Occupational Therapy

School/College: College of Health Sciences

Degrees Conferred:

• MS in Occupational Therapy

Contents

• Graduate Faculty
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Certificate in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design
• Courses

Overview

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers a Master of Science degree program in Occupational Therapy. There are two tracks: a Professional-Entry Track and a Post-Professional Track. Students in both tracks will receive graduate instruction and research for occupational therapists and may select a thesis option (Option A) or a non-thesis project option (Option B) in pursuing this degree program. Professional-Entry Track students will also be offered a comprehensive examination option (Option C) for the capstone requirement.

Professional-Entry Track

Students wishing to pursue a career as an occupational therapist will select the Professional-Entry Track, which is a BS/MS program. Students with bachelor's degrees in other areas are welcome and encouraged to contact advising for credit evaluation. Students can complete the undergraduate portion of the Occupational Therapy Professional Program either as Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies candidates or, for applicants with a previous bachelor's degree, as special students.

Students interested in the Professional-Entry Track should first contact the College of Health Sciences Advising Office, Occupational Therapy Professional Program, (414) 229-6448.

Post-Professional Track

Students who are occupational therapists interested in advanced study in clinical practice, preparation for an academic career, or development of administrative skills will select the Post-Professional Track.

Graduate Faculty

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Professors

Haertlein Sells, Carol Leonardelli, Ph.D., Marquette University

Johnston, Mark, Ph.D., Claremont University

King, Phyllis, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Smith, Roger O., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Associate Professors

King, Theodore I., Ph.D., Michigan State University

Stoffel, Virginia, Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University, Chair

Assistant Professors

Barnekow, Kris, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rowntree Darragh, Amy, Ph.D., Colorado State University

Sindhu, Bhagwant, Ph.D., University of Florida

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

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Admission

Applicants must meet Graduate School requirements. Students may enroll at the beginning of the spring, summer, or fall semesters, either on a full-time or part-time basis.

Applicants may be admitted to regular status if their cumulative grade point average is the equivalent of a 2.75 or above (scale of 4.0). Students with cumulative grade point averages between a 2.5 and 2.75 may be considered for admission on a probationary basis by presenting substantial evidence of ability to succeed in graduate level work. Probationary status is removed after successful completion of the first 9 graduate credits if a grade point average of 3.0 or above is achieved.

Professional-Entry Track

Applicants to the Professional-Entry Track will have completed all undergraduate requirements of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Professional-Entry Occupational Therapy curriculum (or equivalent) and may apply to enter the M.S. in O.T. in their final undergraduate semester.

Post-Professional Track

Applicants to the Post-Professional Track must have graduated from a World Federation of Occupational Therapy member school or equivalent to be considered for admission to the program.

Admission Process

All applicants must apply to the Graduate School using the online application form, which includes the reasons for graduate study statement, provide 2 official transcripts from each school attended, and submit the appropriate application/processing fee.

In addition, the following materials should be sent to the Occupational Therapy Graduate Coordinator:

1. Three letters of reference, preferably from academic and/or clinical sources (These are waived for current UWM-OT BS/special students.)
2. A current curriculum vitae/resume (a summary of your education, employment, continuing education, professional activities and membership, etc.) and
3. A writing sample. This writing sample may be a paper submitted in a college course, a manuscript submitted for publication, a brochure/description of a clinical program, or another form of written material authored by the applicant within the past five years.

Applications for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy are handled on a rolling review process with the following dates recommended for submission of all application materials:

• February 1 for Summer term (December 1 if international)
• April 1 for Fall term (March 1 if international)
• October 1 for UWinterim/Spring term (July 1 if international)

Later applications will be processed; however, the response time will be delayed and registration for classes may be affected. Those also applying for UWM Graduate School or AOP Fellowships shall have all application materials submitted by the first week in January for Fall admission.

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student's studies as specified in Graduate School regulations. The Graduate Coordinator may serve as the temporary advisor to incoming students.

Credits and Courses

The minimum degree requirement for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is 36 graduate credits for students in the Professional-Entry Track and 30 graduate credits for students in the Post-Professional Track.

