Curriculum Classes encourage self-directed learning, personal choice, and the application of concepts to clinical OT settings. Based on the concepts of occupational performance, the curriculum is designed to promote a holistic and futuristic view of the person and the realm of occupational therapy. Course work is challenging, covering topics in gross anatomy, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, statistics, English composition, and a wide variety of information related to human performance and occupational therapy services. The extensive professional and personal experience that each student brings to the classroom enriches the learning process for all weekend program students. When faculty present material to students, they utilize a combination of traditional and non-traditional teaching methods geared to adult learners.
Independent study is an important component of the program and is included in each course.
In conjunction with the fieldwork coordinator and the coordinator of the program, placements for Level II fieldwork are determined while the student is completing course work. Students then complete the equivalent of six months of clinical fieldwork. Utica College has contracts with over 400 sites across the country for occupational therapy fieldwork and new contracts are possible to provide a wide variety of settings in desired locations. The applicant must have been employed as a COTA for at least one year. It is expected that students will remain employed, at least on a part-time basis, while enrolled in the program, since some assignments will require access to a clinical setting.