Division Philosophy

Occupational therapists create opportunities for individuals in varying states of wellness/disability to reduce impairment, and restore participation in home, work and leisure activities, thereby influencing the state of their own health (Reilly, 1962).

The Program

The Occupational Therapy Program at AIC is dedicated to teaching a comprehensive body of basic knowledge centered upon the art and science of human occupation, and the role of occupational performance in maintaining health and reducing disability. The faculty members in the Occupational Therapy Program believe that through occupation, i.e. the performance of valued tasks, activities and roles, people define their humanity and are enabled to achieve health and wellness. Although human beings seek active involvement in occupation naturally, disruptions in a person's health and life patterns that are brought on by disability may negatively affect his/her occupational performance and ability to interact productively with others. Occupational therapy facilitates health and well being by increasing functional performance in day-to-day occupations, thereby restoring opportunities for purposeful participation in life activities and roles.

The Curriculum

The Occupational Therapy curriculum is designed to advance understandings about physical and psychological development throughout the lifespan, the value of effective interpersonal communication and environmental interaction, and the importance of functional adaptation in reducing the impact of disabling conditions. Thru the use of biological and social science knowledge occupational therapists assess the occupational impact of disease and injury. By having students examine the psychological, cultural and socio-environmental factors that contribute to the maintenance or recovery of function, they come to understand how occupational therapists facilitate occupation-based, health-related outcomes through therapeutic intervention.

The Occupational Therapy Program acknowledges the profession's historical roots by providing knowledge regarding the evolution of professional roles, while also informing students of the competencies, scholarship and economic insights needed by 21st century occupational therapists in traditional and emerging practice areas. By highlighting the intersection between research-driven assessment and treatment planning and the fiscal realities of the healthcare industry within the curriculum, the Program demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the accountability, integrity and long-term viability of the profession. Students are required to become actively engaged in the search for "best practice" through literature searches and the development of basic research skills. In order to understand the business of caring, students are required to demonstrate knowledge of service delivery systems, occupational therapy program management, and issues regarding controlling costs and improving therapeutic performance. In addition to the need for didactic information, the Program is devoted to offering laboratory activities and fieldwork experiences to provide both simulated and real-world contexts for current and emerging occupational therapy practice areas.

The Program provides the first step toward a student's professional career in addition to laying the foundation for a life long learning process. Students will grow personally by developing a concern for humanity, a sense of social responsibility, and an interest in economic feasibility. Students will grow professionally by embracing collaboration with organizational administrators and managers, and other health professionals as they work toward the mutual goal of effectively assisting individuals with disabilities to live more productive and meaningful lives.



Go Back

American International College
1000 State Street
Springfield MA 01109
(800) 242-3142
inquiry@aic.edu