Professional-Entry Track

Students must complete 21 graduate credits of core courses:

OccThpy 701 Advanced Application of Instrumentation Theory in Health Care (3cr.)

OccThpy 720 Advanced Application of Occupational Therapy Theory (3 cr.)

OccThpy 510 Occupational Therapy Field Service I (6 cr.)

OccThpy 515 Occupational Therapy Field Service II (6 cr.)

A graduate level research emphasis course approved by the major professor (3 cr.)

Depending on the Option selected (A, B, or C), students either complete 9 or 12 total elective credits as approved by the major professor; 6 must be in OT, 3-6 can be in OT or other UWM graduate department offerings.

Post-Professional Track

Students must complete 12 credits of core courses (3 graduate credits each):

OccThpy 610 Advances in Occupational Science

OccThpy 701 Advanced Application of Instrumentation Theory in Health Care

OccThpy 720 Advanced Application of Occupational Therapy Theory

A graduate level research emphasis course approved by the major professor

Depending on the Option selected (A or B), students either complete 12 or 15 total elective credits as approved by the major professor; 6 must be in OT if choosing option A and 9 must be in OT if choosing option B.

Capstone Options

Capstone A: Thesis

Students prepare a research thesis which will earn 6 credits. Each student is responsible for identifying a major professor before completing 12 graduate credits. The thesis committee should consist of a minimum of three members: the major professor (an O.T. program graduate faculty member), a UWM graduate faculty member, and one other member (UWM faculty/academic staff or community professional). Two members must be OT department faculty or academic staff. The major professor approves selection of committee members and a program of study designed to lead the student into the thesis research area. The thesis research topic will be identified by the student in concert with the thesis committee. The thesis must be written in compliance with the OT Program and Graduate School formats.

The student must pass a comprehensive oral examination in defense of the completed thesis. The oral examination committee will be the thesis committee.

Capstone B: Project

Students prepare a project which will earn 3 credits. Each student is responsible for identifying a major professor before completing 12 graduate credits. The project committee should consist of a minimum of two members: the major professor (an O.T. program graduate faculty member) and one other member (UWM OT department faculty or academic staff). The project committee may include a community professional as an optional third committee member. The topic will be identified by the student in collaboration with the major professor. The major professor approves selection of committee members and a program of study which supports the project area. The project must be written in compliance with OT Program format requirements.

The student must pass a comprehensive oral examination in defense of the completed project. The oral examination committee will be the project committee.

Capstone C: Comprehensive Examination (Option for Professional-Entry students only)

Students will successfully pass OCCTHPY 810 Critical Evaluation of Theory, Research, and Practice (G, 3 cr.), which prepares them to take the comprehensive examination in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program. The written comprehensive examination may include an oral portion (to be determined by the course instructor).

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.

Certificate in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design

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The Certificate in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design is an interdisciplinary program designed to meet the demand for assistive technology and accessible design specialists. The College of Health Science's Departments of Occupational Therapy and Communication Sciences Disorders along with the School of Education's Department of Exceptional Education collaborate on the course offerings and management. The certificate follows a model of prerequisite disability and technology basic knowledge, survey of the fields, assessment, intervention and leadership. Completion of the certificate will help prepare the students to sit for State and National certification examinations as Assistive Technology Specialists, Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist and Low Vision Specialist.

Application and Admission

Students interested in this certificate should contact one of the three sponsoring programs before enrolling in any certificate courses. Admission to the certificate requires evidence of a basic knowledge of disability and computer applications, and an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 or a graduate GPA of at least 3.0. Generally, students in the health sciences and exceptional education will have sufficient coursework in disability related studies. Prerequisite evidence in disability related studies may be obtained at the undergraduate level. One of the following is recommended to meet the computer applications requirement.

ExEd 730 Assistive and Instructional Technology for Students with Disabilities, 3 cr

OccThpy 750 Computer applications in Occupational Therapy practice, 3 cr

Those not already admitted to a UWM graduate degree program must submit a graduate non-degree application and an official undergraduate transcript to the Graduate School.

Credits and Courses

The certificate in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design requires completion of a minimum 15 credits as listed below.

