Occupational Therapy Program

Occupational Therapy Program Overview

The occupational therapy degrees offered at Valpo prepare students for healthcare roles that help people participate in daily activities. We offer two degree paths: for future occupational therapists going into entry level practice and experienced occupational therapists seeking a path to expertise. Our department of occupational therapy will give you the skills to become a compassionate practitioner providing evidence-based services

What is Occupational Therapy?

“In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).

Common occupational therapy interventions include:

• Helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations.
• Helping people recovering from injury to regain skills.
• Providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Occupational therapy services typically include:

• An individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals, 
• Customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals
• An outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

Occupational therapy services may include:

• Comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school).
• Recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use.
• Guidance and education for family members and caregivers.

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.” (AOTA, 2021)

What Occupational Therapy programs are available at Valpo?

OTD Program

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) is an entry-level degree that prepares future occupational therapists for advanced level practice, leadership, education, and scholarship.

DrOT Program

The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DROT) program prepares current licensed occupational therapists for mentorship and scholarship in academic communities and/or  healthcare organizations.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for Occupational Therapists will grow by 24% by the year 2026. This is a much faster rate than most other professions, making an occupational therapy degree a wise choice.

Occupational Therapy Department Mission Statement

Valparaiso University’s occupational therapy program inspires students to develop a commitment to the profession of occupational therapy as a vocation, utilizing their strengths to meet the needs of their community through leadership, service, and scholarship.

AOTA Vision 2025

As an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living.

Contact Our Department of Occupational Therapy

Sara Story, EdD, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS

Program Director, College of Nursing & Health Professions
Email: sara.story@valpo.edu
Phone: 219.464.6174