Department of Occupational Therapy
Real-world, Hands-on Experience
Our Department of Occupational Therapy is ranked #7 nationally and #1 in the Delaware Valley by U.S. News and World Report. Whether students enter our programs straight out of high school, from another college, or while pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy, all Thomas Jefferson University graduates are prepared for successful careers.
Why Occupational Therapy?
Learn how the current emphasis on health and wellness has expanded the role of occupational therapy into preventive and educational arenas. Our programs provide an array of educational experiences that will lead to successful careers.
The Department of Occupational Therapy #7 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report 2024
The Department provides degree programs at all levels: associate, master's, doctoral-entry, and post-professional. Students engage in cutting-edge clinical, educational, and research experiences on their path to becoming leaders in the field of occupational therapy and healthcare.
Inclusive Design for Individuals with Disabilities
Students in Jefferson’s Kanbar College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences partnered with Carousel Connections to create solutions for young adults with disabilities to live independently with confidence. One of the foundational elements to obtaining a healthy lifestyle is being able to independently prepare nutritious meals while using methods that are both convenient and efficient. This team of students created a strategic cookbook system that enables individuals to learn to cook for themselves while also teaching valuable skills that may provide future job opportunities in the food and beverage industry.
Degrees & Programs
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
EAST FALLS
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
EAST FALLS + CENTER CITY
Commitment to Equity
We strive to recognize the inherent value of diversity in human experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our department is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces individuals from all walks of life. We believe that acknowledging, sharing, and respecting diverse identities enriches our understanding of occupations, and enhances our ability to provide effective education, services, and scholarship; contributing to the holistic well-being of all students, clients, and practitioners. We promote equitable freedom of choice and access to meaningful participation in occupations and contribute positively to the overall betterment of society.
In alignment with our department’s philosophy, we aim to foster diversity, equity, justice, and social inclusion in all aspects of professional lives. We are committed to creating an inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment that values and respects the diverse identities of our faculty, students, clients, and communities. This commitment extends to educating our students in these practices in the classroom and through experiential learning. We intend to be change agents in diversifying the occupational therapy workforce and address disparities in access to and participation in occupations, ensuring that all humans can fully engage in and benefit from the transformative power of occupational therapy.
Accreditation
The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy, entry-level Master of Science programs, and entry-level Doctoral programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
ACOTE, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814 |
Phone: 301-652-6611
https://www.acoteonline.org/
ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.