Introduction (3 cr, must be taken at Graduate level)

OccThpy 620 Introduction to Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology, 3 cr
(Alternate related graduate level course can substitute if this course has been completed on an undergraduate level.)

Assessment (3 cr)

ExcEduc 765 Assistive Technology Service Delivery in Schools, 3 cr

ComSDis 715 Assessment and Intervention in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 3 cr

OccThpy 770 Assessment in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design, 3 cr

Intervention (6 cr - any U/G course must be taken at Graduate level)

OccThpy 625 Design and Disability, 3 cr

OccThpy 595 Vision I: Introduction to Low Vision and Vision Impairment, 3 cr

OccThpy 596 Vision II: Practical Aspects of Visual Impairment & Low Vision Intervention, 3 cr

OccThpy 593 Introduction to Biomedical and Rehabilitation Instrumentation, 3 cr

OccThpy 999 Advanced Independent Study, 1-3 cr

ExEd 735 Technology and Instruction for Students with Disabilities, 3 cr

ExEd/OccThpy 777 Fieldwork in Assistive Technology, 3 cr

ExEd 799 Independent Reading, 1-3 cr

ComSDis 717 Special Populations in Communication Disorders, 2 cr

ComSDis 791 Research Experience, 1 cr

ComSDis 799 Independent Studies, 1-3 cr

Capstone (3 cr)

OccThpy 760 Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (online), 3 cr

Minimum Grade Requirement

To be awarded the certificate, students must earn a minimum grade of B in the certificate courses (B- not allowed).

Transfer Credit

Up to 3 credits of graduate coursework may be considered for transfer to the certificate program. To be eligible, courses must meet the requirements of the Graduate School, and be approved by the ATAD certificate coordinating committee.

Time Limit

Students must complete all certificate courses within 3 years of initial enrollment in the certificate program.

Courses

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Courses numbered 300-699 are Undergradute/Graduate. Courses numbered 700 and above are Graduate only.

329 Occupational Therapy in Gerontology. 3 cr. U/G.

In-depth study of occupational therapy principles and practice in working with the elderly in institutions and the community. Prereq: jr st in OccThpy Prog.

427 Essentials of Splinting. 3 cr. U/G.

Evaluation and splint fabrication of upper and lower extremity and trunk. Hands-on lab experience in splint design using various patterns, applications, and materials. Prereq: Bio Sci 203(P); Hum Kin 320(P) or cons instr.

497 Study Abroad - Occupational Therapy: (Subtitled). 1-12 cr. U/G.

Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared course work. Retakable w/chg in topic. Prereq: acceptance to Study Abroad Prog.

510 Occupational Therapy Field Service I. 6 cr. U/G.

Practical application of occupational therapy in health programs for the prevention of psychosocial disorders and for treatment, rehabilitation, and maintenance. Three months field service. Prereq: sr or grad st in OccThpy prog.

515 Occupational Therapy Field Service II. 6 cr. U/G.

Practical application of occupational therapy in health programs for the treatment, rehabilitation, maintenance and prevention of physical disabilities. 3 months field service. Prereq: sr or grad st in OccThpy prog.

526 Topics in Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Theory and Research to Practice: 3 cr. U/G.

Current research which may impact on occupational therapy treatment and theory will be presented. Course content variable. May be repeated up to 3 times for cr or 9 cr. Prereq: OccThpy 326; OccThpy 426; or equiv; cons instr.

541 Evidence for Practice III: Creating Evidence. 3 cr. U/G.

Seminar to study the research process, review of relevant research literature and use of basic research tools necessary for thesis/project development. Prereq: sr st in OccThpy & OccThpy 341(P); or grad st in OccThpy; or cons instr.

550 (327) Upper Extremity Evaluation and Treatment in Hand Therapy. 3 cr. U/G.

Evaluation and treatment of the upper extremity. Techniques of patient evaluation, pertinent anatomy, and recovery. Prereq: jr st in OccThpy prog; or grad st in OccThpy prog; or cons instr.

590 Topics in Occupational Therapy: (Subtitled). 1-3 cr. U/G.

Topics of current interest in O.T. see Schedule of Classes for course offerings. May be retaken with change in topic to max of 9 cr. Prereq: jr st in OccThpy prog or cons instr.

