Educational Learning Outcomes

All graduates are expected to be competent for entry level occupational therapy practice. Learning outcomes are based on information from a variety of sources including: course and annual competencies, practice national board exams, program comprehensive exams, case studies with group collaboration, community projects with team and interprofessional collaboration, research projects, fieldwork, clinical and capstone opportunities. Outcomes are grouped according to curriculum threads. Students will be able to:

A: Occupation-Centered Practice

1. Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of determinants of occupation (anatomical/neurological, psychological, social-cultural, environmental).
2. Students will be able to assess occupation and its determinants as well as use occupation as a means to improve health and well-being of communities.
3. Students will be able to assert the role of occupation and occupational therapy in a team and community setting.
4. Students will exhibit occupation-based practice in entry level occupational therapy practice in a clinic, fieldwork, and other professional setting.

B: Professional Reasoning

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of history, philosophy, theory, ethics, and types of reasoning such as scientific, pragmatic, narrative, conditional, procedural, diagnostic, ethical, and interactive.
2. Students will be able to apply all types of reasoning in providing assessments and interventions for clients across the lifespan in a safe and meaningful manner.
3. Students will be able to design, implement and critically evaluate research activities, community programs and outcomes. Students will be able to make informed decisions based on best evidence and outcomes data.
4. Students will perform all fieldwork and capstone experiences demonstrating professionalism and highest ethical standards.

C: Occupational Therapy Process

1. Students will be able to explain the meaning and role of occupations and impact of health and environmental conditions on occupational performance of persons, groups, and populations.
2. Students will be able to establish a profile, analyze occupational performance, plan/implement/evaluate interventions using remedial, adaptive, compensatory, consultative and educational approaches.
3. Students will show effective interaction and communication with clients and the care team in order to promote safe and needed services ethically.
4. Students will be able to meet entry level expectations in the occupational therapy process.

D. Civic Engagement

1. Students will identify avenues for participation in occupational therapy associations such as Virginia Occupational Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, and World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
2. Students will conduct needs assessment that evaluates community resources through collaboration with other professionals and identifies areas in which occupational therapy can supplement needs.
3. Students will show leadership and management skills in the area of design and operation of therapy/healthcare entities and/or community projects.
4. Students will be able to design, develop, and/or implement community programming to advocate for the underserved.