The Program in Occupational Therapy offers several professional degrees as well as a joint degree with the George Warren Brown School of Social Work.
Students interested in entering the field of occupational therapy may do so with a master's or doctoral degree. It is possible to enroll in either program and then apply to transfer to the other program later, as both the master's and doctoral programs share the same curriculum for the first year of study. Students may also decide to apply to both programs if they like. Typically, the doctoral program attracts students who have further interest in research and leadership in the field.
The Program in Occupational Therapy prepares students for professional practice and, through its research, generates knowledge to address the issues facing individuals with disabilities, chronic diseases and developmental disabilities. Students are prepared as generalists, but they can also concentrate their studies for work in pediatrics, aging, rehabilitation, work and industry, or social participation. The curriculum focuses on the dynamic interaction of the biological with the psychological, environmental and occupational factors that enable persons to fulfill their roles and lead meaningful and productive lives. Students interact with leading physicians and scientists whose practices and science are contributing to better methods for the treatment of persons with disabilities. In addition, students are linked with community agencies and leaders providing services to individuals with disabling conditions.
Undergraduate students in pre-medical, psychology, biology or anthropology will find that the program offers a means of applying their knowledge in a professional field.
The Program in Occupational Therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number, c/o AOTA, is 301-652-AOTA. For more information, visit the ACOTE Accreditation webpage.
| Email: | wuotinfo@wustl.edu |
|---|---|
| Website: | http://www.ot.wustl.edu |
Faculty in the Program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University are involved in research that is changing the way occupational therapy is practiced. In collaboration with colleagues in the School of Medicine, public health, social work and community agencies, these individuals are involved in projects that encompass many of the challenges facing society. By providing evidence through scientific research, they are validating the profession as an important partner in the health care team. By acting as innovators, they are developing new and better ways to provide care.
To find more information about research activities in the Program of Occupational Therapy, please visit the Research page of our website.
Elias Michael Executive Director
Lisa Tabor Connor, PhD, MSOT, OTR/L
Director, Division of Professional Education and the Teaching Scholars Program
Steve Taff, PhD, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA
Director, Clinical Operations
Manager, Business Departmental Operations
Bill Bauer
Assistant Director, Entry-Level Professional Programs
Stacy Smallfield, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA
Assistant Director, Educational Evaluation and Quality
Vicki Kaskutas, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Visit our website for more information about our faculty and their appointments.
A
Regina A. Abel, PHD
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Medicine
PHD Indiana University Bloomington 2000
BS Southwest Misouri St Universi 1992
B
Parul Bakhshi, PHD
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Surgery (Public Health Sciences)
PHD University Rene' Descartes 2003
Peggy Barco, MED
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Medicine
MED Washington Univ in St. Louis 1987
M. Carolyn Baum, PHD, MA
Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Professor of Neurology (Occupational Therapy)
Professor of Social Work (Courtesy)
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 1993
BS University of Kansas 1966
MA Webster University 1979
Christine R. Berg, MS, PHD, BSOT
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Neurology
MS Boston University 1980
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 1999
BSOT Tufts University 1976
Jessie Lynne Bricker, OTD, MS
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Medicine
OTD Eastern Kentucky University 2018
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 2001
BS Illinois Wesleyan University 2000
C
Chih-Hung Chang, PHD
Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Professor of Medicine
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
BS National Chengchi University 1987
PHD University of Chicago 1995
Lisa Tabor Connor, MS, PHD, MA
Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Dean for Occupational Therapy
Elias Michael Executive Director of the Program in Occupational Therapy
Professor of Neurology
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 2013
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 1992
MA Washington Univ in St. Louis 1990
BA Johns Hopkins University 1986
D
Jessica L Dashner, OTD
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neurology
BS McKendree College 2000
OTD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2002
E
Dorothy F Edwards, PHD
Adjunct Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Adjunct Professor of Neurology
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 1980
BA Loyola University 1972
H
Kelly McClelland Harris, MA, PHD
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Surgery (Public Health Sciences)
MA Northwestern University 2001
BA University of Kansas 2000
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2017
K
Victoria Kaskutas, OTD, MHS
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Medicine
BS University of Illinois 1980
OTD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2009
Marian Keglovits
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Neurology
BS Colorado College 2008
Allison A King, MD
Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Professor of Education (Courtesy)
Professor of Medicine
Professor of Pediatrics
Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
BS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1992
MD University of MO Columbia 1996
Kathleen Marie Kniepmann, M PH, DED
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Neurology
M PH Harvard University 1981
BS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1974
DED Harvard University 1980
BA Washington Univ in St. Louis 1974
M
Wanda Jean Mahoney, OTD, MS, MA
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Medicine
