Occupational Therapy, M.S.

Purpose

The curriculum will consist of 81 hours and focuses on training high-quality occupational therapists for the rural region of Eastern Oklahoma.  In addition to the professional programming within the coursework, cultural sensitivity education to the American Indians served in the area is integrated throughout the curriculum.  The program will be designed to meet the requirements for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association for professional accreditation.  The program addresses the curricular standards of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate professional competencies in communication and a commitment to professional growth through life-long learning.
2. Demonstrate ethical awareness, compassion, cultural sensitivity including tribal mores unique to American Indians in Eastern Oklahoma, and cultural responsiveness when providing interventions and planning programs.
3. Demonstrate leadership skills that advocate for individuals and groups, promote the profession and improve the service delivery of occupational therapy.
4. Demonstrate entry-level practice competencies based upon a comprehensive understanding of human occupation and occupational performance to select and competently apply clinical assessments and therapeutic strategies.

Admission Standards

The following standards must be met by students to gain admission, be retained within, and successfully complete the program:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree from a Higher Learning Commission accredited college or university;
2. Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better;
3. Be in good standing with the college or university last or currently attending;
4. Be formally admitted to Northeastern State University and the Graduate College by submitting an application and official transcripts;
5. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate course work attempted;
6. Documented 40 hours of observation experience prior to application
7. Submit Graduate Record Examination score;
8. Submit application to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program Admissions Committee and receive admission approval.

Retention Standards

A student must maintain a 3.0 grade point average or above in all didactic and field experience course work.

Program Dismissal Standards

Students who fail to either earn the grade point average (3.0) or meet retention criteria will be placed on academic probation for one semester.  If the deficiency/deficiencies is/are not corrected by the end of the probationary semester, the student will be suspended from the program.  The student may apply for re-admission into the program one time after one year.

Graduation Standards

1. Successful completion of course work with a 3.0 GPA or better within 6 years of the completion of the first course in the curriculum;
2. Successful completion of field experiences with a 3.0 GPA or better