Program Overview
Belmont's vision is to be a premier teaching university bringing together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.
The School of Occupational Therapy is committed to providing an educational program that both challenges and enhances a student's ability to learn. Through a curriculum that is of the highest standards, taught by learned faculty, students progress along a professional journey that will lead to entry into the field of occupational therapy. Belmont University is committed to producing entry level occupational therapists, exceptionally skilled in their trade, and capable of assuming leadership roles in a variety of delivery settings.
Using students' prior work and life experiences, the program provides a curriculum based upon problem solving and collaborative learning. Through the integration of clinical observation and classroom didactic experiences, students are able to blend the theoretical understanding with the practical application of occupational therapy intervention. Professional behaviors are acquired through this blending of classroom and clinical experiences.
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy students must complete a research thesis project as a requirement for graduation. Based upon a student's past experiences coupled with newly acquired interests during the occupational therapy educational process, students work closely with faculty members to complete their research projects.
A student's education culminates in his or her successful completion of an occupational therapy internship. Under the guidance of the occupational therapy Fieldwork Coordinator, students choose from a broad list of clinic facilities to complete this requirement. Successful completion of this final educational stage prepares the student for the national certification examination and entry in to the practice of occupational therapy.
All occupational therapy students must complete Level II Fieldwork and all other program requirements for graduation within a six (6) year timeframe (within 6 years from starting the program).
