Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs in New Jersey (NJ)

<h2 id="section---StocktonUniversity">Stockton University</h2><p>Stockton University's occupational therapy master's program requires 80 credits that must be completed in two and a half years on a full-time basis. This involves four semesters of academic courses including Level I fieldwork, one summer course, and two Level II fieldwork assignments with each rotation lasting three months. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to stay in the program. They should also finish all Level II fieldwork within two years after completing the academic courses as required by state regulations. </p><h2 id="section---RutgersUniversityNewark">Rutgers University - Newark</h2><p>Rutger University is currently developing its doctoral program in occupational therapy and expects to start accepting students in the fall of 2021 at its Health Sciences campus in Newark. Program accreditation is still being processed with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). </p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>School Name </th><th>Programs Offered </th><th>Tuition (2018-2019)*</th></tr> <tr><td>Kean University </td><td>Master of Science in Occupational Therapy </td><td>$15,025 in-state, $19,890 out-of-state</td></tr> <tr><td>Stockton University </td><td>Master of Science in Occupational Therapy </td><td>$11,226 in-state, $17,282 out-of-state</td></tr> <tr><td>Rutgers University - Newark </td><td>Doctor of Occupational Therapy </td><td>$17,232 in-state, $29,304 out-of-state</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *NCES College Navigator</i> </p><h2 id="section---ProgramInformation">Program Information</h2><p>A graduate degree in occupational therapy equips students with the foundational knowledge and professional skills to work with a variety of clients as entry-level occupational therapists. Successful program completion qualifies candidates for the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) certification exam, the results of which will be the basis for getting a state license. The coursework usually includes classes in anatomy, neuroscience, kinesiology, and research methodologies. </p><h3 id="section---FoundationsOfOccupationalTherapy">Foundations of Occupational Therapy</h3><p>An introductory course on occupational therapy tackles the historical, cultural, and philosophical background of the profession. It examines the role of an occupational therapist on health and wellness, and aims to develop important skills for ethical and professional behavior. </p><h3 id="section---ClinicalConditions">Clinical Conditions</h3><p>The study of clinical conditions focuses on the causes, prognosis, and management of various conditions that require occupational therapy interventions. The course looks into how these physical, medical, and neurological conditions may impact occupational performance. </p><h3 id="section---AdvancedNeuroscience">Advanced Neuroscience</h3><p>A course on neuroscience covers the anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems and how they affect human behavior. It examines how neuroscience principles can be used to better understand occupational performance. </p><h3 id="section---PediatricIntervention">Pediatric Intervention</h3><p>A pediatric intervention course focuses on applying relevant theories and practice models to occupational therapy services for children. Students will learn effective strategies for encouraging client participation and engagement, particularly in school and community settings. </p><h3 id="section---AdultIntervention">Adult Intervention</h3><p>A course on adult intervention helps students develop techniques and treatment approaches that are appropriate for the adult population. It will train students to tackle challenges in work re-entry, independent living, driver re-education, environmental adaptation, and the like. The course may also touch on communication with caregivers and the impact of disability on families. </p><h3 id="section---OrthoticsAndTherapeuticModalities">Orthotics and Therapeutic Modalities</h3><p>A course on orthotics tackles the principles of design, fabrication, and usage of splints and orthotics. Students are expected to gain clinical reasoning and implementation skills to determine how and when to use these types of interventions. </p><h3 id="section---ResearchMethods">Research Methods</h3><p>A research course reviews various methodologies of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. It focuses on how research can measure therapy outcomes, check clinical practice, and contribute to the progress of the profession. This course typically prepares students for a research project that they must complete as a requirement for graduation. </p><h2 id="section---CommonAdmissionRequirements">Common Admission Requirements</h2><p>A baccalaureate degree and some prerequisite courses are minimum requirements to qualify for graduate programs in occupational therapy. Some schools require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the undergraduate degree and a minimum grade of B or B- for the prerequisite coursework. Applicants must also log at least 40 hours of occupational therapy work or volunteer service in medical facilities, school or community-based programs, outpatient or home care, and other similar settings. Other common documentation requirements include letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay. </p><p>Students interested in a career in occupational therapy can consider these graduate degree programs in New Jersey and see which of the program requirements, tuition costs, and curriculum schedules suit them best.</p>