Occupational Science (Traditional and Weekend Programs) BS

Occupational Therapy Program

College of Health Sciences and Education
Department Chair Lori Anne Charney, OTD, OTR/L

Faculty and Staff

Ariana Belles, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS University of Southern California; OTD Creighton University

Lori Anne Charney, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS, College Misericordia; MS, OTD Misericordia University

Joseph A. Cipriani, Professor of Occupational Therapy, BA Wilkes College; BS College Misericordia; MA Wichita State University; EdD Nova Southeastern University

Dawn M. Evans, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS and MS College Misericordia, OTD Misericordia University

Kathleen Hughes-Butcher, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS, MS Misericordia University; EdD University of New England 

Cheryl Jayne, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS, MSOT, OTD Misericordia University

Susan D. Krutis, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS Virginia Commonwealth University; MSEd John Hopkins University; ScD Towson University

Ellen McLaughlin, Professor of Occupational Therapy; BS and MS College Misericordia; EdD Rutger’s University

Lalit J. Shah, Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS University of Bombay; MS College Misericordia; EdD Nova Southeastern University

Orley Templeton, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS, MS Boston University; OTD Misericordia University

Karen Weis, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, BS Marywood University; MEd University of Pittsburgh; MS Misericordia University; OTD Chatham University

Since the first ACOTE accreditation in 1985, the occupational therapy department has been preparing occupational therapy practitioners to utilize theory-based, occupation-focused assessment and intervention strategies to assist the individual in improving functional performance. Recently, the curriculum has been refined with an increased focus on occupations, evidenced based practice, community leadership and dynamic reasoning to promote professionals who provide meaningful and effective OT practice. Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science (OS) degree, students will continue into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree track or the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree track. Upon completion of the entry level degree and passing the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists examination, graduates can expect to practice successfully in a variety of traditional and non-traditional health care delivery settings with clients across the lifespan.

The MSOT degree is completed in 5 years and entry level OTD program is six years (plus a summer session) in length that combines the foundation of a liberal arts education with professional occupational therapy coursework to produce a holistic practitioner who has a strong background in the use of occupation and critical inquiry skills to the benefit of both clients and the profession. 

Another option exists for non-traditional students who have already completed and earned a baccalaureate or an associate degree in another discipline. The weekend program presents professional occupational therapy coursework in an adult learning model to produce a holistic practitioner who has a strong background in the use of occupation and critical inquiry skills to advance the profession. Non-traditional weekend students will attain a BS degree in Occupational Science and continue into the Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree track in a three-year time frame. If the student enters the program with an associate degree, it may take longer than 3 years to complete the program as the student will need to fulfill the requirements of the baccalaureate degree at the university.Classes are delivered in an hybrid format with four, on-campus weekends per semester year round.  In addition, students are expected to attend 3 to 4 synchronous online weekends per semester. Applicants for the weekend program must possess an initial, earned associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited program with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Students must have the following pre-requisites: BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology I   with lab component; BIO 212 Anatomy and Physiology II  with lab component; MTH 115 Basic Statistics  ; PHY 117 Physics Introduction I  with lab component; PSY 123 Introduction to Psychology ; PSY 290 Psychopathology  (or the equivalents of these courses, if earned at another postsecondary institution). Applicants must complete pre-requisite courses within the 10 years prior to admission, with a C- or better. For applicants who are currently licensed and practicing as occupational therapy assistants, the 10-year time limit of prerequisite courses may be waived. If the prospective student has completed pre-requisite courses older than 10 years, they must provide a copy of their state OTA licensure, documentation of employment (either part time, per diem, or full-time within the last two years), and official transcripts of the prerequisite courses taken in order to apply this waiver. If the prospective student has never taken the prerequisite course, then the prospective applicant is required to take that prerequisite course and pass with a C- or better. For those who are entering the program with an AS degree, those students will take the above pre-requisite courses and remaining core courses to fulfill the requirements of BS in Occupational Science degree at Misericordia University. Students may transfer in credits from another college/university, but this must comply with Misericordia University transfer policy. Additional admission criteria include: two letters of reference (at least one from an occupational therapist is recommended), submission of a 500 word, typed statement of personal and professional goals, a successful interview with an occupational therapy faculty member, technical competency in using Word, Excel, and an electronic classroom is an expectation for all new students, and 6-8 house of documented service in a healthcare setting with an occupational therapy practitioner. If the prospective applicant is a licensed and practicing OT assistant, they may use current practice as documented service in a healthcare setting. Their direct supervisor must still sign off on their submitted hours. Certified occupational therapy assistants must submit evidence of current NBCOT certification. Please see the admissions requirements below if English is not your first language or the primary language spoken within your home.