593 Introduction to Biomedical and Rehabilitation Instrumentation. 3 cr. U/G.

Familiarizes students with medical instrumentation in post acute care settings. Basic electrical, electronic and mechanical terminologies. Prereq: jr st in OccThpy prog or cons instr.

595 Vision I: Introduction to Low Vision & Visual Impairment. 3 cr. U/G.

Introduces student to visual impairment including blindness and 'low vision'. Structure and function of the visual system and most common types of pathology. Prereq: jr st or cons instr.

596 Vision II: Practical Aspects of Visual Impairment & Low Vision Intervention. 3 cr. U/G.

Functional implications of visual system pathology; focus on practical aspects of adapting to visual impairment, low vision evaluation and access to service/resources. Prereq: jr st or cons instr.

610 Advances in Occupational Science. 3 cr. U/G.

Explores origins and recent developments in occupational science. Examines the multidimensional nature of occupation; the dynamics of person, environment, occupation interaction; applications to practice. Prereq: sr st in Baccalaureate OccThpy prog or grad st.

620 Introduction to Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology. 3 cr. U/G.

Principles of assistive and rehabilitation technology application and foundation skills for professionals working with people with disabilities to evaluate products and strategies for their use. Prereq: jr st or cons instr.

625 Design and Disability. 3 cr. U/G.

Universal design principles/theories related to creating access for individuals with disabilities. Enables professionals to evaluate and provide recommendations for product and environment universal design. Prereq: jr st or cons instr.

634 Collaborative Consultation and Teaming-Serving Young Children with Disabilities. 3 cr. U/G.

Focus on development of collaboration and consultation skills for professionals employed in interdisciplinary and interagency settings. ExcEduc 634, Occthpy 634, & ComSDis 634 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. Prereq: jr st.

701 (effective 09/02/2008) Advanced Measurement and Instrumentation in Health Care. 3 cr. G.

Reviews and critiques measurement theories and instruments used by health related researchers and professionals. Includes traditional, outcome and contemporary methods differing from classical psychometric theory. Prereq: grad st.

701 Advanced Application of Instrumentation Theory in Health Care. 3 cr. G.

Reviews and critiques measurement theories and instruments used by health related researchers and professionals. Includes traditional, outcome and contemporary methods differing from classical psychometric theory. Prereq: grad st.

702 Research in Occupational Therapy. 3 cr. G.

Study of research design pertinent to various areas of clinical practice in occupational therapy. Development of literature review and hypothesis for project/thesis. Prereq: grad st; Occthpy 701(P); Quantitative & Qualitative Research courses or equiv; cons instr.

710 Community Models of Occupational Therapy Practice. 3 cr. G.

Evaluation and application of occupational therapy knowledge to a wide array of community settings. Prereq: grad st in OccThpy prgrm or cons instr

720 Advanced Application of Occupational Therapy Theory. 3 cr. G.

Critical analysis of occupational therapy theories as they relate to practice issues, strategies, and research. Prereq: grad st.

730 Industrial Rehabilitation. 3 cr. G.

Examines current practices and future trends in the prevention and management of work-related disorders within the context of industry. Prereq: grad st.

740 Advanced Topics in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice. 3 cr. G.

Examines current practices and future trends for evaluation and treatment of occupational performance between birth and 21 years of age within family and community contexts. Prereq: grad st.

741 Research Seminar. 1 cr. G.

Scholarly discussion forum for graduate students completing their thesis/project. Prereq: grad st; OccThpy 890(C) or 990(C) or cons instr.

750 Computer Applications in Occupational Therapy Practice. 3 cr. G.

Exploration of the current and future uses of computer technology in the field of occupational therapy. Completion of a student-designed software application. Prereq: grad st.

760 Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology. 3 cr. G.

Surveys the use of assistive technology devices and applications for people with motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Prereq: grad st; college-level computer course or equiv or cons instr.