OTD Nova Southeastern University 2008
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1999
MA De Paul University 2018
BS Saint Louis University 1997
Lauren Elizabeth Milton, PHD, BS1
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Medicine
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2008
BS1 Saint Louis University 2001
Marian A Minor, M PH, PHD
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
M PH University of Missouri 1979
BS University of Kansas 1965
PHD University of Missouri 1989
Kerri A Morgan, PHD, MS
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neurology
PHD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2015
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1998
BA Texas Christian University 1996
N
Patricia K Nellis, BSOT, MBA
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Neurology
BSOT Western Michigan University 1980
MBA Columbia College 2004
P
Monica S Perlmutter, MA, OTD, BSOT
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
MA Washington Univ in St. Louis 1989
OTD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2012
BSOT University of MO Columbia 1981
Benjamin Allen Philip, PHD
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
PHD Brown University 2009
Roberta G Pineda, MHS, PHS
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
MHS University of Florida 1994
PHS University of Florida 2006
S
Stacy Lynn Smallfield, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Medicine
MD Nova Southeastern University 2007
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1996
BS Gustavus Adolphus College 1995
Emily K Somerville, MA
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Neurology
BA Covenant College 2005
MA Washington Univ in St. Louis 2007
Susan L Stark, MS, PHD
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Neurology
Associate Professor of Social Work
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1989
BS Alma College 1988
PHD University of MO Columbia 1998
T
Steven D Taff, PHD, MS
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Medicine
BS MO State U (formerly SW MO St) 1989
PHD University of MO St Louis 2005
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 1997
Susan M Tucker, MS
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Neurology
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 2002
Quinn Peal Tyminski, MS
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Instructor in Psychiatry
BS Adrian College 2010
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 2012
V
Erin Foster Voegtli, OTD
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
OTD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2005
BS Washington Univ in St. Louis 2003
W
Carla W Walker, MS
Instructor in Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
MS Washington Univ in St. Louis 2000
Timothy J Wolf, OTD
Adjunct Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Adjunct Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
OTD Washington Univ in St. Louis 2007
Wing Kai Wong, PHD
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
PHD Univ of IL -Urbana-Champaign 2012
Visit online course listings to view offerings for M01 OT.
M01 OT 593A Fieldwork II
Provides fieldwork experiences under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Students' participation includes in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients including evaluation, treatment and intervention. Students have the opportunity to practice in a variety of clinical or community based settings. During the fieldwork process, students are expected to assume increasing responsibilities related to patient or client care. The fieldwork experience is designed to promote clinical reasoning, professionalism and competency. Duration is 12 weeks per course section.
Credit 6 units.
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M01 OT 593B Fieldwork II
Provides fieldwork experiences under the supervision of an occupational therapist. Students' participation includes in-depth experience in delivering occupational therapy services to clients including evaluation, treatment and intervention. Students have the opportunity to practice in a variety of clinical or community based settings. During the fieldwork process, students are expected to assume increasing responsibilities related to patient or client care. The fieldwork experience is designed to promote clinical reasoning, professionalism and competency. Duration is 12 weeks per course section.
Credit 6 units.
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M01 OT 595 Independent Study
Active participation in research activities with program faculty. A written plan of study agreed upon by faculty and student. Permission of faculty adviser required.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 596 Fieldwork II — Elective
Optional fieldwork after graduation. Permission required to register.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 611 Professional Immersion in Occupational Therapy
This foundational course prepares students to manage the changing paradigms of health care that are encountered in future practice. Students are introduced to settings across the continuum of care, professional team roles, and health policy which are integrated into future coursework. Health informatics systems support professional practice and are explored as a means to understand continuum of service delivery, documentation, and reimbursement systems. Students learn foundational tools of the profession, including the current practice framework and activity analysis.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 612 Neuroscience Principles Supporting Occupational Performance
This foundational course explores the structures and functions of the nervous system as they relate to occupational performance. Students develop a basic understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie motor function, sensation, perception, cognition, and affect.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 613 Theoretical Foundations Supporting Occupational Performance
This course explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations of the profession. The evolving theories, models, and frames of reference which support occupational therapy research and practice are compared and applied to case scenarios. Emphasis will be on the PEOP model of occupational performance and the core principles of client-centered care and disability. The meaning and complexity of occupation and occupational performance will be explored as students gain an understanding of humans as occupational beings.
