Department of Occupational Therapy

Welcome to the Department of Occupational Therapy

As occupational therapists, we are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages participate and thrive in meaningful and valued activities and relationships. We are leaders in innovative, collaborative research and education related to occupational therapy, occupational science and rehabilitation science that contributes to the health and well-being of individuals, communities and society. Our community is committed to inclusivity, community engagement and scholarly practice. We are proud to be part of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta - the only free-standing rehabilitation faculty in North America.

Programs

MSc in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help people participate in meaningful everyday activities. This full-time, graduate-level program prepares students for a career as an occupational therapist.

MBA/OT Combined

The combined MBA/MScOT program is open to current U of A MSc in Occupational Therapy students. This program provides students with the managerial skills to operate a private clinic or lead within the public sector.

Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program

Rehabilitation scientists conduct research designed to help people engage fully in their lives.

Continuing Professional Education

We offer a variety of continuing professional education programs for working health-care professionals. Advance your career with a graduate-level certificate or non-credit micro-credential course. Courses are 100 per cent online so you can study from anywhere in the world.

  • Hands-on clinical experience

    Students gain practical experience through diverse experiences such as experiential labs, integration of clinicians as instructors and fieldwork placements in settings such as schools, hospitals and community-based organizations.

  • A high-demand, rewarding career

    Occupational therapy is often listed as one of the top career paths in North America! Our students graduate ready to practice as 21st century occupational therapists who are committed to meeting the needs of society as leaders, lifelong learners and global citizens.

  • Tailored educational experience

    Students choose from a ‘menu’ of elective modules to tailor their educational experience to their areas of interest. Example topics are: orthotics, creative process of occupation, ergonomics and bariatrics.

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. We are the only occupational therapy program in Alberta, with campuses in Edmonton, Calgary and Camrose. These three campuses provide opportunities to study closer to home and to learn in larger or smaller classroom environments within urban or more rural contexts, while still being part of our cohesive cohort of students each year. Our students come from a variety of educational backgrounds, geographic locations and life experiences, which creates a rich ecosystem in which to learn, grow and thrive.

Learning and teaching in our MScOT program is capability-focused, inquiry-driven and occupation-centered, and students are active partners in the process. We are internationally recognized for our innovative and diverse research that embraces and values different research paradigms, methodological approaches and topic areas.

The Department of Occupational Therapy has much to offer. I hope that you will take some time to explore the information and materials on our website to learn more about our activities and programs.

Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts, PhD, OT
Acting Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy
Director, S.K.I.P. (Supporting Kids Inclusion & Participation) Lab

Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization Statement

The Department of Occupational Therapy values and is committed to the key principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), including human rights, equality, intersectionality, accessibility and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Guided by these principles, the department aims to make advances in inclusive learning, teaching, research, service and community engagement and to become more diverse and equitable in the work we do. This includes admissions, pedagogy, research, employment and advancement.