The Department of Occupational Therapy's Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Occupational Therapy Program is to prepare highly trained and culturally affirming leaders in the field of occupational therapy, who are uniquely equipped to meet the diverse needs of the immediate area and the profession as a whole.
We are committed to promoting evidence-based practice, inclusive care, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and service learning.
Welcome from the Occupational Therapy Department's Chair.
The Masters of Science of Occupational Therapy at University of North Carolina-Pembroke has been developed with an intentional focus on embracing the following core principles:
- the heritage of Pembroke to promote futuristic health care practice as culturally affirming leaders.
- critical thinking threaded throughout each course to promote ethical and best practice active learning and immersion in the community for “real world learning and application”.
- promotion of skills for providing healthcare access to the disadvantaged with inclusive clinics staffed by students and faculty.
- incorporation of the latest available equipment and technology.
- utilization of research-backed teaching and learning principles to promote long-term learning and retention.
- access to numerous resources to promote successful completion of board certification exam upon graduation.
- development of professional skills that will prepare and set UNCP MSOT graduates apart and ready to make a difference.
Soar into your journey in becoming a resilient and brilliant occupational therapy practitioner reaching new heights!
Dr. Jose R. Rafols, EdD, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L
Chair and Program Director of the MSOT Program
Academic Programs
There is a different level of learning than what was required for high school and undergraduate college. The learning was focused on lower levels of learning on the Blooms Taxonomy learning scale during high school or undergraduate. Whereas graduate school requires learning how to synthesize and apply the newly learned information into a scenario or potential client. Building critical thinking skills helps you to think through cases to determine what is the best plan of action for that specific case or client.
Fieldwork is an integral part of the occupational therapy curriculum. According to the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) 2023 Standards, “Fieldwork education is a crucial part of professional preparation and is best integrated as a component of the curriculum design. The fieldwork experience is designed to promote professional reasoning and reflective practice, transmit the values and beliefs that enable ethical practice, and develop professionalism and competence in career responsibilities. Fieldwork…. should provide the student with the opportunity to carry out professional responsibilities under the supervision of qualified personnel serving as a role model.”
Meet our licensed and credentialed faculty and staff, who will be your partners in success through this exciting and innovative program.
Do you have questions about our programs or want to talk to someone? If so, please complete this form and someone will reach out to you.