Mission

The mission of the Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia University is to provide an educational environment that reflects values and attitudes of justice, mercy, service, and hospitality, in order to promote development of highly skilled professionals who are culturally competent, ethical, innovative, responsible, and involved occupational therapists serving diverse communities. We strive to emphasize quality graduate education through the use of evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning to achieve client-centered outcomes.  Our graduates will be prepared as leaders to work interprofessionally and advocate for health maintenance and promotion within changing environments.

Philosophy

Philosophy of Occupational Therapy Education 

Humans are complex beings who engage in occupations that occur in diverse social, physical, temporal, cultural, personal and virtual contexts (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017). Humans are also therefore occupational beings, with occupation representing the primary means through which we interact with these environments. The desire to engage in occupations is innate (Wilcock, 2006) and is fundamental to health promotion and wellness, remediation or restoration, compensation and adaptation, health maintenance, and disease and injury prevention (American Occupational Therapy Association,  2017). An understanding of how humans engage with their world as occupational beings is an essential component of education for occupational therapy professionals. The learning context includes the curriculum and pedagogy, and a dynamic transaction exists between the learning context and the teaching learning process as students learn (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015). 

The quality of occupational performance and the experience of each occupation are unique and situational, and reflect the dynamic factors intrinsic to the person, the contexts in which the experience occurs, and the characteristics of the occupation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017). Dysfunction in occupational performance is an individually determined state of being (Velde & Fidler, 2002).  The use of occupation to promote individual, community and population health is the core of occupational therapy practice, education, research and advocacy (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2017). The challenge exists to educate a generalist, within a foundation of the liberal arts and an understanding of issues related to diversity, who can impact each client through using the power of occupation.

The education of the occupational therapy student is guided by several beliefs. The essence of knowledge is tentative, fluid, and contingent with specific moments within practice (Hooper & Wood, 2014). We believe that individuals construct knowledge based on their unique interpretation of meaningful experiences. Education is not a product to be delivered, but rather is a process to be facilitated with each student. Faculty can encourage the construction of knowledge by setting the stage for meaningful interactions, reflections, and experiences; however, students are the architects of their own learning (Shapiro, 2013). The role of the student is to actively engage in occupations during the learning process, engage in self-assessment and collaborate with other students in an increasingly self-directed manner. Involvement of the student in community based initiatives that reflect the values of mercy, service, justice and hospitality lead to the development of role emergent and creative professionals who are capable of taking the initiative to respond to the needs of their clients and communities. Engaging students in contributions that add to the profession’s body of knowledge provides a means for them to be developers of knowledge rather than merely recipients of information. Through this active process, the student develops the ability to critically think, develop professional behaviors, and integrate the skills necessary to become a lifelong learner. The reasoning process becomes refined over time, and is always guided by the principles of being client-centered, occupation-based, theory driven and evidence-based (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015). 

References

American Occupational Therapy Association (2017). Philosophical base of occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy,  71(Suppl.2), 7112410045. 

American Occupational Therapy Association (2015). Philosophy of occupational therapy education. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(Suppl. 3), 6913410052. 

Hooper, B. & Wood, W. (2014). The philosophy of occupational therapy: A framework for practice. . In B.A. Boyt Schell, G. Gillen, and M.E. Scaffa (Eds) Willard & Spackman’s Occupational Therapy (12th ed., pp. 35–46). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Shapiro, A. (2013). A theory and practice of constructivist curriculum. In B. J. Irby, G. Brown, R. Lara-Alecio, and S. Jackson (Eds.) The Handbook of Educational Theories (pp. 317-328). Information Age Publishing, Inc. 

Velde, B & Fidler, G. (2002). Lifestyle performance: A model for engaging the power of occupation. Thorofare, NJ: Slack.

Wilcock A.A. (2006). An occupational perspective of health (2nd ed.). Thorofare, NJ: Slack.

Design of BS in OS program

The manner in which the Occupational Therapy curriculum is delivered is complex. The Occupational Therapy curriculum is designed in such a way as to reflect the values and intent of the profession. The program integrates the profession’s philosophy, the University and Program mission, and the educational outcome goals of the curriculum, including didactic, fieldwork and experiential components.  

Within the Occupational Therapy curriculum, students learn to analyze situations critically, think logically, employ scientific methodology, and appreciate the arts to use them in their work. Graduates will express themselves clearly and persuasively, considering the numerous dimensions of the person, context, and occupations. 

Our curriculum promotes the application of ethical standards and active participation in professional organizations, advocacy for consumers and commitment to lifelong learning. 

