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OT Grads Present Research Findings

Students partnered with community-based agencies

Written By Colleen Bierstine '15, PR Intern

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (05/31/2012) - After more than three semesters of research, graduate students of Utica College’s occupational therapy program presented their findings. The graduates, who recently completed fieldwork, returned to UC yesterday to discuss topics ranging from the accessibility of playgrounds for children with disabilites to the benefits of aquatic programs for children with sensory processing needs and the influence of peer-mentoring on social skill development for young adults with intellectual disabilities.

The in-depth research process required the graduates to do background research, partner with community agencies or other professionals, and draw conclusions from their findings, all of which the graduates included in their final presentations.

Dr. Judith Gonyea, associate professor and chair of occupational therapy, said that this experience provides a stepping stone to going into practice.

After this, graduates will go on to complete their national certification exam and hopefully acquire positions in the occupational therapy field, Gonyea said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy is an expanding field. Over the next decade, employment is expected to increase by 33.5 percent. Because of this, US News placed occupational therapy in the top half of their Best Jobs of 2012 list.

Utica College offers an extensive master’s program in occupational therapy in both day and weekend formats. The program boasts experienced, knowledgeable faculty, as well as many and varied community-based practice opportunities.

To find out more about Utica College’s occupational therapy program, visit http://utica.edu/academic/gce/ot/index.cfm.