Division of Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Five-Year Program
- B.S. in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Program Highlights in Brief
Alvernia College is a Catholic, Franciscan college dedicated to the ideals of service in the helping professions. The five-year Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation, is designed to prepare graduates for entry into professional level occupational therapy practice. Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service in multiple settings requiring a high sense of responsibility, management of time and self, and competent occupational therapy skills. Furthermore, the program seeks to prepare graduates to think logically and creatively, act professionally and ethically, analyze ideas and situations, and problem-solve in their service
delivery as clinicians, supervisors, and managers. In harmony with the mission of the College, the occupational therapy program seeks to prepare learners for personal achievement, social responsibility, moral integrity, and spiritual fullness. The curriculum seeks to provide learning opportunities for students to discover and use their special gifts in providing service to others and to experience cooperative, multi-disciplinary working relationships.

Academic Quality
The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; phone number 301-652-2682. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification examination. All Occupational Therapy students must complete Level II fieldwork within the time frame established by the program and a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination
or attain state licensure.

Admission Requirements
Admission requirements of the college must be met before application to the program is considered. Students accepted by the college may apply for entry into the Occupational Therapy major by meeting the criteria listed below. Qualified high school graduates admitted to the freshman year will be able to identify occupational therapy as their field of study. Maintenance of an acceptable academic record during the undergraduate phase of the program guarantees the student a place in the professional graduate phase of the program.

Minimum criteria for first-year students
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a score of 1000 or better on the SAT or a score of 22 on the ACT.
• Observation of Occupational Therapy in a practice setting is encouraged but not required.

Minimum criteria for transfer students
• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for previous undergraduate work.
• Score of 1000 or better on the SAT or a score of 22 on the ACT.
• Completion of Anatomy and Physiology (lab based) is highly recommended.
• No students will be accepted after Fall of junior year. (Please contact Program Director for entry level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy option)

Advancement to the Professional Graduate Phase
Alvernia College students who have successfully completed the undergraduate phase of the program including successful completion of Level II fieldwork may transition directly into the graduate phase of the program.
Advancement criteria will be:
• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work.
• Achieved a final grade of “C” or better in all occupational therapy, prerequisite, and related required courses.
• Completion of all core and undergraduate requirements.
• Submission of a portfolio of the student’s education, service, and professional accomplishments.
• Students must achieve/maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue in the professional graduate phase.

Students with a Baccalaureate Degree in a related field will be considered for admission into the entry level Master of Science in OT Program. Students with a Baccalaureate Degree in Occupational Therapy will be accepted directly into the graduate phase of the program. See course catalog for specific admissions requirements.

Students with a Baccalaureate Degree and current certification as a registered occupational therapist will be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy completion program. Please refer to the Graduate and Continuing Studies Division catalog for full details regarding these programs.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM
Semester 1 (17 Credits)
First Year Seminar or Honors Seminar
COM 101 Composition and Research
BIO 107 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
THE 105 Foundations of Theology
OT 101 Introduction to Occupational Therapy
Liberal Arts Elective

Semester 2 (16 Credits)
Any Communications elective
PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy
BIO 108 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
ART/MUS
Liberal Arts Core

Semester 3 (18 Credits)
OT 204 Activities Analysis I
BIO 208 Neuroscience for Rehabilitation
SOC 111 Principles of Sociology
PSY 208 Human Development Across the Life Span
MAT 208 Introductory Statistics
Foreign Language

Semester 4 (15 Credits)
OT 206 Activities Analysis II
OT 210 Concepts and Theories of Occupational
Therapy
BIO 211 Kinesiology
THE 210 Medical Moral Theology
Foreign Language

Semester 5 (16 Credits)
OT 302 Disease, Injuries, and Health Conditions I
OT 303 Occupational Therapy Evaluations
OT 305 Intervention Planning
PSY 306 Group Dynamics
Literature Liberal Arts Core

Semester 6 (17 Credits)
OT 304 Motor and Perceptual Development
OT 306 Analysis of Occupations II
OT 308 Intervention I: ADL Performance
OT 309 Disease, Injuries, and Health Conditions II
History Liberal Arts Core

Semester 7 (16 Credits)
OT 401 Intervention II: Work Performance
OT 403 Intervention III: Wellness and Prevention
OT 405 Community Health Care Admin. and Org.
PSY 309 Scientific Method in Behavioral Science
PHI Area I Elective

Semester 8 (12 Credits)
OT 416 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork II:
Practicum I
OT 417 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork II:
Practicum II

GRADUATE LEVEL
Summer I Module Graduate Studies (3 Credits)
COR 510 Moral Leadership

Summer II Module Graduate Studies (3 Credits)
COR 600 Organizational and Professional Ethics

Fall Semester 9 (14 Credits)
OT 501 Analysis of Theoretical Concepts in OT Practice I
OT 502 Function and Technology
OT 601 Occupational Therapy Outcomes
OT 503 Research Design

Spring Semester 10 (14 Credits)
OT 505 Analysis of Theoretical Concepts in OT Practice II
OT 603 Advocacy and Leadership
OT 610 Research Report
OT Graduate elective

FIVE YEAR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCE & MSOT
RETENTION REQUIREMENTS

Course Requirements
OT students must be taken in sequence. All majors must achieve a final grade of “C” or better in all undergraduate OT courses and related required courses; a grade of “P” in OT 416 & OT 417; and a final grade of B or better in all graduate courses. The repeat/delete option may be used one time for undergraduate occupational therapy courses and for one course only (COR or OT) at the graduate level. Students who do not meet this requirement will be dismissed from the Program.

