Health Sciences, Pre-Occupational Therapy, B.S.

General Requirements

Health Sciences Majors: Pre-Occupational Therapy Curriculum Pattern

Senior Year/Professional Phase

Other Pertinent Information

All students admitted to the professional program must assume responsibility for expenses in connection with the academic program, including:

• a current CSU medical and dental form completed with immunization and TB test/X-ray by August 1 each year.
• proof of health insurance.
• required texts, test instruments, and supplies, including course packages.
• yearly subscription to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT).
• transportation to fieldwork experiences, state conferences and field trips.
• maintaining a current CPR certification through the American Heart Association.

Students in the professional phase of the program are charged a program fee to address requirements of the program. Students in the professional curriculum are required to maintain a 3.0 (B) average each semester and receive a passing grade in all Level I fieldwork. Please refer to the progression policies for details.

Progression and Dismissal Policies

Once a student enters the professional phase of the program, the following policies apply to progression through the program:

• Any interruptions or repetition of course work will result in an extension of the total length of the program. To ensure timely completion of the program, course sequences must be followed. Students who drop or withdraw from a professional level course for any reason resign their status as a professional-level student. Readmission will be by consent of the program chairperson and the admissions committee.
• Students may receive only two C grades according to the graduate school policy. Students may be required to repeat a course in order to meet graduation requirements from the graduate school whether taken as an undergraduate or graduate student. A student can earn no more than 4 letter grades of “C” or less in the professional program; more than 4 grades of “C” or below is grounds for dismissal. Professional courses may be repeated only one time for a grade of B or higher. A student needing to repeat a course to improve a grade must repeat the course at the next scheduled offering. Students may be required to assume part-time status when repeating courses.
• Students with a semester GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on probation*. Students must achieve a 3.0 or better semester GPA within three consecutive semesters. Students with a GPA less than 3.0 after the third semester will be dismissed from the occupational therapy program.
• Students must repeat any fieldwork in which they receive an unsatisfactory (failing) performance evaluation. Continued unsatisfactory performance on a repeated fieldwork will result in the student being dismissed from the occupational therapy program.
• A student who misses more than 20% of a scheduled course due to unexcused absences may receive a failing grade for the course.
• All students must successfully complete a cumulative end-of-year examination. If a student fails to pass the cumulative end-of-year examination on the second attempt, the student must develop and complete a structured remediation program with a faculty member before the third and final retake. Only three opportunities will be given for an end-of-year examination. This examination must be successfully completed in order to progress into the graduate program.
• Any course with a grade of “D” or “F” must be repeated. Students needing to repeat a course will be placed on probation. Repeated failure of the same course will result in dismissal from the program. Failure of two or more professional courses with a “D” or “F” in the same semester will result in dismissal from the program.
• Students who receive a written notification of unsatisfactory professional behavior and/or violate the standard of student conduct or standards of ethical practice, including plagiarism in the academic and/or clinical education programs, will be placed on probation. Repeated unsatisfactory behavior, ethical violations, or ethical/legal misconduct that endangers or creates potential harm to students, clients, academic and clinical faculty are grounds for dismissal from the program. Standards of ethical behavior are outlined in the AOTA Code of Ethics and the University Policy on Student Conduct.

* Probation is defined as written notification of the student’s current status in the professional occupational therapy program.

Grievance Policy:

Students are required to become familiar with the department and college grievance policies. These policies and the related procedures can be found in the university catalog, the occupational therapy student handbook, and department webpage.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate in health sciences, all students must complete the university, state and department requirements as mandated. Students must successfully complete all coursework to be eligible to graduate with a BS in Health Sciences (Pre-Occupational Therapy) and participate in the college and university convocation and commencement ceremonies. Graduating seniors who have maintained the required GPA must apply to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies to continue in the MOT program.

Student Assessment and Retention Program

The department has several programs to improve the retention and graduation of students. A departmental assessment plan is an integral part of the retention program. This plan includes explicit statements and measures about student learning outcomes, end-of-year examinations, and curriculum effectiveness. Other retention activities include mentoring, tutoring, counseling, and advising.

• The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) offers a peer mentorship program. Students at the professional level may be matched to community-based mentors who are occupational therapists.
• Student Success Workshops are held for students in the program throughout the semester. These workshops address skills needed in a professional program and are considered a professional obligation.
• Peer tutors are available for professional-level students. The faculty has identified office hours to assist students.
• All students receive one-on- one advising from faculty throughout the year. Referrals to other resources both within and outside the university are made when indicated.