UW to start master’s program in occupational therapy

Beginning next summer, UW–Madison will launch a master’s-level program in occupational therapy.

Based in the Department of Kinesiology in the School of Education, the program will provide students who have earned bachelor’s degrees in other fields with the required academic credentials to become certified to practice occupational therapy.

A maximum of 25 students will be admitted to the program each spring, and they will begin studies during the summer semester.

The new program, which will replace the existing undergraduate program, is the latest development in the long history of the occupational therapy program at UW–Madison that began in 1943. The redesigned curriculum emphasizes the development of clinical skills, leadership, knowledge of evidence-based practice and research. A major requirement for graduation is the completion of a research project or review paper.

“We believe that these changes will enhance the excellence of occupational therapists graduating from our program, preparing them to deal effectively with the challenges of a changing health care environment,” says Mary Schneider, program coordinator.

UW–Madison’s occupational therapy program has consistently been regarded as among the best in the nation. It has a proud tradition of alumni who are leaders and innovators in the fields of occupational therapy and occupational science.

Occupational therapy is a profession that focuses on an individual’s ability to engage in everyday activities that support meaningful participation in life. Occupational therapists work with individuals who experience difficulty or who are at risk for problems related to engagement in daily activities due to injury, illness, cognitive impairment, psychosocial dysfunction, mental illness, developmental or learning disability, or other disorder or condition.

The occupational therapy program also offers two graduate degree programs for those who are already practicing occupational therapists. The Ph.D. in kinesiology, therapeutic science track is for those individuals already in the occupational therapy profession who have completed a master’s degree.

The M.S. in therapeutic science is for those with bachelor’s degrees in occupational therapy who want to strengthen their knowledge of occupational therapy theory and research.

For more information about the new M.S. in occupational therapy, contact Sue Rosa, admissions coordinator, at (608) 262-0093 or srosa@education.wisc.edu