Occupational Therapy Purpose and Student Learning Outcomes

Purpose

The School of Occupational Therapy's purpose is to integrate clinical fieldwork and coursework throughout the program in a way that promotes generalist practice skills and contextual learning. The purpose of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) curriculum assures that students will be competent in a rapidly changing health care environment by having experience in designing innovative, community-based practice models. The curriculum holds a strong thread of occupational science which provides a foundation for occupational justice in everyday practice. The curriculum seeks to take students deeper into scholarly practice through more time and experience with evidence-based practice and research. This supports them in building specialty knowledge on the generalist foundations further enhanced with elective courses and the experiential internship. The result is the ability to build special professional skills beyond that of the generalist entry-level practitioner. The curriculum provides coursework for the scientific foundations, emphasizing the critical role of psychosocial skills infused across all practice areas, strengthening the theme of leadership development, and providing a knowledge base for advocacy roles in health and human services.

Student Learning Outcomes

The ultimate goal of our occupational therapy transformational education is to prepare occupational therapists to serve people to participate in the full range of life's everyday activities, or occupations. Scientific evidence shows that meaningful occupational engagement leads to improved health and well-being.

Pacific University School of Occupational Therapy graduates will provide meaningful occupational-based services to individuals, organizations, and populations within the local and global community by the following student learning outcomes:

  • Develop reasoning and leading from a sound ethical, theoretical, and philosophical base as contributing practice scholars.
  • Promoting health and wellness through occupation across the life span.
  • Supporting the continuous evolution of equitable and quality health care through advocacy for occupational justice.
  • Practicing the art and science of the profession across traditional and unique environments.
  • Enabling the needs and goals of the client to drive the process of intervention.