Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on helping individuals engage
in meaningful and purposeful activities, or occupations, to enhance their well-being
and quality of life. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who may
be experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that affect their ability
to participate in daily activities. These professionals work in various settings,
including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, community clinics, and private
practices. In these environments, occupational therapists collaborate with clients
to identify goals, develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to
improve independence and functional abilities. The ultimate aim is to help individuals
lead fulfilling lives and participate actively in their communities. The evidence-based
practices within occupational therapy are grounded in research to ensure effective
and meaningful interventions.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the Florida Agricultural
and Mechanical University is to graduate competent practitioners who are committed
to providing evidence-based practice to promote meaningful participation in occupation
and that value community service, integrity, ethical behavior and respect for all
people.
Florida A&M University's occupational therapy program prepares future practitioners
for the dynamic field of occupational therapy. Rooted in a rich tradition of academic
rigor and innovation, our program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive
learning environment. Our evidence-based curriculum equips students with the knowledge
and skills necessary to address the evolving needs of clients across the lifespan.
With a focus on experiential learning, students engage in hands-on clinical experiences
that bridge theory and practice. Our dedicated faculty, comprised of seasoned professionals,
ensures that students receive mentorship and guidance throughout their academic journey.
The goal is to graduate compassionate and competent occupational therapists.
The evidence-based practices within occupational therapy are grounded in research
to ensure effective and meaningful interventions.
Occupational Therapy Careers
Graduates from our occupational therapy program have a wide range of career opportunities
available to them. They can pursue roles such as:
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Neurological Occupational Therapy
Geriatric Occupational Therapy
Mental Health Occupational Therapy
Physical Rehabilatation Occupational Therapy
In these environments, occupational therapists collaborate with clients to identify
goals, develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to improve independence
and functional abilities.
Q. What is occupational therapy? A. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals of all ages
engage in meaningful activities, or occupations, to improve their well-being and quality
of life. It focuses on addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that
may hinder participation in daily activities.
Q. What does an occupational therapist do? A. Occupational therapists work with individuals to assess their abilities and challenges,
develop personalized intervention plans, and provide support to improve independence
in daily activities. They may work in various settings such as hospitals, schools,
rehabilitation centers, and community clinics.
Q. In what settings do occupational therapists work? A. Occupational therapists work in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, schools, community clinics, and private practices. They collaborate with
clients to address specific goals related to daily life activities.
Q. What types of conditions do occupational therapists address? A. Occupational therapists work with individuals facing a range of conditions, including
physical injuries, developmental disorders, mental health issues, and neurological
conditions. They tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Q. How long does it take to become an occupational therapist? A. Becoming an occupational therapist typically involves completing a bachelor's degree,
followed by a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. The entire educational
path can take around 6 to 7 years.
General biology and lab 2. Human growth and development or lifespan class 3. College physics and lab or kinesiology 4. Anatomy and physiology I and II 5. Introduction to psychology 6. Abnormal psychology 7. Research
FAMU OT will accept a minimum of 40 hours to fulfill the volunteer requirement hours.
The 40 hours can be fulfilled with a licensed OT or OTA in at least two different
settings and may be documented in the linked Volunteer Proposal Documentation. The
completed form should be printed and uploaded into the OTCAS application portal.
ACOTE® accredited Occupational Therapy programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements
in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Students graduating
from an ACOTE® accredited Occupational Therapy educational program are eligible to
take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification
exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto
Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements,
please refer to the AOTA State Licensure web page. The next accreditation self- study
and onsite visit are scheduled in 2029/2030.
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 652-2682 www.acoteonline.org
