University of New England

Degree:  Master of Science (M.S.), Post-Professional Occupational Therapy

College: Health Professions

Department: Occupational Therapy

Contact: Judith G. Kimball, Ph.D. (207) 602-2234

Overview
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has mandated that by 2005, Post Baccalaureate be the entry level for a degree in Occupational Therapy (OT). Many OTs who graduated before 2005 received their entry level OT education at the Baccalaureate level. Although they will be grandfathered to practice OT, many of them feel pressure to compete with new graduates, therefore desire to have a MS degree. Others find that a masters degree puts them in a higher salary category.  This is especially true of  therapists who work in school systems.

Mission Statement
The OT Department’s mission for its Entry Level Masters program is to educate occupational therapy students who will use knowledge, skills, and values to provide exemplary occupation-based practice while assuming leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. For the Post Professional Masters program we add to the mission fostering the development of theory and research to further the validation of the OT profession.

Program Goals

1. To offer the opportunity for BS educated OTs to obtain a MS degree.
2. Student Outcomes: At the completion of the Post Professional OT Masters Program students will be able to:

• Evaluate and use professional literature to make informed practice decisions.
• Contribute to the development of a body of knowledge in occupational science and occupational therapy practice.
• Compare, analyze and synthesize the varied models of practice and frames of reference in OT that validate the science of occupation.
• Evaluate personal expertise in their chosen specialty area of OT practice.
• Demonstrate scholarly habits which serve as a basis for a commitment to life long learning.
• Demonstrate entrepreneurial and advocacy skills for advancing OT in the health care and wellness environments.
• Integrate more advanced academic knowledge with their previously developed clinical expertise to promote advancement of OT theory and practice.
• Carry out an individual research project and prepare its findings for publication.
• Evaluate the roles of OT in, and their participation in, interdisciplinary teams and groups whose goals are the advancement of health and healing.

Accreditation
There are NO accreditation requirements for post professional programs.

Other Information
Expectations for MSPPOT students are consistent with those of UNE graduate programs including:

• Adult learning behaviors
• Respect for existing knowledge and skills
• Learning which emphasizes reflection, analysis, evaluation and synthesis
• Partnerships of learning among faculty, peers and student
• Intellectual freedom, dialogue and dissemination of knowledge
• Opportunities for choice in pursuing advanced knowledge
• Professional leadership
• Further development of research skills an abilities
• Further development of the skills necessary to disseminate  knowledge

Requirements
UNE OT graduates who had a graduation GPA of 2.75 may be admitted directly into the program without transcript review. Admission depends on faculty availability to supervise student research. Non-UNE graduates will need to submit a transcript of their OT professional education for evaluation.

Transfer Credit
Students requesting transfer credit must submit their transcript and copies of the course descriptions to the OT faculty for review.

Advanced Standing
All UNE OT graduates receive 5 credits for previously taking the research project courses, OTR 416 and 417 (now called OTR 516 and 517).

For non UNE graduates:

No previous credit for OTR416-417.  Students will take 3  credits of directed study beyond OTR 620 and 622 to develop and submit an individual research proposal for IRB approval and to carry out the project.  Extra elective credit are also required to reach the 36 credits for the degree.

Each student is assigned a doctorally trained advisor who will work with him/her  to develop an individual educational plan and an individual research project.

Students must attain a B- (80%) or better in every graduate course. Students with a grade below 80% in a course will be required to repeat that course.

Registration/Add/Drop
University registration policies are followed. Each student must  meet with his or her advisor prior to signing up for courses. All courses taken need to be on the student’s individual educational plan which is developed with his/ her advisor.

Course Withdrawal
Student should meet with their advisor prior to dropping any course.

Grading
Occupational Therapy Department Grading Scale

Further explanation of grading standards:

• An A grade represents a more thorough and integrative presentation of the material.  It demonstrates original thought and use and/or expands and synthesizes additional information.
• A B grade is given for achieving the requirements of a specific assignment.

A student may appeal a grade received in the Occupational Therapy Professional Program if, for any reason, he/she feels that the grade was unfairly awarded.  To do this the student must first submit his/her justification of the perceived unfairness to the faculty member who is coordinating the course involved.  This must be done within 30 days after the final class period or final exam.  If the issue cannot be resolved to the student's satisfaction, the student may submit his/her appeal, in writing, at the next scheduled faculty meeting.  The issue will be discussed and the Department Director shall submit to the student, in writing, the decision reached by the faculty concerning the appeal.  A copy of this action will be placed in the student's permanent file.  If the student is not satisfied with the Department's decision, the appeal may then be taken to the Dean's office for further consideration.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and travel. For specific information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Graduate Financial Information page of this catalog.

Lab Fees
Research lab fee $100

Equipment
No additional equipment is needed for OT courses. Research might require something specific depending on the project selected.

Books
As assigned for courses.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the University Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

36 graduate credits including completion of an independent research project. The student must attain a  minimum grade of B- in each course.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.