will introduce the student to role and importance of research in the rehabilitation professions. Course content will include defining research terminology, basic epidemiology, development of search terms, human subjects training and the development of a research question. Prerequisite: Admission into the Occupational Therapy program. One graduate credit.

OT 612 Evidence-Based Practice II
In this course students will learn the basics of developing and implementing a research study that will support evidence based practice in Occupational Therapy. Through a collaborative team approach to learning and writing, students will develop a research question, design a study to investigate their question, initiate data collection, with IRB approval. Furthermore, students will demonstrate the ability to interpret basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: OT 611/HLAT 511. Three graduate credit.s

OT 614 Evidence Based Practice: Analysis to Dissemination
In this course, students will form foundations in data analysis, interpretation, and receive guidance on the dissemination of their research. Prerequisite: OT 612. Two graduate credits.

OT 622 Occupational Justice & Community Health
Students will analyze the impact of health disparities, political, geographic, and demographic factors on the delivery of occupational therapy services. Students will actively engage in the process of advocacy by applying community organizing and advocacy strategies to a specific issue to address occupational justice. This experiential course provides an exploration of community based occupational therapy program development and evaluation. Students will engage with a population in the community to design and implement an outcome-based activities program.  Two graduate credits

OT 625 Applied Advocacy & Community Action
This course explores the environmental and policy factors that impact health and autonomy of individuals and populations. Students will actively engage in the process by applying community organizing and advanced advocacy strategies to a specific issue. Prerequisite: OT 620; Co-requisite: OT 655. Two graduate credits.

OT 630 Advanced Professional Ethics in Occupational Therapy
This course studies ethical theory and ethical decision making within the discipline and profession of occupational therapy by critically examining situational problems and by reflectively exploring ethical solutions that are coherent with and supported by the core values, principles, and guidelines of the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of the profession. The course will examine ethical dilemmas that arise within different areas of the profession and the problem of moral distress and its various causes. Prerequisite: OT 500. Two graduate credits.

OT 635 Transformative Leadership in Occupational Therapy
This course offers an in-depth study of leadership theories, leadership characteristics, and a critical analysis of the literature on leadership in occupational therapy. Transformative leadership will also be explored as students prepare to become change agents in their professional careers. Students will be challenged to bring a sense of curiosity to and reflect on their personal leadership qualities and be open to discussing these. Co-requisite: OT 681. Two graduate credits.

OT 642 Occupational Performance II: Adults
This is the second course in a three-semester lifespan sequence focused on clinical reasoning in the occupational therapy process to enhance lifestyle performance and quality of life through the construction of the occupational profile, an analysis of occupational performance, the construction and implementation of the intervention plan, an ongoing review of intervention, and outcome assessment for individuals and populations with physical and mental health challenges. Prerequisite: OT 525; Co-requisite: OT 654. Four graduate credits.

OT 643 Occupational Performance III: Contextual Applications
This is the third course in a three-semester lifespan sequence focused on clinical reasoning in the occupational therapy process to enhance lifestyle performance and quality of life through the construction of the occupational profile, an analysis of occupational performance, the construction and implementation of the intervention plan, an ongoing review of intervention, and outcome assessment across the lifespan and intervention settings individuals and populations with physical and mental health challenges. Prerequisite: OT 525. Four graduate credits.

OT 645 Occupational Performance IV: Functional Cognition
This course provides students an in-depth study of functional cognition and its relation to successful participation in occupation. Students will develop competence in evidenced-based assessment and intervention related to specific cognitive conditions across the lifespan. Two graduate credits.

OT 654 Level I Fieldwork & Reflection D
This fourth course in the fieldwork and professional series offers integrated practical learning through the learning sessions as well as fieldwork experiences focusing on the community setting. Students are given the opportunity to reflect on and examine their experiences as an emerging occupational therapist emphasizing reflective practice and professional behaviors that promote meaningful collaborative working relationships. In this course, emphasis during fieldwork is the student’s reflection on challenges to participation in everyday occupations for individuals in the community context. Professionally the students explore and reflect on their own professional behaviors that promote meaningful collaborative working relationships. One graduate credit.

OT 655 Level I Fieldwork E
This series of Level I Fieldwork offers an integrated experience giving the student the opportunity to observe and apply what they are learning in the classroom to occupational challenges in the setting in which they are participating.  The student will observe individuals who have challenges participating in everyday occupations in a variety of practice settings over five semesters. In the fifth fieldwork experience of this series, emphasis is placed on occupational therapy services in community-based and/or emerging practice settings. Prerequisite: OT 654; Co-requisite: OT 565. One-half graduate credit.

OT 656 Community Health & Wellness in Occupational Therapy
This experiential course provides an exploration of community based occupational therapy program development and evaluation. Students will engage with a population in the community to design and implement an outcome based activities program. Factors which influence the delivery of occupational therapy in various community settings will be introduced. Prerequisite: OT 620; Co-requisite: OT 655. Three graduate credits.

OT 665 Interprofessional Development & Reflection V
This course offers an opportunity for students to reflect on and examine their experience as an emerging occupational therapist with an emphasis on reflective practice and their own professional behaviors that promote meaningful collaborative working relationships. Prerequisite: OT 664; Co-requisite: OT 655. One graduate credit.

OT 666 Interprofessional Development & Reflection VI
This course offers an opportunity for students to review, self-assess, and reflect on knowledge and competence within occupational therapy practice through the completion and analysis of a formal assessment measure. Students will construct a plan for remediation in any deficit areas that are identified, review for and formulate an *NBCOT exam study plan, and relate this process to professional development and continued competence. Prerequisite: OT 665. One graduate credit.

OT 671 Research Mentorship in Occupational Therapy I
This is the first course in a research series that provides the foundation for the emerging occupational therapy practitioner to develop the knowledge and skills to be a competent practice scholar through the development of a scholarly research proposal. Prerequisite: None. One graduate credit.

OT 672 Research Mentorship in Occupational Therapy II
This is the second course in a research series that provides the foundation for the emerging occupational therapy practitioner to develop the knowledge and skills to be a competent practice scholar through the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of data. Prerequisite: OT 671. Two graduate credits.

OT 681 Level II Fieldwork in Occupational Therapy A
This is a supervised and mentored Level II fieldwork experience in a setting that provides occupational therapy services. Students synthesize prior learning in a setting where they complete occupational profiles, evaluate clients, formulate and implement occupational therapy intervention plans, and plan for discharge. Students also gain experience with administrative responsibilities associated with documentation, billing, and the day to day operation of an occupational therapy service. Prerequisite: Permission of the OT Fieldwork Coordinator. Four graduate credits.

OT 682 Level II Fieldwork in Occupational Therapy B
This is a supervised and mentored Level II fieldwork experience in a setting that provides occupational therapy services. Students synthesize prior learning in a setting where they complete occupational profiles, evaluate clients, formulate and implement occupational therapy intervention plans, and plan for discharge. Students also gain experience with administrative responsibilities associated with documentation, billing, and the day today operation of an occupational therapy service. Prerequisite: Permission of the OT Fieldwork Coordinator. Four graduate credits.