We believe that learning is most effective when students engage in hands-on experiences, actively doing, reflecting, planning and redoing. Knowledge is strengthened when students have increased opportunities to experience, reflect upon and apply what they have learned.
The mission of the occupational therapy program at Harding University is to educate and inspire students to become skilled occupational therapy practitioners committed to lifelong learning. Our graduates will exemplify the principles of faith, servant leadership and ethical care, making a lasting impact guided by the teachings of Christ.
The entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be 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 this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
A Master of Science in occupational therapy prepares graduates to provide essential services in hospital settings where they play a crucial role in patient recovery and rehabilitation. This program equips occupational therapists with the skills to assess patients' functional abilities, develop personalized treatment plans and implement therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patients' daily living skills.
Graduates are well-prepared to excel in rehabilitation centers where they focus on helping individuals recover from physical and cognitive impairments. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, therapeutic techniques and patient-centered care enables therapists to design effective rehabilitation programs that address the specific needs of each patient.
In school settings, a Master of Science in occupational therapy from Harding University prepares graduates to support students with various developmental and learning challenges. The program equips occupational therapists with the knowledge and skills to assess and address sensory, motor and cognitive difficulties that affect students' academic performance and social participation.