Credit 2 units.
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M01 OT 614 Elements of Research Design and Use of Data
Building on prerequisite knowledge, the student engages in research design and data analysis. Students locate sources of grant funding, compose an IRB proposal, identify appropriate statistical analyses of data based on the research question, evaluate the psychometrics of assessments, and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 641 Elective MSOT to PhD Mentored Scholarship II
This is the second in a three-course sequence in which students participate in a mentored scholarship experience to prepare for entry into a PhD program. Students conduct clinical research or engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning under the direction of a researcher. Learning experiences include designing, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating research to advance knowledge translation, professional practice, service delivery, or professional issues. Students will actively participate in a research laboratory as a means to gain exposure to the skills needed to run an independent laboratory as a career scientist.
Credit 2 units.
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M01 OT 642 Evaluation and Intervention: Adults and Older Adults I
This course explores the person, environment, and occupation factors that influence occupational performance of adults and older adults. Students evaluate these factors, interpret findings, and design components of intervention plans using applicable theories, models, frames of reference and best evidence. Mechanisms for reimbursement, re-evaluation, and discharge planning as applicable to various practice settings are addressed.
Credit 6 units.
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M01 OT 648 OTD Mentored Scholarship II
This is the second in a three-coursesequencein which students participate in a mentored scholarship experience. Students conduct clinical research, clinical and community program development, or the scholarship of teaching and learning within the mentor's line of scholarship. Learning experiences will include designing, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating research to advance knowledge translation, professional practice, service delivery, or professional issues.
Credit 2 units.
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M01 OT 650 Theories, Models and Classifications
This course will explore the historical and theoretical foundations of Rehabilitation and Participation Science and track the development of rehabilitation models and classification systems. Students will find and use specific theories to ground their understanding of the area of their specialization, and they will be taught how to classify and apply levels of evidence to build the background for their doctoral work. The course will be team-taught with students and include faculty presentations and discussions.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 660 Biopsychosocial Factors Influencing Performance
The course will provide an in-depth understanding of the biomedical research literature pertaining to factors that influence performance. The course focuses on psychological, physiological, sensory, perceptual, motor, cognitive processes as well as subjective and objective assessments of the environment for home, work and community contexts that contribute to performance and performance changes with rehabilitation. The course will be team taught with a combination of lecture and seminar formats to lay the foundational principles of performance and to discuss how the capacity to perform supports participation.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 670 Environment Factors and Participation
The course will provide an in-depth understanding of person-environment interactions and the link between biomedical factors and community participation. The course focuses on the physical, technology and policy aspects of the environment that impact participation of persons with or at risk for chronic illness or disability. The course will be team taught with a combination of lecture and seminar formats.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 680 Measurement Theory and Development
The course will provide a broad framework and specific knowledge for assessment in areas of rehabilitation and participation. The course focuses on psychological, physiological, sensory, perceptual, motor, cognitive processes as well as subjective and objective assessments of the environment for home, work and community contexts. The course will be team taught with a combination of lecture and discussion formats.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 690 Rehabilitation Neuroscience
The role of experience in shaping brain functions is a central question in psychology and neuroscience. The prevailing view is that the functional organization of even the mature brain is dynamic — changing in response either to increases or decreases in stimulation. However, this has not always been the accepted perspective. Even now, many fundamental questions remain, and the answers should directly impact the way that we approach learning and the rehabilitation (re-learning) in the future. Just what are the limits on plasticity in the adult brain? How should environments be structured to exploit this capacity effectively? Is all reorganization behaviorally relevant? What factors contribute to adaptive, as opposed to maladaptive, changes? Together, we will consider historical perspectives on, and what is presently known about, these and related questions.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 710 Lab Practicum
Laboratory practicum is designed to permit the student to learn the basic processes of their selected laboratory. The practicum will involve ongoing research projects and can be both laboratory and clinical in nature.
