About Our Program & the Profession
About Our Program
The School of Occupational Therapy at the University of Puget Sound offers high quality educational opportunities at the master's level for individuals seeking to become an occupational therapist (entry level). Our entry level program is a two-and-one-half year, master's level course of study for entry into the profession.
Puget Sound's program combines the excellence of a dedicated faculty with an on-campus clinic that gives students a unique learning environment for putting theory and skills into practice. Students evaluate and treat clients under the supervision of expert community clinicians. Students also experience rigorous research and program development opportunities. Puget Sound occupational therapy graduates have demonstrated consistently strong educational outcomes. The total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination as first-time new graduate test-takers in 2010-2012 was 76 of 85, which is a pass rate of 89.4%. During that 3-year time period, the program has had 84 graduates. The comparable passing rate nationwide (13,804 examinees) was 83.6%. Graduates of the program also enjoy a strong reputation among supervisors as being excellent writers, resourceful therapists, and well prepared to engage in contemporary professional practice.
The application process for admission to the occupational therapy class entering fall, 2014, will be based in a centralized OT application service called “OT-CAS.” The OT-CAS site will become active sometime after August 1, 2013. The application deadline this year will be earlier than in the past, namely, DECEMBER 15TH, 2013 9:00PM PST. Please note that in addition to the letters of reference and transcript information applicants will submit to OT-CAS, Puget Sound is requiring a SUPPLEMENTAL application, consisting of an essay addressing certain particular topics. This essay is in addition to the general essay required at the OT-CAS site.
Puget Sound faculty and staff will apply the same care and consideration for every application, as we have done in the past.
About the Profession
The profession of occupational therapy views humans as complex beings in a process of continuous adaptation, influenced by the environment, the roles and tasks an individual chooses, personal capabilities, and the individual capacity for intrinsic motivation. Purposeful activity, as utilized by the occupational therapist, enhances this adaptation process.
The Occupational Therapy program's philosophy of education uses the above concepts to involve the student learner in an active process. Within a supportive and motivational context, it is through the diverse ways of reading, listening, thinking, discussing, modeling, exploring, and doing that humans learn. Through high quality educational experiences, Puget Sound students learn such abilities as precise, thorough, and insightful evaluation; realistic and collaborative goal setting; creative program planning; versatile problem solving; and tactful and effective communication. Essential educational components include a theoretical knowledge base, technical skills, professional and ethical standards, and the application of occupational therapy principles to practice.
For more information, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association's website.
