Professional Leadership in occupational therapy focuses on the application of theory and evidence in leadership to specific career goals. Students learn about different theories and models of leadership and change implementation and develop strategies for problem-solving when in a leadership role. Opportunities to explore their own leadership style and develop/continue to build their professional portfolio occur throughout the class.

Continued expertise development results in refinement of one's professional craft knowledge and professional practice. In this course, students learn about advanced knowledge and practice in occupational therapy by reflecting on, discussing and analyzing how occupational therapists know what they know (professional craft knowledge), knowledge and expertise development, and the conceptual foundations of occupational therapy in order to further develop their skills as an advanced healthcare professional.

Independent study is available to those students who wish to continue their learning in an area after completing the regularly offered courses in that area.

In this course students focus on a single occupational therapy clinical setting, such as rehabilitation centers or schools, and explore how the occupational therapy process can be effectively implemented in such settings. The interplay of policy and practice issues is examined.

In this course students learn foundational concepts of professionalism, universal principles of professional therapist-client interaction, and assimilation of a professional self-identity. Key concepts include personal responsibility for learning, therapeutic use of self, professional communication, clinical reasoning and reflection, professional behaviors, and understanding self as a professional.

The Fieldwork II experience consists of two 12-week, full-time placements and is an essential part of the educational program. It is completed in two different practice settings as students work toward developing the entry-level skills of a generalist OT. Successful completion of Fieldwork II includes passing scores on the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student at the conclusion of each placement and the approval of the OT program director.

The Fieldwork II experience consists of two 12-week, full-time placements and is an essential part of the educational program. It is completed in two different practice settings as students work toward developing the entry level skills of a generalist OT. Successful completion of Fieldwork II includes passing scores on the AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation for the Occupational Therapy Student at the conclusion of each placement and the approval of the OT program director.

As a continuing part of the Level I Fieldwork series, students gain authentic, practical experience with the occupational therapy process by working with both an adult and child client in the Puget Sound occupational therapy teaching clinics. Course learning activities enhance both foundational knowledge and the critical thinking skills necessary for professionalism and lifelong learning and growth.

The mental health clinical experience provides students with opportunities to engage in the community and is part of the Level I fieldwork series. It is designed to assist in the transition from the role of student to that of therapist by engaging in the occupational therapy process in its entirety.