Credit 2 units.
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M01 OT 720 Teaching Practicum I
The teaching practicum provides an opportunity to engage in a focused and supervised classroom teaching experience. The student's teaching should be in a content area relevant to the student's area of interest.
Credit 1 unit.
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M01 OT 721 Teaching Practicum II
The teaching practicum provides a continued opportunity to engage in a focused and supervised classroom teaching experience. The student's teaching should be in a content area relevant to the student's area of interest.
Credit 1 unit.
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M01 OT 750A Directed Practice Research: Productive Aging
This is the first course in a series of three courses designed as an applied clinical experience or clinical research project under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor. The focus of the project will be in productive aging. The project, over the course of three semesters, will result in a scholarly paper. Students enter this course after they have completed OT 630, the Proposal Seminar course.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 750D Directed Practice Research: Social Participation
This is the first course in a series of three courses designed as an applied clinical experience or clinical research project under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor. The focus of the project will be in social participation. The project, over the course of three semesters, will result in a scholarly paper. Students enter this course after they have completed OT 630, the Proposal Seminar course.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 750P Directed Practice Research: Pediatrics
This is the first course in a series of three courses designed as an applied clinical experience or clinical research project under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor. The focus of the project will be in pediatrics. The project, over the course of three semesters, will result in a scholarly paper. Students enter this course after they have completed OT 630, the Proposal Seminar course.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 750R Directed Practice Research: Rehabilitation
This is the first course in a series of three courses designed as an applied clinical experience or clinical research project under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor. The focus of the project will be in rehabilitation. The project, over the course of three semesters, will result in a scholarly paper. Students enter this course after they have completed OT 630, the Proposal Seminar course.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 750W Directed Practice Research: Work & Industry
This is the first course in a series of three courses designed as an applied clinical experience or clinical research project under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor. The focus of the project will be in Work & Industry. The project, over the course of three semesters, will result in a scholarly paper. Students enter this course after they have completed OT 630, the Proposal Seminar course.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 751A Directed Practice / Research Aging I
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 751D Directed Practice / Research Disability I
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 751P Directed Practice / Research Pediatrics I
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 751R Directed Practice / Research Rehab
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 751W Directed Practice / Research Work I
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 752A Directed Practice / Research Aging II
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member. Prerequisite: OT 751A.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 752D Directed Practice / Research Disability II
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member. Prerequisite: OT 751D.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 752P Directed Practice / Research Pediatrics II
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member. Prerequisite: OT 751P.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 752R Directed Practice Research III: Rehab
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member. Prerequisite: OT 751R.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 752W Directed Practice / Research Work II
Student will engage in applied clinical research under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. Topics will be in the area of specialization chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty member. Prerequisite: OT 751W.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 762 Seminar in Education Strategies
This course offers an opportunity for students to reflect on and examine concurrent occupational therapy teaching assistantship experiences. Attention will be given to learning theories underlying practice, teaching tools and strategies, and situated and distributed learning. Activities will include critical reading, peer supervision, and self-assessment.
Credit 3 units.
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M01 OT 770 Research Seminar
Regular meeting where research is presented and discussed. Presentations will be made by Washington University faculty, faculty outside the university, and students.
Credit 1 unit.
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M01 OT 780 Research Practicum
The mentored research credit units will be used to develop the research skills of the student. The student will work with the mentor's guidance to conduct research that adds value to the laboratory and gains experience for the student. The mentored independent studies should lead to refereed publications and may contribute to the dissertation research.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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M01 OT 793C Doctoral Experiential Component
Provides a customized field experience specific to the doctoral pursuit of the student. Students may participate in research, policy, clinical practice, advocacy, teaching, etc. Students are expected to achieve specific goals established by the student, their doctoral chair, and the site mentor. Duration is 16 weeks.
Credit 6 units.
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M01 OT 793D Doctoral Experiential Component
Provides a customized field experience specific to the doctoral pursuit of the student. Students may participate in research, policy, clinical practice, advocacy, teaching, etc. Students are expected to achieve specific goals established by the student, their doctoral chair, and the site mentor. Duration is 16 weeks.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
View Sections