This curriculum is designed on beliefs that the Occupational Therapy faculty hold in regard to professional education. We hold these beliefs  in accordance with our philosophy, and the program mission and beliefs about learning are well incorporated into program goals. These include the following concepts:

• The development of transformational knowledge occurs in a sequential process beginning with basic concepts/techniques and progressing to increasingly more complex constructs and application of these concepts and constructs in practice.
• Individuals construct knowledge based on their unique interpretation of meaningful experiences with an emphasis on occupation.
• Skills of inquiry, critical reasoning, and problem solving are essential professional behaviors for practicing occupational therapists.
• Continuous examination and definition of one’s own values and attitudes are critical steps in the growth and development of professional behaviors and ethical practice. 
• Development of interpersonal skills and an appreciation of the value of collaboration must be integral to all learning experiences. 

BS in OS Curriculum Themes

Four themes provide the overarching structure to the curriculum design. These themes were developed in consideration of ACOTE Standards, graduate education and rapidly changing educational and clinical environments. These themes serve to provide structure to the sequence of coursework, emphasize the values of the profession, the institution and the faculty, and to provide students with a consistent reminder to view each client in a holistic manner. These themes are:

Occupation Focused Practice 

Features of occupation focused practice include the ability to collaboratively determine the meaning and purpose of an individual’s occupational profile, identify needs and priorities, and construct a plan of motivating therapeutic activities. This process, infused with occupations, reflects best practice and results in a more meaningful lifestyle. Our curriculum is developed to foster an understanding and appreciation of:

the role of occupation throughout the lifespan

how occupation is used as a means and an end in occupational therapy practice

the value of occupation based assessment and intervention

how the focus on occupational performance improves therapeutic outcomes

Evidence Based Practice

Evidence based practice is a collaborative process between therapist and client in which the best available research evidence, in combination with the therapist’s clinical experience, is reviewed to determine the most appropriate therapeutic options that support the client’s occupational goals. Essential to this is the therapist’s ability to develop and apply data collection and analysis processes throughout the intervention sequence that support the attainment of documented outcomes.

Community Leadership

Community initiatives help to increase access to occupational therapy services for all individuals, groups and populations, especially those underserved. We prepare students to work in emerging practice areas, community settings, and traditional settings. We desire to instill in our students leadership characteristics for advocacy in the community, including an entrepreneurial spirit, skilled interprofessional collaboration and the ability to identify and attain funding resources to support effective programming.

Dynamic Clinical Reasoning

In addition to the three content related themes described above, we have chosen to incorporate an organizing theme, Dynamic Clinical Reasoning. This theme emphasizes the necessity to apply a systematic clinical reasoning process when considering the interactions of the individual, the context and the environment in the context of the therapeutic relationship.  

These themes serve to provide structure to the sequence of coursework, reinforce the terminology and the stated purview of the profession, and provide students with a consistent reminder to take a holistic view with each of our clients.

BS in OS Curriculum Sequence

In order to meet our curricular goals, the sequence of coursework is delivered using a progressive approach. This sequence covers six areas: Liberal Arts & Foundational Knowledge, Individual Development and Occupation, Professional & Community Initiatives, Clinical Performance, Reasoning & Application, Research & EBP: Strengthening our Knowledge Base. The five interwoven sequences of education are described in more detail below.

Sequence I    Liberal Arts and Foundational Knowledge 

Students establish the foundation of knowledge through the completion of all liberal arts core courses such as prerequisite courses Physics Introduction I (PHY 117), Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 211) & II (BIO 212), and Basic Statistics (MTH 115) followed by Applied Functional Anatomy (OS 301) and Applied Neuroscience (OS 302). The science foundation provides a basis for clinical expertise regarding knowledge of body structures and functions. The liberal arts provide a broad foundation upon which to build the student’s professional education. Required courses in Psychology (PSY 123) and Psychopathology (PSY 290)  provide a further basis from which the student can begin to understand the interaction between the individual, their environment, and occupation. 

Sequence II     Individual Development and Occupation 

Introduction to Occupational Science (OS 305) and Conceptual Foundations (OS 304) introduces the students to the many models and frames of reference that may be used to guide the development of a comprehensive and holistic approach to the client. Students are introduced to the concepts of human growth and development in Occupational Development through the Lifespan (OS 303) where the students review the theories and analysis of occupations from the perspective of self and others. 

Sequence III    Professional and Community Initiatives 

Students learn the importance of developing professional behaviors and the application of these behaviors to develop individual therapeutic relationships and leadership skills in the community in the Seminar Series (I Professional Behaviors (OS 104), II Occupations (OS 201), III Professional Writing (OS 202), IV Pre fieldwork and Cultural Competence (OS 310). 

