Exposing The World Of Therapy

Kean University's occupational therapy department

By: Octavia Knight

Posted: 2/2/10

Having recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, Kean University's occupational therapy department is working to expand and advance their department to give students more opportunities to succeed and further themselves in the field of clinical studies. Holding its place as New Jersey's first occupational therapy program, the major is meant for students wanting excelled careers as clinicians, administrators, educators, and researchers. As many as 30 to 35 students are accepted into the 75-credit course at its entry level every September during the fall semester.

The program's purpose is to teach students to be able to explain and apply their newfound knowledge of history and philosophical beliefs of occupational therapy in their chosen professions, as well as utilizes clinical reasoning and evaluation processes to choose and adapt therapeutic interventions. Skills will be used to add new information to the studies of human development, diseases, injuries, and developmental disorders.

All professors encourage students to work to promote change in their communities through purposeful activity in their occupations in health and wellness, and help patients compensate for or prevent disabilities. In order to enroll in the program, students must have a dual degree or be an entry level master's students. Four semesters are required with a minimum of 6 months supervised fieldwork in clinical settings that must first be approved by the department head.

To apply for the occupational therapy program, students must forward their pre-requisite course GPA, which must be a minimum of 3.0 along with three letters of reference. Students must also have documented observation time with a minimum of 40 hours of therapy services signed by a therapist. Applications are to be sent to the Nathan Weiss Graduate College's admissions office.

Acceptance is only valid for the following September after initial acceptance. The deadline for all applications is February 1. Students approved to enter the program will be notified by the end of April. Those who complete the course are eligible for the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy, Inc. Occupational therapy is a demanding and competitive field with competition between students, requiring much focus and time to complete. Students interested in entering the field should visit their office in Townsend Hall room 209 or call the main office at 908-737-3380 for more information.