MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Kean University Occupational Therapy Program is to provide a rigorous, quality professional education based on a firm foundation in both liberal arts and the sciences. This education benefits the community threefold expanding the number of qualified occupational therapists state-wide, improving the delivery of quality health care in all practice domains, and developing occupational therapists that are sensitive to and reflective of current industry needs.

The multicultural environment at Kean and throughout the state demands the recruitment of a diverse group of qualified students for this program. This sensitivity will afford students the opportunity to learn and practice within a diverse environment reflective of the local community. As the program is dedicated to the intellectual, cultural, personal, and professional growth of each student, the student-to-faculty ratio remains low to afford students the opportunity for individual attention.

The program is enriched by the varied clinical interests and background of its faculty, which provides the necessary background for developing entry-level occupational therapists. The faculty is committed to providing educational experience that fosters the development of competent, self-directed professionals who will serve as active members of their communities. To best prepare students for their roles as professionals, faculty draw from experiences in established, as well as emerging practice settings, while providing experiential learning for development of skills in the areas of professional development, clinical practice, technology, and research.

The Occupational Therapy program is committed to an ongoing collaboration with the local, national, and international occupational therapy community. These collaborations are an essential mechanism for assisting our students to acclimate to the realities of the clinical world, as well as to develop the skills necessary to provide quality health care in a diverse and advancing community. Community partners include:

• Clinical faculty and staff of Kean University and neighboring institutions
• Local and regional agencies that provide health care services to individuals, groups, and families
• State organizations, such as the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association
• National organizations, such as the American Occupational Therapy Association
• International Organizations, such as the World Federation of Occupational Therapists