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Occupational Therapy
Pattern II - Master of Science Degree Program
The
Occupational Therapy Program at San Jose State University (SJSU) is
one of the best established programs in the West. Founded in 1943, our
national reputation for excellence is based on a superior academic curriculum,
distinguished faculty, and accomplished graduates. The program is accredited
by the Accreditation
Council for Occupational Therapy Education(ACOTE) (4720
Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-3425; P. O. Box 31220, Bethesda,
MD 20824-1220; phone 301-652-2682).
The Pattern
II curriculum is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate
degree in a discipline other than occupational therapy. It enables the
student to obtain the education and degrees necessary to be eligible
to practice as an occupational therapist. Once the Master of Science
degree in occupational therapy is completed, the student is eligible
to sit for the national certification examination. Successful completion
of the examination qualifies the candidate to apply for national certification
and state licensure.
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Group
Advising Sessions (Campus Map)
Group advising sessions for students who are planning to apply to the
Entry-level Master's program will be held on the dates listed below.
Directions to SJSU
Fall 2008 Advising
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 4:30 - 6pm at Central Classroom Building (CCB), Room 210
These sessions provide information about the Entry-level Master's program,
the admissions process, prerequisite courses, and other issues of interest.
If you plan to come to one of these sessions, please call or email the
Graduate Assistant at otgrad@casa.sjsu.edu at least 2 days before the session.
All group advising sessions will be held in the OT department, Central
Classroom Building (CCB), Room 210.
Individual advising sessions and departmental visits can be scheduled
after August 22, 2008. Contact the Graduate Assistant (otgrad@casa.sjsu.edu)
to request an individual session.
The neuroanatomy course prerequisite can be fulfilled by taking Biology
109 at San Jose State University. This course is available on campus
both fall and spring semesters. An online format may be available for
students who are not enrolled at SJSU through Open University (Special
Sessions). Neuroanatomy, neurobiology, or neurophysiology
courses from other universities may also fulfill this prerequisite.
Send the course syllabus to the Graduate Assistant as early as possible
for review (email, mail or fax--408 924-3088).
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Curriculum
(Program Course Sequence)
Curriculum
Design
The curriculum is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge
and competencies necessary to become a qualified occupational therapist
within four semesters of graduate academic study and six months of internship
(fieldwork). The program is based on the philosophy that an active learning
environment will stimulate students to develop strong clinical reasoning
and creative problem solving capabilities. Graduate classes are small
in order to foster learning. During the first year of study students acquire
the knowledge of occupational therapy and the skills that will prepare
them for their first summer internship. The second year provides graduate-level
knowledge in occupational therapy theory and practice, management, history,
education, and research. The graduate project is completed during the
second year of study.
SJSU
Occupational Therapy Clinics
The program offers an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on learning
experience under faculty supervision in the department-run outpatient
clinics. These clinics have been a part of the SJSU curriculum since its
inception, and have been recognized nationally for the opportunity they
provide for students to apply theory to practice under the close supervision
of experienced faculty. Students have their choice of pediatrics, physical
disabilities, mental health, and geriatrics.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork provides the opportunity for students to gradually become independent
practitioners and to achieve entry-level competency. The six-month fieldwork
experience places students at two clinic sites, each for three months. The SJSU Occupational Therapy Program has developed
affiliations with over 250 clinical education programs.
All fieldwork must be completed within 24 months of completion of coursework.
Certification
After successful completion of the educational program, students are eligible
to sit for the national certification examination. Successful completion
of the examination admits the candidate to the National
Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), (800 South
Frederick Avenue, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150) as an Occupational
Therapist, Registered (OTR). It also qualifies the individual for CA
licensing (California Board of Occupational Therapy, 444 North 3rd
Street, Suite 410, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916-322-3394; fax (916) 445-6167).
A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for
the NBCOT certification examination and may preclude attainment of state
licensure.
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Occupational
Therapy Faculty
The Occupational Therapy Department faculty are excellent teachers, experienced
clinicians, and nationally recognized leaders and scholars in the profession.
