Department of Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy at Saint Joseph’s University strives to impart the knowledge and skill set needed to make a meaningful impact on patient care. Through innovative teaching, we prepare you to work in a variety of medical and community settings and become a leader in this flourishing field.
Occupational therapy at Saint Joseph’s University consistently delivers a solid, well-rounded and fully encompassed curriculum resulting in well-trained, competent and professional graduates who are employed in their practice setting of choice. We were third in the nation to attain occupational therapy accreditation for entry-level doctoral education and the first of its kind on the East Coast.
Our department has adapted to the ever-changing demands of the healthcare industry. It remains an outstanding program of success evidenced by our exemplary National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) board student pass rates. Join us and learn how to support those in need with one of our three accredited OT programs.
Dive into Research
At Saint Joseph’s, OT students conduct research aligned with their interests and get involved in grant-funded projects with our nationally recognized faculty. Research opportunities include:
- Aging in Place
- Reducing Falls Risk for Elder Women
- Habit Formation for Promoting Independence and Successful Aging
- Assistive Technology
- Benefits of Skilled OT in the Selection and Training of Assistive Tech
- Use of Assistive Technology to Support Employment with DD/ID Individuals
- Community-Based Projects
- Bee Keeping (Apiculture) as a Tool to Address Stress Management
- Health Careers Exploration for Urban High Schoolers
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Belongingness in Health Career Students
- Impact of Social Determinants of Health in Urban Community Development
- Health and Wellness
- Sleep Interventions with Acquired Brain Injury Population and Transportation Workers
- Complementary Integrative Medicine for Mental Health and Behavioral Wellness
- Pediatrics, Developmental Disabilities
- Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing for Leisure, Motor, and Cognitive Skill Attainment
- Handwriting Skill Development with Individuals Across the Life Span
All of our professors are truly invested in our learning. The OT program is challenging, but their involvement and support is incredibly helpful.”
![Vidhi Dalal, an occupational therapy student at saint joseph's university]()
Vidhi Dalal '24, DrOT
Accreditation
The Occupational Therapy program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ACOTE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
More information can be obtained at:
ACOTE
c/o Accreditation Department
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org