Department of Occupational Therapy

Department chair:
Dr. Wendy Coster

A little boy with autism begins interacting with other children. An elderly woman manages to dress herself for the first time since having a stroke. A previously homeless man marks his one-year anniversary at a job, thanks largely to the practical life skills you taught him.

The rewards of a career in occupational therapy are the small triumphs and giant achievements of people with injuries, illnesses and disabilities. They’re people of all ages and backgrounds, all learning to live more fully and independently because of your help.

Whether you’re just beginning your exploration of this exciting field or looking to advance your expertise and career options, we welcome you to our website. As one of the nation’s premiere educators of occupational therapists, Boston University offers degree programs at every level—all with a level of excellence and opportunity that few schools can equal.

Are You Looking For The Right Career?

Even in a recessionary economy, there has never been a better time to choose a career in OT. It’s one of U.S. News & World Report‘s Top 10 Best Jobs of 2012 . The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook also forecasts employment growth much faster than average.

Making a difference in people’s lives is one experience you’ll find consistently in OT, but there are many others. You can choose your own path as a clinician, consultant, researcher or educator. Use your imagination to suggest creative strategies that will help clients participate fully in community life. Work with a wide variety of clients in diverse settings. Even shift your entire clinical focus multiple times throughout your career, enjoying a change in practice without a total career change.

Are You Looking For The Right School?

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 graduate school rankings, Boston University’s OT program ranks # 2 out of 156 accredited programs in the nation. Here are a few of the reasons why.

Because BU is a major research university in a vibrant urban center and medical hub, Sargent College offers an unusually rich diversity of clinical placement sites and research activity. For you, that means a wider range of experience. Every semester, new fieldwork placements will broaden your exposure across the entire spectrum of client populations and OT practice. It means greater opportunities for placements in areas that interest you, too. And, while receiving an evidence-based, client-centered professional education, you can be involved in scholarship and cutting-edge research that are shaping the profession.

You’ll also be closely involved with a faculty that is remarkable in every sense. They are inter-disciplinary and internationally known. They write the textbooks, conduct the research, present their findings at global conferences, serve on committees and task forces, and generally lead the profession. Some examples:

• Dr. Wendy Coster, our Department Chair, is recognized worldwide for groundbreaking work and is a recent recipient of the profession’s highest academic honor from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Dr. Ellen Cohn has been co-editor of the textbook used by 97% of all OT programs.
• Dr. Karen Jacobs is a past President of AOTA.

Our faculty members are here to prepare the next generation of OT practitioners and leaders. They love sharing their experience, knowledge, perspective and projects with students. So you’ll find them accessible, supportive and passionate about teaching.

Are You Looking For The Right Program?

Sargent College has OT degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, distance education programs online for practicing professionals, and an interdisciplinary doctoral program in rehabilitation sciences. We offer a rare environment for learning, launching a new career, or growing in an already established one. We invite you to take a closer look! Choose any Occupational Therapy degree program here to learn more about it.