Program Learning Outcomes
Occupation-Based
1. Explain the value of engagement in occupation as integral to the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals, groups, and populations.
Informed by Theory/Driven by Evidence
2. Apply theory and evidence to implement the occupational therapy process.
3. Appraise and apply scholarly activities to support evidence-based practice and the profession's body of knowledge.
Faith and Vocation
4. Connect Christian faith to service and leadership essential for personal and professional growth.
Compassionate Care
5. Utilize therapeutic use of self to promote client-centered care and facilitate positive outcomes in diverse practice settings
6. Utilize individual and organizational practices to sustain personal well-being and professional fulfillment throughout their careers.
7. Demonstrate collaborative professionalism and collegiality in all interactions.
Ethical Practice
8. Apply ethical principles to complex problem-solving and decision-making.
9. Utilize the skills of a safe and competent practitioner as defined by the standards of practice.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
10. Deliver equitable occupational therapy services that promote the well-being and belonging of all individuals, groups, and populations.
Accreditation
The Messiah University entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 301-652-AOTA. https://acoteonline.org/
Graduates of Messiah University's program are 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.
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.