Students in good standing who leave the Occupational Therapy Program for less than one year may re-enroll if space is available. Requirements for readmission to Alvernia College must be met.

Certifications, Clearances and Insurance Requirements
Prior to any fieldwork experience (level I or II), students are required to submit to the College, and to fieldwork centers (as applicable) proof of ownership of valid health & accident insurance coverage, certification in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infant, child, adult, & AED, and first aid. Students are required to maintain ongoing certification. Additionally, OT majors must obtain criminal record checks, child abuse history clearance, FBI fingerprint recording, and FBI clearances prior to fieldwork experiences. Forms are available in the Occupational Therapy Program office. Criminal background checks, and child abuse clearances must be done on an annual basis. FBI checks as required. Students who do not have the necessary valid clearances, checks, and certifications will not be permitted to enter the fieldwork experience, which will affect ability to complete coursework, and the Program.

Students should read the website link regarding misdemeanor/felony convictions and drug and health clearances.

Fieldwork Practicum
All level II fieldwork practicum must be completed within 24 months following completion of undergraduate academic fieldwork, and prior to the start of the graduate phase of the Program.

Any student who fails OT 416 and/or OT 417 may repeat the course one time only. The course should be repeated during its next offering. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator scheduled the fieldwork. The student must meet with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator within one month following the notification of the failure. Failure to meet with the Coordinator in this time frame may result in dismissal from the program. Any student who receives a grade of “F” after repeating either OT 416 or OT 417 will be dismissed from the Occupational Therapy Program.

Health and Physical Challenges
Students with a health or physical challenge may be asked to obtain a physician’s statement that the condition will not be aggravated by or endanger clients/patients associated with the student in required coursework and fieldwork experiences. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students to meet ADA regulations.

Student Grievance Policies
Student grievance policies are included in the Undergraduate Student Handbook and the Graduate Studies Division Student Handbook.


