Education

Hofstra launching occupational therapy program

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Hofstra’s School of Health Professions and Human Services is launching a new graduate program in occupational therapy this fall.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is designed to prepare graduates to become registered and licensed health professionals who help clients with mental, physical, emotional or developmental issues or disabilities develop or recover the skills that they need to live life fully, according to university officials. OT is a vital part of treatment for many conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy and autism.

Applications for the fall inaugural class are now being accepted (hofstra.edu/msot). The U.S. Department of Labor notes that employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow by almost 30 percent by the year 2022, “much faster than the average” for all occupations.

Hofstra’s program will have a community focus in which students will have guided and supervised experiences with clients beginning in the first semester of study. The OT program will also have an inter-professional approach, working with other disciplines such as public health, athletic training and exercise science.