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Manual for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Student
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program
The post-professional MS in OT program is designed for occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. The program is intended for occupational therapists, educated in the United States or internationally, who are seeking advanced knowledge and skills. For those students who earned their bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from a non-U.S. accredited college/university, the MS in OT program may also provide an opportunity to become eligible to take the registered occupational therapist (OTR) certification exam, which is conducted by the National Board for Certification for Occupational Therapist (NBCOT). After successful completion of the MS program, the students who have earned their bachelor’s degree internationally, will complete the Occupational Therapist Eligibility Determination (OTED®) process through the NBCOT. The OTED process will evaluate the students’ bachelor and master’s curriculum to determine if the students’ combined bachelor’s and master’s education, including Preceptorship, meets the eligibility requirements to apply for the OTR certification exam. Education and Preceptorship must be deemed comparable to current U.S. entry-level educational standards to become eligible to take the OTR certification exam. In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the OTR certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the OTR certification examination or attain state licensure. Additionally, certification and licensure requirements include inquiries as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act including those associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.
Curriculum Design
The design for the MS in OT curriculum is based on the interaction of concepts from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2001), and three primary roles expected of occupational therapists as delineated in the ACOTE Standards – practitioner, manager, contributor. The matrix formed by ICF concepts and the primary roles serves as an organizer for the relationship between the courses in our curriculum and the content within courses.
World Health Organization. (2001). International classification of functioning, disability and health. Geneva: Author.
The ICF is a required textbook for courses in the MS in OT curriculum.
The vertical axis of our curriculum matrix is formed by the following ICF concepts (WHO, 2001, pp. 8, 10):
- Environmental factors make up the physical, social and attitudinal environment in which people live and conduct their lives.
- Participation is involvement in a life situation.
- Participation restrictions are problems an individual may experience in involvement in life situations.
- Activity is the execution of a task or action by an individual.
- Activity limitations are difficulties an individual may have in executing activities.
- Body functions are the physiological functions of body systems (including psychological functions).
- Body structures are anatomical parts of the body such as organs, limbs and their components.
- Impairments are problems in body function or structure such as significant deviation or loss.
- Functioning indicates non-problematic aspects of health and health-related states.
- Disability indicates impairment, activity limitations or participation restrictions.
The horizontal axis of our curriculum matrix is formed by the three primary roles expected of an entry-level occupational therapist.
MS in OT Curriculum
Each student will be advised by the Program Director (PD) who will oversee the development, implementation and grading of Comprehensive Examinations necessary to complete the program. The MS program will provide didactic coursework as well as opportunities for research preceptorships under the guidance of faculty or clinical preceptorships across varying clinical settings.
The program requires the completion of 30 credits for the Clinical, Research and Research with Scholarly Project plan of study.
The following are typical plans of study for students enrolled in the Master of Science (MS) Program in Occupational Therapy (OT).
Clinical Plan of Study (30 credits, 2 terms)
Term 1 - Fall Term - 15 Credits
OT 2207 – Principles of Assessment
OT 2221 – Developmental Theory and Practice OR OT 2222 Productive Aging Theory and Practice
OT 2224 – Management of Occupational Therapy Practice
OT 2241 – Clinical Preceptorship 1
OT 3010 – Evidence Interpretation for Implementation
OT 3206 – Advanced Theory and Practice
Term 2 - Spring Term - 15 Credits
OT 2210 – Psychosocial/Cognitive Theory and Practice
OT 2213 – Occupational Therapy and the Health System
OT 2242 – Clinical Preceptorship 2
OT 2248 – Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy
OT 2249 – Special Topics in Occupational Therapy: Clinical
OT 3200 – Evidence-Based Protocols and Practice Guidelines
Research Plan of Study (30 credits, 2 terms)
Term 1 - Fall Term – 15 credits
HRS 2927 – Statistical Methods for Health Science Research 1
OT 2221 – Developmental Theory and Practice OR OT 2222 – Productive Aging Theory and Practice
OT 2245 – Special Topics in Occupational Therapy: Research
OT 2246 – Research Preceptorship 1
OT 3010 – Evidence Interpretation for Implementation
OT 3206 – Advanced Theory and Practice
Term 2 – Spring Term – 15 credits
OT 2210 – Psychosocial/Cognitive Theory and Practice
OT 2213 – Occupational Therapy and the Health System
OT 2247 – Research Preceptorship 2
OT 3100 – Evidence Analysis and Synthesis
OT 3200 – Evidence-Based Protocols and Practice Guidelines
Research with Scholarly Project Plan of Study (30 credits, 3 terms)
Term 1 - Fall Term – 12 credits
HRS 2927 – Statistical Methods for Health Science Research 1
OT 3206 – Advanced Theory and Practice OR OT 2221 – Developmental Theory and Practice OR
OT 2222 – Productive Aging Theory and Practice
OT 2245 – Special Topics in Occupational Therapy: Research
OT 2246 – Research Preceptorship 1
OT 3010 – Evidence interpretation for Implementation
Term 2 – Spring Term – 15 credits
OT 2210 – Psychosocial/Cognitive Theory and Practice
OT 2213 – Occupational Therapy and the Health System
OT 2251 – Scholarly Project
OT 3100 – Evidence Analysis and Synthesis
OT 3200 – Evidence-based Protocols and Practice Guidelines
Term 3 – Summer Term – 3 credits
OT 2251 – Scholarly Project
Comprehensive Examination:
Each student must successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination in Spring Term. This examination is used to determine mastery of the core content in the curriculum.