An Education in the Franciscan Tradition


Alvernia Home Graduate Home Undergraduate Admissions Occupational Therapy Home Course Descriptions Five Year BSHS/MSOT Entry Level MSOT Master Completion Accreditation NBCOT Convictions/Clearances Faculty SOTA Contact Us Division Program Coordinators Office Hours	Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Five-Year Program - B.S. in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program Highlights in Brief Alvernia College is a Catholic, Franciscan college dedicated to the ideals of service in the helping professions. The five-year Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation, is designed to prepare graduates for entry into professional level occupational therapy practice. Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service in multiple settings requiring a high sense of responsibility, management of time and self, and competent occupational therapy skills. Furthermore, the program seeks to prepare graduates to think logically and creatively, act professionally and ethically, analyze ideas and situations, and problem-solve in their service delivery as clinicians, supervisors, and managers. In harmony with the mission of the College, the occupational therapy program seeks to prepare learners for personal achievement, social responsibility, moral integrity, and spiritual fullness. The curriculum seeks to provide learning opportunities for students to discover and use their special gifts in providing service to others and to experience cooperative, multi-disciplinary working relationships. Academic Quality The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; phone number 301-652-2682. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification examination. All Occupational Therapy students must complete Level II fieldwork within the time frame established by the program and a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Admission Requirements Admission requirements of the college must be met before application to the program is considered. Students accepted by the college may apply for entry into the Occupational Therapy major by meeting the criteria listed below. Qualified high school graduates admitted to the freshman year will be able to identify occupational therapy as their field of study. Maintenance of an acceptable academic record during the undergraduate phase of the program guarantees the student a place in the professional graduate phase of the program. Minimum criteria for first-year students • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a score of 1000 or better on the SAT or a score of 22 on the ACT. • Observation of Occupational Therapy in a practice setting is encouraged but not required. Minimum criteria for transfer students • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for previous undergraduate work. • Score of 1000 or better on the SAT or a score of 22 on the ACT. • Completion of Anatomy and Physiology (lab based) is highly recommended. • No students will be accepted after Fall of junior year. (Please contact Program Director for entry level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy option) Advancement to the Professional Graduate Phase Alvernia College students who have successfully completed the undergraduate phase of the program including successful completion of Level II fieldwork may transition directly into the graduate phase of the program. *Advancement criteria will be:* • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work. • Achieved a final grade of “C” or better in all occupational therapy, prerequisite, and related required courses. • Completion of all core and undergraduate requirements. • Submission of a portfolio of the student’s education, service, and professional accomplishments. • Students must achieve/maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue in the professional graduate phase. Students with a Baccalaureate Degree in a related field will be considered for admission into the entry level Master of Science in OT Program. Students with a Baccalaureate Degree in Occupational Therapy will be accepted directly into the graduate phase of the program. See course catalog for specific admissions requirements. Students with a Baccalaureate Degree and current certification as a registered occupational therapist will be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy completion program. Please refer to the Graduate and Continuing Studies Division catalog for full details regarding these programs. SAMPLE CURRICULUM Semester 1 (17 Credits) First Year Seminar or Honors Seminar COM 101 Composition and Research BIO 107 Human Anatomy and Physiology I THE 105 Foundations of Theology OT 101 Introduction to Occupational Therapy Liberal Arts Elective Semester 2 (16 Credits) Any Communications elective PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy BIO 108 Human Anatomy and Physiology II PSY 101 Introductory Psychology ART/MUS Liberal Arts Core Semester 3 (18 Credits) OT 204 Activities Analysis I BIO 208 Neuroscience for Rehabilitation SOC 111 Principles of Sociology PSY 208 Human Development Across the Life Span MAT 208 Introductory Statistics Foreign Language Semester 4 (15 Credits) OT 206 Activities Analysis II OT 210 Concepts and Theories of Occupational Therapy BIO 211 Kinesiology THE 210 Medical Moral Theology Foreign Language Semester 5 (16 Credits) OT 302 Disease, Injuries, and Health Conditions I OT 303 Occupational Therapy Evaluations OT 305 Intervention Planning PSY 306 Group Dynamics Literature Liberal Arts Core Semester 6 (17 Credits) OT 304 Motor and Perceptual Development OT 306 Analysis of Occupations II OT 308 Intervention I: ADL Performance OT 309 Disease, Injuries, and Health Conditions II History Liberal Arts Core Semester 7 (16 Credits) OT 401 Intervention II: Work Performance OT 403 Intervention III: Wellness and Prevention OT 405 Community Health Care Admin. and Org. PSY 309 Scientific Method in Behavioral Science PHI Area I Elective Semester 8 (12 Credits) OT 416 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork II: Practicum I OT 417 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork II: Practicum II GRADUATE LEVEL Summer I Module Graduate Studies (3 Credits) COR 510 Moral Leadership Summer II Module Graduate Studies (3 Credits) COR 600 Organizational and Professional Ethics Fall Semester 9 (14 Credits) OT 501 Analysis of Theoretical Concepts in OT Practice I OT 502 Function and Technology OT 601 Occupational Therapy Outcomes OT 503 Research Design Spring Semester 10 (14 Credits) OT 505 Analysis of Theoretical Concepts in OT Practice II OT 603 Advocacy and Leadership OT 610 Research Report OT Graduate elective FIVE YEAR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCE & MSOT RETENTION REQUIREMENTS Course Requirements OT students must be taken in sequence. All majors must achieve a final grade of “C” or better in all undergraduate OT courses and related required courses; a grade of “P” in OT 416 & OT 417; and a final grade of B or better in all graduate courses. The repeat/delete option may be used one time for undergraduate occupational therapy courses and for one course only (COR or OT) at the graduate level. Students who do not meet this requirement will be dismissed from the Program. Students in good standing who leave the Occupational Therapy Program for less than one year may re-enroll if space is available. Requirements for readmission to Alvernia College must be met. Certifications, Clearances and Insurance Requirements Prior to any fieldwork experience (level I or II), students are required to submit to the College, and to fieldwork centers (as applicable) proof of ownership of valid health & accident insurance coverage, certification in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infant, child, adult, & AED, and first aid. Students are required to maintain ongoing certification. Additionally, OT majors must obtain criminal record checks, child abuse history clearance, FBI fingerprint recording, and FBI clearances prior to fieldwork experiences. Forms are available in the Occupational Therapy Program office. Criminal background checks, and child abuse clearances must be done on an annual basis. FBI checks as required. Students who do not have the necessary valid clearances, checks, and certifications will not be permitted to enter the fieldwork experience, which will affect ability to complete coursework, and the Program. Students should read the website link regarding misdemeanor/felony convictions and drug and health clearances. Fieldwork Practicum All level II fieldwork practicum must be completed within 24 months following completion of undergraduate academic fieldwork, and prior to the start of the graduate phase of the Program. Any student who fails OT 416 and/or OT 417 may repeat the course one time only. The course should be repeated during its next offering. The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator scheduled the fieldwork. The student must meet with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator within one month following the notification of the failure. Failure to meet with the Coordinator in this time frame may result in dismissal from the program. Any student who receives a grade of “F” after repeating either OT 416 or OT 417 will be dismissed from the Occupational Therapy Program. Health and Physical Challenges Students with a health or physical challenge may be asked to obtain a physician’s statement that the condition will not be aggravated by or endanger clients/patients associated with the student in required coursework and fieldwork experiences. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students to meet ADA regulations. Student Grievance Policies Student grievance policies are included in the Undergraduate Student Handbook and the Graduate Studies Division Student Handbook.
Alvernia College · 400 Saint Bernardine St., Reading, PA 19607 · 1-888-ALVERNIA · graduate@alvernia.edu