Occupational therapists help people with everyday skills.
Armed with bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees, occupational therapists provide self-care skills to individuals whose lives have been interrupted by adverse circumstances, according to Jefferson College of Health Sciences. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation settings, extended care facilities, nursing homes, public schools, adult day cares, mental health facilities and many other health care related fields. The state of Virginia hosts many schools that offer occupational therapy programs.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, offers four occupational therapy degree tracts, including an entry level master’s degree, a post-professional master’s degree, an occupational therapy doctorate degree and a PhD in occupational therapy. The post-professional Master of Science degree in occupational therapy is an occupational therapy program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and who are certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
The entry level master’s program was ranked 13th in the nation by US News and World Report in 2008. Pre-entry requirements include a 2.7 GPA, GRE scores, three references, undergraduate transcripts and a personal statement, which details personal and educational preparation for occupational therapy graduate study. The student must also have 60 hours of work or volunteer experience working with both children and adults in occupational therapy.
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Allied Health Professionals
P.O. Box 980223
Richmond, VA 23298
804-828-7247
sahp.vcu.edu
Jefferson College of Health Science
Located in Roanoke, Jefferson College of Health Science offers a Master of Science in occupational therapy. In addition to the application, requirements for entry to the occupational therapy program include undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation that discuss the student’s suitability for graduate work and GRE scores. The student must also possess a 3.0 GPA, pass the interview process and submit an essay on personal health and human service activities. A list of prerequisite courses is also required.
Jefferson College of Health Science
920 S. Jefferson St.
Roanoke, VA 24016
540-985-8594
jchs.edu
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree as an occupational therapy assistant. To qualify for the occupational therapy program, students must have a high school diploma or GED and have maintained a high school GPA of 2.5. Students must also have 30 hours of observation with an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant. After transcripts are submitted and a personal interview with the program director has been completed, students may be accepted into the program. Once accepted, students must have a current CPR certification, medical exam and criminal record check. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the program, which takes five full-time semesters to complete.
Tidewater Community College
121 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-822-1110
tcc.edu
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