Program Overview

Introduction to Occupational Therapy Program

The Occupational Therapy program at Gannon University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists help others achieve optimal participation in life's occupations after experiencing disruption due to illness, injury, or disability.

Program Overview

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and has a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam in 2022. Students can study abroad for a semester in Rome or travel to Ecuador on a faculty-led fieldwork trip.

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community organizations. The median annual wage for occupational therapists is $85,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Structure

The program offers a five-year combined bachelor's and master's degree, as well as a post-baccalaureate sequence of three academic years, including six months of full-time fieldwork. Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree can complete the program in three years.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes key courses such as:

• Introduction to Occupational Therapy Process: Explores the development of occupational therapy as a profession and learns the foundational concepts of the field.
• Occupational Therapy Intervention: Psychosocial I: Examines occupational therapy models for psychosocial treatment approaches based on current research through an integration of theory and practice.
• Community-Based Intervention: Explores therapeutic intervention within community-based practice and populations, with an emphasis on elderly needs, wellness programs, community centers, homeless populations, and home health.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program aims to help students:

• Adapt to ever-changing professional environments
• Provide leadership in the profession and society
• Acknowledge the importance of holism in their own lives and in the lives of their clients
• Work collaboratively, respecting diversity within the global community
• Value engagement and involvement within the community
• Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires:

• Completion of 16 academic units at the high school level, including four units of English and four units of social sciences
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
• An SAT score of 1080 or above (math and critical reading sections only), or an ACT score of 21 or above (composite score)
• Demonstration of motivation and curiosity through interests and extracurricular activities
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement are considered as part of the application process

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the five-year accelerated program are as follows:

• Year 1: $44,356
• Year 2: $44,402
• Year 3: $44,484
• Year 4: $44,543
• Year 5: $47,690 Total: $225,475

Faculty Experts

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty experts, including:

• Amy Brzuz, Professor and Occupational Therapy Program Chairperson
• Lindsay Church, Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
• Julia Hawkins-Pokabla, Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Council
• Stephanie Kubiak, Assistant Professor and Chairperson of University Review Council
• Nicole Lavery, Associate Professor
• David LeVan, Professor and University Faculty Fellow
• Karen Probst, Assistant Professor
• Emily Berger, Adjunct Faculty
• Stefanie Irwin, Adjunct Faculty
• Mary Iwanenko, Adjunct Faculty
• Jessica Joy, Adjunct Faculty
• Samantha Kane, Adjunct Faculty
• Tina Sorci, Adjunct Faculty
• Erin Wolf, Adjunct Faculty

Research Areas

The program provides opportunities for students to engage in research and present their findings at the annual Occupational Therapy Scholarship Celebration. Students can also participate in service-learning experiences, such as the Functional Performance Adapted Crossfit, Purposeful Movement and Wellness program for those with Parkinson's disease, Wellsville USA, and the Little Knights Pediatric Pro-Bono Clinic.