James Madison University
PHOTO: White House

Computer Science Student Invited to White House

Since receiving her invitation last week to attend the White House "Champions of Change: Women/Girls in STEM" event on Dec. 9, Computer Science major Marissa Halpert has been excited "like you wouldn't believe." Read More »

News & Announcements

2012 CISAT Faculty Award Recipients Announced More >

JMU Student Recieves VOTA Scholarship Sarah DiDomenico is the The Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (VOTA) Graduate Student Scholarship Award winner for 2011. More >

O. Ashton Trice Scholarship Founded This memorial scholarship is open to all School Psychology students and is awarded to the student with the highest GPA and exceptional academic performance, honoring the intent of the donor. More >

JMU-RMH Collaborative Fall 2011 Research Rounds Announced All meetings in RMH Lower Level Conference Rooms 2 and 3. More >

<< Back to UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Occupational Studies

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are health and human service professionals who assist people of all ages to develop or regain skills necessary for independent living. The focus of OT intervention is aimed at enhancing performance in the areas of self-care, work or productive endeavors and play/leisure. These therapists treat people with a wide variety of physical, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.

OTs work with other health care providers in evaluating patients and developing short- and long-term goals to maximize independence, prevent or minimize disability, and help their patients acquire or regain the skills necessary for productive and satisfying living. They provide services in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and community settings including hospitals, schools, homes, mental health or substance abuse programs and skilled nursing facilities. Clinical practice responsibilities can be combined with opportunities in educational, research and administrative areas. Occupational Therapists (OTs) engage in a range of activities, such as teaching daily living skills and designing, fabricating and applying orthotic and prosthetic devices or selective adaptive equipment. They also administer and interpret various diagnostic tests, developing play and leisure skills, and adapting environments for individuals with disabilities.

Program Website