770 Assessment in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design. 3 cr. G.

Background theory, principles of selection, application in practice, and procedures for applying assistive technology (AT) and universal design (UD) assessment and instrumentation. Prereq: grad st; OccThpy 620(P) or cons instr

774 Trauma Counseling I: Theory and Research. 3 cr. G.

Seminar examining impact of trauma experience on individuals, groups and communities following a catastrophic event. Explores traumatic events, mental injuries and impact on memory, learning, physical health and dysfunctional behavior. Nurs 774, OccThpy 774, and Soc Wrk 774 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. Prereq: grad st

775 Trauma Counseling II: Diagnosis and Treatment. 3 cr. G.

Seminar on diagnosis and assessment instruments as well as intervention and therapeutic techniques used to address trauma issues in counseling acute and chronic traumatized clients. Nurs 775, OccThpy 775, and Soc Wrk 775 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. Prereq: grad st; Nurs 774 , OccThpy 774 or Soc Wrk 774, or cons instr

777 Fieldwork in Assistive Technology. 1-6 cr. G.

Provides students with a school- or clinic-based experience in the delivery of assistive technology services. ExcEduc 777 & OccThpy 777 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. May be retaken for 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st & cons instr.

777 (effective 05/19/2008) Fieldwork in Assistive Technology. 1-6 cr. G.

Provides students with a school- or clinic-based experience in the delivery of assistive technology services. ExcEduc 777 & OccThpy 777 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. May be retaken for 9 cr max. Prereq: grad st & cons instr.

780 Physical Agents in Rehabilitation. 3 cr. G.

Application fo physical agents to restore functional abilities in a rehabilitation setting; includes review of research literature and competency testing. Prereq: grad st

786 Applied Biostatistics in Ergonomics. 3 cr. G.

Statistical methods used in ergonomic studies to analyze, summarize, and report measurements and data. 2 hr lec & 2 hr lab/week. Jointly offered with & counts as repeat of Nurs 786 & Ind Eng 786. Prereq: grad st; Ind Eng 580; a course in statistics or cons instr.

787 Issues in Ergonomics: Epidemiology. 1 cr. G.

Concepts in epidemiological studies employed to study risk factors in ergonomic research. Design considerations, strengths and weaknesses of different types of studies. Jointly offered with & counts as repeat of Nurs 787 & Ind Eng 787. Prereq: grad st; Ind Eng 580; a course in statistics or cons instr.

788 Legal Issues and Regulatory Agencies in Ergonomics. 1 cr. G.

Understanding of ergonomic regulations, regulatory sets, and agencies' and workers' compensations laws. Jointly offered with & counts as repeat of Nurs 788 & Ind Eng 788. Prereq: grad st; Ind Eng 580(P); a course in statistics or cons instr.

790 Design Project. 2-3 cr. G.

Integration and application of concepts learned in other ergonomic courses to analyze and abate ergonomic hazards in a scientific manner. Jointly offered with & counts as repeat of Nurs 790 & Ind Eng 790. Prereq: grad st; Ind Eng 780(P), 783(P), 786(P), 788(P) or cons instr.

810 Critical Evaluation of Theory, Research and Practice. 3 cr. G.

Appraisal and application of knowledge and concepts acquried in academic and fieldwork education to occupational therapy practice. Prereq: grad st; OccThpy 510(P) and 515(P) or cons instr

880 Master's Project. 1-6 cr. G.

Preparation of an individual project under the supervision of the student's major advisor. Prereq: grad st; cons advisor.

890 Research and Thesis. 1-6 cr. G.

Production of a thesis under the supervision of the student's major professor with the consultation of the degree committee. Prereq: grad st; cons advisor

900 Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership in the Health Sciences. 3 cr. G.

Overview of higher education in the health sciences and the responsibilities of the professoriate in fulfilling the missions of research, teaching, and service. Prereq: grad st.

990 Research and Dissertation. 1-6 cr. G.

Production of a dissertation under the supervision of the student's major professor with the consultation of the degree committee. Prereq: grad st; cons advisor.

999 Advanced Independent Study. 1-3 cr. G.

Supervised investigation of particular topic area either not covered by other occupational therapy courses or at a level of sopistication beyond that in a course. Prereq: grad st; cons instr.