About us|About OT Program|History
of UW Madison OT Program
About Us
Occupational therapy is a profession that focuses on an individual's ability to
engage in everyday activities that support meaningful participation in life. The
term occupation refers broadly to all of the ordinary and familiar things that people
do every day as they pursue fulfilling and healthy lives, including looking after
themselves, tending to their economic needs, contributing to their families and
communities, finding outlets for creative expression, and developing meaningful
social relationships. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages
who experience difficulty or who are at risk for problems related to engagement
in these everyday activities due to injury, illness, cognitive impairment, psychosocial
dysfunction, mental illness, developmental or learning disability, or other disorder
or condition.
Occupational therapists have the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the many
factors that influence an individual's ability to engage in occupations and to design
interventions to address problems undermining that ability. Therapeutic interventions
are directed at supporting an individual's uniqueness and capacity for change, establishing,
restoring or maintaining skills, modifying activities and the environments in which
they take place, preventing problems that could interfere with occupational performance,
and promoting overall health and well being. Occupational therapy professionals
work closely with clients, families, groups, organizations, systems, and other professionals
in an effort to achieve the desired outcome of engagement in life-enhancing occupations.
About the Occupational Therapy Program
The Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison began offering
a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy in 1943. In its 59-year history, the
Program has continually been accredited by the accrediting body of the American
Occupational Therapy Association and has grown in response to the educational, leadership,
and research needs of the profession. In 1985, a
post-professional Master's degree in Therapeutic Science (MS-TS) was added
and in 1996 a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology,
Therapeutic Science Track (Ph.D.-Kinesiology) was started. In 2005, in response
to a mandate from the profession, the undergraduate program in occupational therapy
was replaced by an entry-level Master's degree
in Occupational Therapy program (MS-OT).
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the premier research institutions
in the country. This is reflected in the quality of the faculty who teach in the
Occupational Therapy Program. Faculty members
are recognized nationally and internationally as leading researchers in their field
and conduct ongoing funded research programs. Student access to faculty members
allows students to learn about and engage in exemplary research and scholarship.
The University of Wisconsin campus is situated in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin,
a great place to live and learn. The
City of Madison has consistently ranked in the top 10 desirable places to
live, work and play. It's natural beauty, urban sophistication, recreational opportunities,
and active cultural life provide a wide array of offerings to supplement a rich
campus life.
History of the UW-Madison Occupational Therapy
Program
The Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison began in
1943 when academic courses prepared students to work in the areas of mental health,
tuberculosis care, general medicine, pediatrics and orthopedics. At that time, the
Medical School and the School of Education jointly administered the program. In
1945, 150 students were enrolled in the program and Miss Caroline Thompson accepted
the position of Technical Director of the program. She would serve as the overall
program coordinator for 31 years.
By the mid-1950's the Occupational Therapy Program grew to become the second largest
in the country. Curriculum improvements included the addition of the first research
methods course in 1964 and a broadly based course in OT theory for those in the
junior year of the program. Increasing enrollment, however, made it difficult for
the program to adequately meet the needs of the students. By the early 1970's, enrollment
caps were in place and students were required to meet minimum standards for admission.
In 1985, a post-professional master's degree in Therapeutic Science (MS-TS) was
started for individuals holding an undergraduate degree in occupational or physical
therapy, and in 1996 the Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology, Therapeutic Science
Track (Ph.D.) was established. To meet the increasing needs of graduate-level students,
and the academic standards of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Occupational
Therapy Program faculty members now hold doctoral degrees and have active research
programs. Many of the faculty are nationally and internationally recognized experts
within the occupational therapy profession.
After a 60-year history, the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
phased out its Bachelor of Science degree to meet the educational standards of the
Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American
Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Beginning in 2007, all entry-level occupational
therapists must be prepared at the post-baccalaureate level. The Occupational Therapy
Program is especially well-suited to meet the challenges of offering an entry-level
master's degree program with its emphasis on research and critical thinking skills.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison began accepting graduate students for admission
into the Master's in Occupational Therapy (MS-OT) Degree Program in 2005.
