Occupational Therapy

Empowering Performance & Participation in Life

Occupational Therapy

This is an entry-level master’s degree program taught by faculty who are nationally recognized in the occupational therapy profession. Our mission is to prepare entry-level graduates to provide occupational therapy services with distinctiveness and compassion, in a variety of professional practice environments.

The program provides a foundation of skills in general practice competencies, leadership, and creative and critical thinking processes, to facilitate the development of an innovative, entry-level occupational therapist. Additionally, graduates demonstrate a commitment to the common good, creative life-long learning, and high ethical standards for professional practice.

Our graduates come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most commons degrees include psychology, biology, exercise science, interdisciplinary studies and therapeutic recreation, but the program has had students from all majors.

Every year roughly 250 people apply for 32 spots.

The Master of Occupational Therapy Program is a 2 1/2 year lock-step, in-person, full-time program that begins in the summer each year at Eastern Washington University in Spokane on the scenic Spokane Campus.

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What can I do with my degree?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health and rehabilitation profession helping people of all ages who might be experiencing a physical, cognitive or emotional impairment to participate more fully in their day-to-day lives.

Occupations are everyday tasks that people of all ages do to look after themselves (activities of daily living), to enjoy life (leisure/play), and to contribute to the social and economic fabric of their communities and the world (productivity/work). As an important determinant of health and well being, occupation brings meaning, purpose, choice, and satisfaction to individuals depending on their life phase, culture, and social experience. Occupation as a basic human need also serves to organize a person’s time and behavior in daily life.

Skilled services an Occupational Therapist may provide:

  • Adapt home, work, school and play environments
  • Teach adapted techniques for greater independence in self care, home care and work performance
  • Consult with businesses on ergonomic procedures to prevent worker injuries
  • Provide assistive technology, including the use of animals, for increased independence at home, work or school
  • Help people gain greater self-esteem and confidence through activities
  • Develop and run a private therapy business
  • Teach and conduct research at a college or university
  • Provide neuro-rehabilitation for return to productive lives

The American Occupational Therapy Association – Vision 2025

As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living.

Pillars:

  • Effective: Occupational therapy is evidence-based, client-centered, and cost-effective.
  • Leaders: Occupational therapy is influential in changing policies, environments, and complex systems.
  • Collaborative: Occupational therapy excels in working with clients and within systems to produce effective outcomes.
  • Accessible: Occupational therapy provides culturally responsive and customized services.
  • Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity: We are intentionally inclusive and equitable and embrace diversity in all its forms.

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2017). Vision 2025. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, 7103420010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.713002 Retrieved on 5/10/2019 from https://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/vision-2025.aspx

Why Study Occupational Therapy?

Affordable Education

The EWU Master of Occupational Therapy degree is one of the lowest tuition rates in the country.

Learning Environments

Students engage in coursework and community experiences designed to build practice skills across the lifespan in physical, mental, and preventive care across the region.

Skilled Instructors

Our faculty are nationally recognized and respected in the profession.

Fieldwork Experience

After completing two years of coursework, students will complete a minimum of 24 weeks of fieldwork internship with over 100 sites to choose from in the region.

Excellent Job Opportunities

Our graduates have a high pass rate on the licensing exam and find jobs in a variety of health care and rehabilitation facilities, rural and underserved communities.

About Us

To develop person-centered occupational therapists of the highest integrity who practice with a strong occupation-based foundation from which they support and promote quality of life and full participation.

To prepare students for a broad scope of practice with consideration for addressing the needs of the underserved.

To deliver an academic program which meets a spectrum of educational needs for students and professionals, in collaboration with community partners, while demonstrating teaching and learning excellence.

To advance the profession with new, innovative, and cost effective services for current and future practice opportunities.

We envision a globally active community of students, faculty, and community partners who demonstrate a respect for diversity, a passion for learning, and a commitment to person-centered, occupation-focused, and evidence-based practice.

EWU’s Occupational Therapy Program is friendly, dynamic and innovative. Students engage in coursework designed to build practice skills in mental, physical and preventive care across the lifespan.

Emphasis is placed in community-based, client-centered activities through interactive class activities and community experiences. The program strives to integrate an interdisciplinary service delivery model that is essential for successful practice in rural, underrepresented and underserved areas.

EWU OT is near downtown Spokane and close to some of Washington’s most beautiful lakes and mountains, with excellent hiking and skiing opportunities.

  • Altruism involves demonstrating concern for the welfare of others.
  • Equality refers to treating all people impartially and free of bias.
  • Freedom and personal choice are paramount in a profession in which the values and desires of the client guide our interventions.
  • Justice expresses a state in which diverse communities are inclusive; diverse communities are organized and structured such that all members can function, flourish, and live a satisfactory life.
  • Dignity of the client by treating him or her with respect in all interactions.
  • Truth – In all situations, occupational therapy personnel must provide accurate information in oral, written, and electronic forms
  • Prudence – Occupational therapy personnel use their clinical and ethical reasoning skills, sound judgment, and reflection to make decisions in professional and volunteer roles

Source: AOTA

Health Sciences Building plaque

Accreditation

The Professional Occupational Therapy Program at Eastern Washington University is fully accredited by:

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

4720 Montgomery Lane, STE 200,
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
Phone: (301) 652-AOTA Web: www.acoteonline.org

 

National Board Exam

EWU’s graduates are able 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). Most states require a license in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

  • EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT: Following completion of academic coursework, all students must successfully complete their Level II Fieldwork within 24 months before taking the Certification exam. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain a state license.

The total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination as new graduate test takers in 2018 was 38 out of 38, which is a pass rate of 100%.  Recent certification exam results can be found on NBCOT’s website at:

NBCOT.

EWU MOT Graduation Rates

Students graduating Fall 2018-Summer 2019 = 94%
Students graduating Fall 2017-Summer 2018 = 100%
Students graduating Fall 2016-Summer 2017 = 97%
Students graduating Fall 2015-Summer 2016 = 97%

Total Number of Graduates for 4 Year Period (Fall 2015-Summer 2019) = 129

Occupational Therapy
Health Sciences Building 225
310 N Riverpoint Blvd, Box R
Spokane, WA 99202-1675

P: 509.828.1344
E: ot@ewu.edu

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®) is an Associated Advisory Council of the Executive Board of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA®). ACOTE® is recognized as the accrediting agency for occupational therapy education by both the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

ACOTE