Program Goals and Outcomes

1. To provide in-depth knowledge of developmental and acquired physical and mental disorders across the life-span. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Describe the functional consequences of developmental and acquired physical and mental disorders
   • Apply knowledge of the human mind, body and spirit and their interrelationships
2. To develop critical reasoning for clinical and research applications. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Apply inquiry and research skills to support evidence-based practice
   • Design and execute research under the direction of faculty and/or program- approved chairs
   • Critically analyze concepts, methods, and systems as they interact with client diagnoses, intervention strategies and outcome measures
3. To foster professional written and oral communication skills and information literacy. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Demonstrate competence in basic computer use
   • Formulate written treatment plans with objectives and goals that, when implemented, are likely to facilitate functional and occupational performance
   • Apply inquiry and research skills to support evidence-based practice
   • Articulate the role and responsibilities of the occupational therapy practitioner
4. To provide the theoretical basis for the design and implementation of client-centered occupation-focused intervention. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Promote, establish, restore, maintain and/or prevent loss of performance skills that meet activity demands
   • Analyze and synthesize activities to optimize the occupational therapy process
   • Apply the use of purposeful occupation as well as therapeutic use of self to enhance the therapeutic relationship and process
5. To prepare students for the national examination for certification as an occupational therapy practitioner. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Identify local, state, federal and professional regulations and guidelines regarding the practice of occupational therapy
   • Demonstrate the ability to take computer-based examinations
6. To prepare students for a career in occupational therapy. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Operate as a generalist with broad exposure to the delivery models and systems utilized in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and where it is emerging as a practice area
   • Recognize the necessity to be a life-long learner and to keep current with occupational therapy practice
   • Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of the role of socio-cultural, socioeconomic, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices in all practice areas
7. To foster an understanding and appreciation of ethics and values of the profession of occupational therapy. It is intended that students will be able to:
   • Judge personal responsibility for ongoing professional development to ensure a level of practice consistent with current and accepted standards, including the ability to reflect on the quality of all aspects of one's practice
   • Understand and apply professional ethical principles related to occupational therapy practice