Post Professional MS in Occupational Therapy
Program Description
The post-professional MS in occupational therapy program provides occupational therapists with the opportunity to pursue advanced study. You must have a B.S. in Occupational Therapy to be eligible to apply for this program. The program offers two major areas of concentration:
- Pediatrics: School Based Therapy/Early Intervention
- Physical Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities
Although candidates focus their studies in one of these areas, the program curriculum is flexible and can be tailored to individual interests.
The Profession of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is expanding its base of theoretical knowledge and its breadth of practice. This expansion increases the need for advanced study in the field. Responding to this need, the Occupational Therapy faculty of the University at Buffalo direct a graduate-level curriculum for occupational therapists that is grounded in theory and practice.
The Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy at the University at Buffalo is designed to provide occupational therapists with the opportunity for formal study beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students may focus their program of study in one of two major areas:
- Pediatrics: School Based Therapy/Early Intervention
- Physical Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities
Although students focus their studies in one of these areas, flexibility exists in the program for tailoring the curriculum to the student's interests. Students in either concentration may take additional courses that will provide them with a "minor" in assistive technology. Opportunities are available to integrate the academic courses with clinical practice to provide students with comprehensive learning experiences.
The program has a strong focus on development of problem solving and writing skills. Students prepare a thesis based on original research, and submit their research findings for publication in a professional journal.
The program also has a strong trans-disciplinary approach. Faculty from Architecture, Communicative Disorders & Sciences, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Exercise and Nutrition Science, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Rehabilitation Medicine work collaboratively on research and graduate training. The former Occupational Therapy Department developed the Center for Assistive Technology, which supports research and graduate education activities on assistive technology.
Students who complete the MS in Occupational Therapy will have the following competencies:
- Exhibit comprehensive knowledge concerning pediatric or adult physical disability practice
- Understand the theoretical basis of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Conduct, with some supervision, a clinical research study
- Interpret and utilize OT clinical literature with clinical practice
Related Departments and Programs:
- Architecture
- Communicative Disorders and Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Physical Therapy
- Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- School of Nursing
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