Professional Behaviors are introduced in Introduction to Occupational Science (OS 305), including ethical principles. Standards of practice are introduced in Conceptual Foundations (OS 304). The Community Based Practice (OS 405) and Contemporary and Emerging Intervention (OT 539) courses provides less structured opportunities for students to create occupational opportunities and to take an active role in the development of their learning. Management and Supervision (OT 538) assists the student in acquiring the ethical management and supervisor skills necessary in many of today’s practice environments, as well as the leadership capacities for entrepreneurial work. Occupational Therapy Issues and Trends (OT 543), as a culminating course, requires students to investigate professional concepts and ideals in the profession that will challenge and motivate them as they enter into practice as entry level therapists. Exam Prep (OT 544) allows students to prepare for the NBCOT professional examination through clinical reasoning simulations, testing scenarios, and generation of skill and topic specific studying plans.

Sequence IV    Clinical Performance, Reasoning and Application 

The development of clinical skills begins in Clinical Reasoning and Conditions (OS 407) and Occupational Performance Analysis (OS 401) where students acquire general competencies in conducting an occupation centered evaluation and assessment process and attain the entry-level clinical skills that are required to progress through the intervention series in upcoming semesters. Within the Environment and Context (OS 307) course, students learn how to assess the client’s environment and to change the context to enhance the occupational performance of the individual. The Intervention Series (Psychosocial, Behavioral and Interpersonal Processes Across the Lifespan (OS 308), Adult Occupational Performance Intervention (OT 534), Geriatric Occupational Performance Intervention (OT 535), Pediatric Occupational Performance Intervention (OT 540)) provide the students with opportunities to integrate prior levels of learning to construct intervention for a variety of clients with an occupation and evidence based approach derived from theoretical principles. The final application of this sequence occurs during the student’s Level I Fieldwork Experience (OS 461; OS OT 536) / Level II Fieldwork Experience (OT 537; OT 542).

Sequence V    Research and EBP – Strengthening our Knowledge Base 

While basic bibliographic, search and information literacy are introduced early throughout the curriculum, the essence of the research series begins in Research Design (OS 306) where students learn about qualitative and quantitative research designs, grants, and the research process. Evidence Based Practice (OS 403) addresses the evidence based practice component, where students complete an individual EBP review throughout the semester. Masters Research Applications (OT 541) requires students to develop a research proposal from start to finish, design a study, collect data, and analyze and present results. 

Admissions-Traditional Weekday BS in OS Program

1. Minimum high school grade point average of 3.2. A high school science background required in biology and mathematics; physics is also recommended. 

2. Two letters of reference 

3. Submission of a 500 word, typed statement of personal and professional goals 

4. By the beginning of the fall semester of their freshman year, documentation of 6-8 hours of documented service in a health care setting with a licensed occupational therapy practitioner. Applications may be reviewed for admission if this documentation is pending. 

5. All applicants who are certified occupational therapy assistants must submit evidence of current NBCOT certification. 

Admissions – Non-traditional Weekend BS in OS Program

Students with a diverse background of extracurricular activity, leadership positions, and appreciation for the relevance that occupation plays in their individual lives and who meet the following criteria will be considered for admission. The requirements are:

• A baccalaureate or associate degree from an accredited program with a minimum of a 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average

Candidates for admission to the Nontraditional Weekend Program Professional Entry-Level Master’s Degree Program must provide the following:

1. Two letters of reference (at least one from an occupational therapist is highly recommended)
2. 6-8 hours of documented service in a healthcare setting with an occupational therapy practitioner. (If the prospective applicant is a licensed and practicing OT assistant, they may use current practice as documented service in a health care setting. Their direct supervisor must still sign off on their submitted hours.)
3. Submission of a 500 word, typed statement of personal and professional goals.
4. All designated candidates must have a successful interview with an occupational therapy faculty member. All applications are competitively reviewed prior to this phase.
5. Prospective students must have a baccalaureate or associate degree from an accredited program with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Official transcripts must note that the degree has been conferred.
6. Technical competency in using Word, Excel, and an electronic classroom is an expectation for all new students.
7. Completion of pre-requisite courses within the 10 years prior to admission, with a C- or better: BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab component; BIO 212 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab component; Math 115 Statistics; Physics 117 with lab component; PSY 123 Introduction to Psychology; PSY 290 Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology. For those who are entering the program with an AS degree, those students will take the above pre-requisite courses and remaining core courses to fulfill the requirements of BS in Occupational Science degree at Misericordia University. Students may transfer in credits from another college/university, but this must comply with Misericordia University transfer policy. (For COTAs – For applicants who are currently licensed and practicing as occupational therapy assistants, the 10-year time limit of prerequisite courses may be waived. If the prospective student has completed pre-requisite courses older than 10 years, they must provide a copy of their state OTA licensure, documentation of employment (either part time, per diem, or full-time within the last two years), and official transcripts of the prerequisite courses taken in order to apply this waiver. If the prospective student has never taken the pre-requisite course, then the prospective applicant is required to take that pre-requisite course and pass with a C- or better.)  
8. ONLY for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) - if a prospective student is a COTA, he/she must submit a copy of his/her NBCOT certification.
9. English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, or if English is not the primary language spoken in your home, you must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The following are the minimum score requirements: 

Internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT): The Internet-based TOEFL has four subsections, with a grading scale for each section from 1 to 30 (30 being the highest score). Misericordia University will look closely at the score for each section rather than the total score. The minimum scores for each section are as follows:

• Writing: 22
• Speaking: 22
• Reading: 22
• Listening: 22

Students should indicate on the registration form that they wish the test results to be sent directly to Misericordia University. The TOEFL code for Misericordia University is 2087.

Related Expenses

Additional expenses for occupational therapy students typically include lab fees, which cover lab/splinting supplies, AOTA membership, HIPAA training, medical record hosting site,  etc. As a fieldwork requirement, students must complete all measures for clearances to participate in fieldwork experiences, which are dependent on the site. Costs to complete these health clearances are the responsibility of the student. All students in the final year have the opportunity to complete an additional certification examination preparation course for which there is a fee. As part of professional development, students are encouraged to become members of the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA has reduced student rates; details are available in the occupational therapy office). Attendance at professional conferences is encouraged as students may have the opportunity to disseminate scholarly projects and continue their lifelong commitment to learning. Students should plan on regular use of a computer for course communications and assignments. There are several state-of-the-art computer laboratories on campus.

Retention

Retention requirements for the occupational therapy program can be found in the MUOT student handbook. Retention criteria for overall GPA and individual course grade minimums vary at different levels of the program. Refer to the MUOT student handbook for further details.

Specific policies related to grades for pre-requisite courses are as follows:

POLICY: Required “C-” or better in BIO 211/212, PHY 117, MTH 115, PSY 123 and PSY 290 

All traditional BS in OS students must obtain a grade of “C-” or better in the above-named courses (as required by their respective weekday or weekend programs) in order to progress through the OS/OT program. (Please note: A grade of C- or better in these prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission to the weekend program). Students may grade replace up to two of these courses one time (one grade replacement per course) in order to obtain the required “C-” or better. Students who do not successfully grade replace and obtain the required “C-” in the course within one year will be dismissed from the Occupational Therapy program. It should be noted that some of these courses may be a prerequisite to other courses and the catalog should be reviewed to determine the proper course sequence for progression in the program. For those who are entering the non-traditional program with an AS degree, those students will take the above pre-requisite courses and remaining core courses to fulfill the requirements of BS in Occupational Science degree at Misericordia University. Students may transfer in credits from another college/university (must comply with Misericordia University transfer policy).

Specific policies related to grades for OS courses are as follows:

POLICY: Retention and Grade replacement regarding a “D” or an “F” in an OS Course. 

All OS courses must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better. The student who fails an OS/OT course or obtains a “D” in an OS course may retake the course for a grade replacement if the student has not exhausted the grade replacements allowed by the respective university undergraduate and graduate policies. A student who gets below a C- may need to fall back a year, if the class is a prerequisite for a course in the following semesters. If a student is in a situation where they have received an F in more than two OS courses during the same semester, then they may request permission from the OT Chair to repeat up to five of those OS courses from that semester only; if repeating an F course would take the student beyond the allowed five grade replacements, then both the original “F” grade and the repeat of the course will be factored into the student’s grade point average. They may only be granted this exception if they have not had any prior OS grade replacements and if there are extenuating circumstances. The OT Program Chair will determine student eligibility for this opportunity. The same course, per university policy, can be repeated only one time. Prior to such grade replacement, the student may continue with other required courses so long as the course is not a prerequisite of such studies. Courses may only be grade replaced if they are retaken at Misericordia University. Students who are planning grade replacement should contact Student Financial Services well ahead of time to determine how it may affect their financial aid.

All policies regarding retention, progression within the program, graduation requirements, certification, and credentialing requirements are available to prospective and current students via a link to the Entry Level Student Handbook on the MUOT website