All of the faculty members are occupational therapists with advanced degrees,
diverse backgrounds, specializations, interests and expertise including
: physical and mental health rehabilitation, pediatrics, community mental
health, gerontology, independent living skills, measurement and research,
international occupational therapy, multicultural issues, the history
of occupational therapy, kinesiology, infant and family mental health,
psychogeriatrics, family-centered intervention, neurological rehabilitation,
the social inclusion of children, job analysis, the uses of therapeutic
humor, and health promotion. All of the faculty are authors and editors,
and have contributed chapters to preeminent textbooks adopted in occupational
therapy programs nationally and internationally; and have written numerous
articles for professional journals in occupational therapy and health
related fields. Several faculty members have been recognized for their
contribution to the profession of occupational therapy as Fellows of the
American Occupational Therapy Association.
The
faculty pride themselves in being able to create the kind of learning
environment that stimulates dynamic exchange and promotes close interaction
between student and teacher. Since the primary mission of SJSU is teaching,
the faculty devotes the majority of their time to developing and teaching
courses and in giving students feedback on their performance. They also
work closely with students as advisors and mentors.
Occupational
Therapy Students
Occupational Therapy students bring energy and excellence to the program.
Since the number of students admitted to the program is small (approximately 40)
students are able to form a strong support group and make friendships
that frequently extend far beyond the years at SJSU. The wealth of experience
and diversity of backgrounds the Occupational Therapy students bring to
the program creates a dynamic and enriching academic community. The Student
Occupational Therapy Association further enriches the program by providing
educational, professional and social opportunities for Occupational Therapy
students and the chance to develop leadership skills. Not surprisingly,
SJSU graduates have earned a reputation as highly accomplished clinicians
and leaders in Occupational Therapy.
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San
Jose State University and its Environment
San Jose State University was founded in 1857 and is California's oldest
public institution of higher education. The University has an enrollment
of over 29,000 students, and offers baccalaureate and master's degrees
in more than 150 disciplines. SJSU is located in San Jose, a city with
an active cultural community and an international reputation as a center
for innovation in high technology research and development.
San
José’s mild climate promotes an active lifestyle. Its location,
50 miles south of San Francisco, makes it an ideal spot from which to
travel to beaches in Carmel and Big Sur, to the wine region of Sonoma
and Napa, to the Sierra Nevada for skiing, or to Yosemite National Park
for hiking.
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Career
Opportunities in Occupational Therapy
The term "occupation" means engagement in those activities that
are meaningful to day-to-day living, including work, play, leisure, social
participation, education, self-care, home and communication skills. Occupational
Therapy is a health profession that helps individuals who have been affected
by accident or injury, disease, aging, developmental delay, or psychological
disability to make the necessary lifestyle changes to become more self-sufficient
and independent. Occupational therapy has a unique focus on engagement
in occupations that support the individual’s full participation
in life.
A
career in Occupational Therapy offers the opportunity to work in an exciting
and growing health care field. In addition to working in hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, and nursing homes, therapists work in public and private schools,
day care facilities, patient homes, community agencies, corporations,
and private practice.
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Cost
California
Residents
registration fees: (subject to change without advance notice)
Approximately $ 2,000. Semester charge for full-time attendance (6 units
or more).
Approximately $ 4,000. Academic year charge for full-time attendance.
Non-resident
Tuition charges are in excess of this.
(Bursar's Office)
Nearly 40% of SJSU students receive financial aid through federal, state,
or local grants, loans or scholarships. Financial aid information is available
on the World Wide Web at http://www2.sjsu.edu/depts/finaid/
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Criteria for Acceptance
All of
the following criteria are equally important in the selection process.
If any one area is below the minimum requirement, your application may
not be considered for selection. Exceptional performance in the following
areas will improve chances of selection.
- A minimum
GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
- Submission
of the Occupational Therapy Department’s Application for Enrollment
form. The application form is available from the Department of Occupational
Therapy or the Department Website at http://www.sjsu.edu/ot/ms.html#forms
- Submission
of the online application to San Jose State University Graduate Studies.
The application form is available at http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/
- Transcripts
for all college level work (both 2 year and 4 year) leading up to the
completion of the Bachelor Degree. Send one copy to Graduate Studies
and one copy to the Department of Occupational Therapy.
- Transcripts
for all prerequisite courses taken after the completion of the Bachelor's
degree. One copy of those transcripts should be sent to the Department
of Occupational Therapy only.
