Department of Occupational Therapy
Conceptual Framework
The Philosophy of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is grounded in a holistic view of humans as complex beings who have a right to health and participation. We believe that it is through God’s creation that we are provided the opportunity to lead and to serve.
In regards to humans and occupation, we believe:
- Humans are complex beings who seek meaning in life by continually exploring occupations through the life span.
- Humans have a right to experience occupation as meaningful and enriching (Townsend & Wilcock, 2004)
- Humans have a right to develop through participation in occupations for health and social inclusion (Townsend & Wilcock, 2004).
- Humans have a right to engage in a variety of meaningful occupations and to choose those occupations. (Townsend & Wilcock, 2004).
“Professional education is a journey of mind, body, and spirit that involves growth and development in self-discovery, critical thinking, and use of self.”
-Department of Occupational Therapy
Approach to Learning and Instruction
- The distance learning environment transcends the traditional classroom to the creation of a virtual learning environment.
- Such an atmosphere demands and fosters independent learning and self-direction.
- A multimedia approach allows for more active learning.
- Learning is viewed as a dynamic process that builds upon life experience and foundational, practice, and professional knowledge gained through coursework.
- Distance learning utilizes a virtual environment that promotes peer and instructor interaction and growth through learner-centered teaching.
- Strong peer relationships and learning partnerships can be formed with the appropriate use of technology combined with personal contact.
- Adult learners are autonomous and self-directed assuming responsibility for learning and leadership throughout the process.
- Adult learners are goal-oriented and seek to apply knowledge.
- Adult learners have a foundation of life experiences and clinical experiences that they may draw upon and use to apply theory and concepts.
- It is understood that there are many learning styles, thus instructors will strive to incorporate a variety of learning styles into their assignments and coursework (visual learning, auditory, kinesthetic, and environmental)
(Rochester Institute of Technology, 2000)
Required Levels of Achievement
- Membership in a professional organization outside of one’s state and national occupational therapy association
- Professional presentation(s)
- Manuscript submissions (two)
- Develop an innovative program using occupation-based practice
- Successful completion of professional rotation
- Develop, plan, and implement a research project
- Participate in the legislative process at local, state, national, or international levels.
- Doctoral portfolio
