Occupational Therapy

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Occupational Therapy program graduates will: 

1. Apply foundational science principles in clinical reasoning throughout all steps of the occupational therapy process
   • Summarize structures, function and pathological conditions that affect selected aspects of the body
   • Explain selected aspects of client conditions and occupational therapy evaluation and intervention using foundational science concepts
2. Function as entry level, generalist occupational therapists
   • Communicate proficiently with clients, supervisors, co-workers, family members, and significant others in verbal, non-verbal, and written formats
   • Use client-centered, occupation-based approaches throughout the occupational therapy process
   • Effectively evaluate client’s occupational performance
   • Formulate intervention plans that facilitate the client’s occupational performance
   • Implement intervention plans that facilitate the client’s occupational performance
3. Incorporate theory in occupational therapy practice
   • Use theory to justify evaluations and interventions used in practice
   • Use theory as a basis for program planning for individuals and populations
4. Serve as leaders with effective professional behaviors
   • Adhere to ethical and legal regulations of practice
   • Demonstrate effective professional behaviors
   • Use culturally sensitive practices
   • Serve in leadership roles and advocate for clients and the profession
   • Embrace life-long learning for continued professional growth
5. Use evidence appropriately to guide clinical practice
   • Use evidence to inform decisions
   • Systematically record and analyze client outcomes in practice
   • Read current scholarly literature related to practice    

Accreditation

The UWL OT program is accredited by:

• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200
  North Bethesda, MD  20852-4929
  301-652-6211
  accred@aota.org
  www.acoteonline.org.

Occupational Therapy educational programs are periodically reaccredited to maintain the quality of the program. The UWL OT program was last accredited (for 10 years) in 2015. 

History

The UWL OT program graduated its first class in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree. The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program began in 2005, with the first class graduating in 2007.

Fieldwork experiences are integrated into the curriculum to enhance implementation OT process knowledge and skills in various practice settings.

Program fieldwork timeline:

*Throughout the curriculum, all clinical courses incorporate additional hands-on learning opportunities.

Goals

• 1.0 Admit the most qualified students and support them through successful completion of the program. 
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • Return second year of program
  • Complete didactic course work in 24 months
  • Complete Fieldwork II in 6 months after didactic coursework
• 2.0 Develop competent generalist practitioners who are prepared to provide occupation centered, client centered occupational therapy that is informed by evidence.  (Mission of Program Implemented) 
  • Pass Fieldwork II on first try
  • Pass NBCOT certification examination on first try
  • Student learning outcomes met
  • Employed in field within 6 months of graduation
• 3.0 Develop entry level occupational therapists who display the professional behaviors consistent with those of the profession.  
  • Demonstrate entry level  professional behaviors on Fieldwork II
• 4.0 Retain and develop faculty and IAS to maintain excellence in teaching and currency in content area. 
  • Set and meet teaching effectiveness and content currency goals annually on PDP
  • Participate in faculty development activities annually
  • Collective SEI ratings for program are at or above 4.0
• 5.0 Graduates, Alumni, and employers are satisfied with academic preparation 
  • Students evaluate each Fieldwork II placement (using SEFWE)
  • Graduates are satisfied with academic preparation
  • Alumni are satisfied with academic preparation
  • Employers are satisfied with UWL graduate academic preparation

Outcomes

The official pass rate for the UWL program is available from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) (select Wisconsin, Masters Programs and year of interest).