- A GRE
(Graduate Record Examination) combined score of 1000 on quantitative
and verbal (minimum GRE verbal score of 450 and a minimum writing score of 3.5), or a minimum score of 400 or above on the MAT (Miller Analogies Test)
is desirable. Note: Have an official copy of the GRE or MAT sent to Graduate Studies Admission department (SJSU code 4687). Have an unofficial copy of the GRE or MAT sent to the Department of Occupational Therapy as part of your Application Packet.
- Submission
of 3 recommendations attesting to academic ability, work performance
record and personal attributes necessary for graduate study. “Letter
of Recommendation” forms are available from the Department of
Occupational Therapy or the Department Website at http://www.sjsu.edu/ot/ms.html#forms
Note: Forms should NOT be filled out by a person completing
the “Evaluation Form for Volunteer Experience.”
- A minimum
of 100 hours of volunteer experience (or equivalent paid work experience)
with an occupational therapist that includes direct involvement with
clients. The supervisor should verify and evaluate the experience by
completing the “Evaluation form for Volunteer Experience”
available from the Department of Occupational Therapy or the world wide
web at http://www.sjsu.edu/ot/ms.html#forms
- All of the required prerequisite courses must be completed with a "B" or better. Ideally,
all prerequisite courses should be completed before enrolling in the
program. However, courses and volunteer work may be in progress when
the application is submitted.
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Prerequisite Courses
The following courses may be completed at any community college, four
year college or university at either the graduate or undergraduate level. All of the prerequisite courses must be completed with a "B" or better.
| Course |
Semester
Units |
(Quarter) |
| Human
Anatomy with a Lab* |
3 |
4 |
| Physiology
with a Lab |
3 |
4 |
| Neuroanatomy
May be taken online (only for non-matriculated students) or on site (course can be taken by anyone) at SJSU. Availability of this course
may vary. Please contact Professor Michael Sneary at (408)924-4854 or Michael.Sneary@sjsu.edu.
Refer to the Biology Department's webpage: www.sjsu.edu/depts/Biology/
and click on "News and Events." |
3-4 |
4 |
| General
Psychology |
3 |
4 |
| Abnormal
Psychology |
3 |
4 |
| Sociology
or Cultural Anthropology |
3 |
4 |
Upper
Division Statistics*
Or a statistics course that covers correlations and analysis of
variance |
3 |
4 |
A
Skills Course
May be taken through adult education. The purpose of the course is
to have students work with an artistic medium. Acceptable courses
include: Ceramics, painting, weaving, photography, graphic arts or
wood working. Previous work may be accepted as fulfilling this requirement,
at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. |
3 |
4 |
* These
courses must be completed within 7 years prior to enrollment. All other
courses do not have a time requirement.
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OT Faculty/Contact
Call the
Graduate Admissions Assistant at 408-924-3094 or Rochelle McLaughlin
at 408-924-3089 for further information on the application process. Also
visit our web page http://www.sjsu.edu/ot/
or email otgrad@casa.sjsu.edu or rmclaughlin@casa.sjsu.edu.
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Forms
Pattern II: Entry-Level Master's Program Application Information
Application for Enrollment
Letter of Recommendation
Evaluation Form for Volunteer or Work Experience
(you will need Acrobat
Reader to view these forms)
Learning
Outcomes
The following entry-level
master's learning outcomes will be demonstrated by all students that graduate
from the San José State University Occupational Therapy Program.
Each student must be able to:
- Demonstrate effective
oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrate a
capacity for problem solving and critical analysis
- Understand and
be able to articulate the nature of occupation, adaptive skills, and
roles of productive living
- Understand occupational
therapy's theoretical base and models of practice
- Articulate the
importance of history and the philosophical base of the profession
- Demonstrate knowledge
and appreciation of the roles of sociocultural, socioeconomic, diversity
factors, and lifestyle choices in contemporary society
- Demonstrate the
ability to apply occupational therapy theory, and standardized and nonstandardized
evidence-based assessments of clients' performance in all areas of occupation
to achieve expected outcomes related to occupation
- Provide occupationally-based
interventions determined by the needs of the client and the evaluation
data, in collaboration with members of the intervention team (client,
family, caregivers, and health care providers).
- Demonstrate professional
behavior that upholds the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of
the profession in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship
with clients
- Demonstrate basic
qualitative and quantitative research skills
- Exhibit the ability
to use appropriate advocacy and educational methods to address the needs
of consumers
- Apply principles
of management and service delivery in the provision of occupational
therapy to individuals and organizations
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Frequently Asked Questions
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