Our department prepares you for today's world, tomorrow's challenges and future careers. We help you master fundamental academic abilities, personal and social development, and the philosophical values of occupational therapy (OT).

Our programs emphasize the core philosophy of Clarkson University, with four components serving as common threads through multiple courses:

  • learn to communicate effectively,
  • develop an appreciation for diversity in both working and living environments,
  • recognize the importance of personal, societal, and professional ethics, and
  • understand how science and technology can be used to serve humanity.

Each of these components is introduced early in the curriculum and reinforced in subsequent courses. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of collaboration during the learning experience; since OT's do not work in isolation, we believe they should not learn in isolation either.

Announcements

Career Opportunities

Department of Occupational Therapy seeks the adjunct faculty and part time positions for Summer 2019 and academic year 2019 – 2020. Details available here. 

About Our Department

Occupational Therapy Box Toy

We have opportunities rarely found at other universities. For instance, we utilize an innovative Smart Simulation Lab. This state-of-the-art facility simulates an actual living space and incorporates high-tech solutions to everyday challenges, such as low vision supports, adaptive driving equipment, simulators, assistive technology devices and environmental controls. This simulation lab provides deep experiential learning opportunities so you can translate classroom teaching into real-life work situations.

As a department we also have a Pre-Health Professions Advising Program directed by Amy Thompson. She advises all undergraduate pre-occupational therapy students to help them prepare for our master's program. Take seamless semesters and credits that will further your education and fast track you to a rewarding career.

Our Programs

Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Your Education

Clarkson's Occupational Therapy's  "curricular threads" represent the themes that are interwoven throughout all of the coursework. They reflect the values and priorities of our department, as well as the unique philosophy and mission our University.

  • Professional Identity
    Students will value and assume an identity of service and contribution, by promoting occupation and participation in multiple contexts through the identification of barriers to and providing supports for occupational roles and performance patterns.
  • Innovation
    Students will develop the ability to meet the needs of local, regional, and global society, including a focus on rural communities, through research and scholarship.
  • Technology
    Students will learn to engineer solutions through technology including telehealth, assistive technology, and virtual contexts.
  • Education & Research
    Students will develop problem-solving abilities through science-driven practice and the use of practice-based evidence, with a focus on occupation as both intervention and outcome.
  • Interprofessional Practice
    Students will exhibit strong leadership and collaborative skills as they assume roles of advocacy and activism for both clients and the profession.
What is Occupational Therapy?

Instead of asking, "What is the matter?" occupational therapists ask, "What matters to you?"

Life is composed of "occupations" or day-to-day activities that we find meaningful and purposeful. Occupations vary from person to person and may include roles such as being a parent, friend, student, spouse, athlete, painter and so on. We tend to take occupations for granted until we encounter challenges that prevent us from doing them. Occupational therapists teach people who find their occupational roles disrupted by injury, illness or other health-related challenges how to once again engage in the occupations they value.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Why struggle to learn how to drive after an injury?

Why struggle to get dressed after a stroke?

Why struggle to cook a meal or care for your family when you are recovering post mastectomy?

Occupational therapists are holistic, health care professionals who have learned how to apply evidence-based interventions to improve a person’s psychological, physical, emotional and social participation. They assist individuals in setting achievable goals, stay healthy, productive and independent, and participate in everyday activities. Occupational therapists enjoy the satisfaction of helping people live life to its fullest!

How Hard is it To Start a Career in OT?

Occupational therapists may find themselves working in diverse work settings, serving people of all ages. The employment outlook for occupational therapists is great! The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that “Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase 29% between 2012 and 2022, growth to be much faster than the average for all occupations.” This is a great time to be an occupational therapy practitioner. Don't just take our word for it. It consistently ranks high as one of the top jobs, and recession-proof job:

See more at http://www.aota.org/education-careers/considering-ot-career/joboutlook.aspx

Admission

General Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Clarkson University is a full time graduate program. In order to be considered for admissions, applicants must:

  • Complete a baccalaureate degree, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Take all the necessary pre-requisite courses. The overall grade point average in all pre-requisite courses should be a minimum of 3.2 with no grade lower than C.
  • Submit documentation of a minimum of 40 hours of observation/volunteer work or work experience under the supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.
  • Submit three letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a faculty member who can speak to your academic or professional character, and at least one letter must be from an occupational therapy professional. Letters from family, friends or clergy will not be accepted.

Applications may be submitted through the Occupational Therapy Common Application Service (OTCAS).
The deadline for submission of applications is April 18th. 

However, please note that the department uses a rolling admissions process, and as such, applications will be reviewed and students offered admission on an on-going basis. If applicable, Clarkson will contact academically eligible applicants via email to schedule an interview (provided space is still available). 

Recent News

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $7 Million For Clarkson University To Strengthen Health Care Workforce Resilience and Green Energy Infrastructure in the North Country
Clarkson University’s Lewis School of Health Sciences Recognized as Outstanding Rural Health Program
Clarkson Awarded Grant to Help Address Racism in Healthcare and Medicine