Master of Occupational Therapy -West Coast University

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at West Coast University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in occupational therapy. This program is a full-time, two-year program that provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of occupational therapy. In this article, we will discuss the program in detail, including the admission requirements, curriculum, clinical experiences, and career opportunities.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the MOT program at West Coast University, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also have completed prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, statistics, and human development. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume or curriculum vitae.

Curriculum

The MOT program at West Coast University consists of 81 units of coursework, including didactic and clinical components. The didactic component of the program covers foundational knowledge in occupational therapy, including anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, psychology, and human development. The clinical component of the program focuses on the practical application of occupational therapy principles and techniques in a variety of settings.

Some of the courses in the MOT program include:

1. Occupational Therapy Theory and Practice: This course provides an overview of the occupational therapy profession, including its history, philosophy, and theoretical foundations.
2. Human Anatomy and Physiology: This course covers the structure and function of the human body, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, and sensory systems.
3. Neuroscience: This course covers the structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
4. Psychosocial Aspects of Occupation: This course covers the psychological and social factors that influence human occupation, including culture, gender, and disability.
5. Pediatric Occupational Therapy: This course focuses on the assessment and treatment of children with developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
6. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: This course covers the assessment and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
7. Occupational Therapy in Physical Rehabilitation: This course covers the assessment and treatment of individuals with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.

Clinical Experiences

The clinical experiences in the MOT program at West Coast University are an essential component of the curriculum. Students will complete a total of 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork, which is divided into two placements. Level II fieldwork is designed to provide students with hands-on experience working with clients in a variety of occupational therapy settings.

The first Level II fieldwork placement is typically completed after the first year of the program and lasts for 12 weeks. The second Level II fieldwork placement is completed during the second year of the program and also lasts for 12 weeks.

Some of the settings where students may complete their Level II fieldwork placements include:

1. Acute care hospitals: Students may work with clients who are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
2. Rehabilitation centers: Students may work with clients who have experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury.
3. Pediatric clinics: Students may work with children who have developmental disabilities or sensory processing disorders.
4. Mental health facilities: Students may work with clients who have mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MOT program at West Coast University are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of occupational therapy. Some of the career opportunities for occupational therapists include:

1. Acute care hospitals: Occupational therapists may work with clients who are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
2. Rehabilitation centers: Occupational therapists may work with clients who have experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury

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3. Pediatric clinics: Occupational therapists may work with children who have developmental disabilities or sensory processing disorders.
4. Mental health facilities: Occupational therapists may work with clients who have mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
5. Skilled nursing facilities: Occupational therapists may work with older adults who have chronic health conditions or disabilities.
6. Schools: Occupational therapists may work with children in school settings to help them develop the skills they need to participate in school activities.
7. Home health: Occupational therapists may work with clients in their homes to help them perform daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking.
8. Private practice: Occupational therapists may open their own private practices and work with clients on a one-on-one basis.

Conclusion

The Master of Occupational Therapy program at West Coast University is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy. This program provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of occupational therapy, including didactic and clinical components. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with clients in a variety of occupational therapy settings. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the field of occupational therapy and are in high demand in today’s job market.