MS Course Descriptions:
HRS 2927 – Statistical Methods for Health Science Research 1
This is the first of a two-course series in statistical methods. Topics covered include measurement, frequency distributions, histograms, bar graphs, stem-and-leaf displays, boxplots, scatterplots, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, point estimation, interval estimation, sampling distributions, one and two-sample tests of hypotheses for means and an introduction to non-parametric tests.
OT 2207 – Principles of Assessment**
Examines the principles associated with the evaluation process, including the selection and administration of assessment tools, and the scoring and interpretation of assessment data. Psychometrics are explored and data collection and analysis is practiced using a range of assessment methods.
OT 2210 – Psychosocial / Cognitive Theory and Practice**
The occupational therapy process for clients with psychosocial and/or cognitive dysfunction is studied in-depth. Theories, principles, assessments, and interventions focus on performance of activities and routines of daily living and participation in society.
OT 2213 – Occupational Therapy and the Health System
Examines health care trends, reimbursement regulations, legislative policies, and current issues affecting occupational therapy. Strategies for maintaining continued competence and supervisory roles are interpreted and applied to practice.
OT 2221 – Developmental Theory and Practice**
The occupational therapy process for children and youth is studied in-depth. Theories, principles, assessments, and interventions focus on performance of activities and routines of daily living and participation in society.
OT 2222 – Productive Aging Theory and Practice**
The role of occupational therapy in productive aging and the promotion of successful aging in older adults is studied in-depth. Theories, principles, assessments, and interventions focus on performance of activities and routines of daily living and participation in society
OT 2224 – Management of Occupational Therapy Practice
Examines the role of the occupational therapist as a manager of occupational therapy services. Focuses on the application of principles and practices of administration and supervision in diverse practice environments.
OT 2241 – Clinical Preceptorship 1
This course provides experiential learning in a specialized area of occupational therapy practice (e.g., pediatrics, acute care) for the purpose of developing advanced skills related to a specialty practice area and familiarity with the U.S. Health Care System.
OT 2242 – Clinical Preceptorship 2
This course provides experiential learning in a specialized area of occupational therapy practice (e.g., pediatrics, acute care) for the purpose of developing advanced skills related to a specialty practice area and familiarity with the U.S. Health Care System.
OT 2245 – Special Topics in Occupational Therapy: Research
This course examines special and advanced topics in occupational therapy research.
OT 2246 – Research Preceptorship 1
This course provides a structured exposure to occupational therapy research.
OT 2247 – Research Preceptorship 2
This course provides a structured exposure to an occupational therapy research laboratory under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
OT 2248 – Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy
This course uses professional and clinical reasoning to enhance evaluation and intervention.
OT 2249 – Special Topics in Occupational Therapy
This course examines special and advanced topics in occupational therapy research.
OT 2251 – Scholarly Project
This course provides the student with experience in implementing, analyzing, interpreting, and/or writing elements of an existing research project under the direction of a faculty mentor.
OT 3010 – Evidence Interpretation for Implementation
This course provides a basic understanding of methods to interpret research in the context of evidence-based practice. Content includes critical appraisal and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics (including univariate and multivariate parametric and nonparametric tests) that are commonly used in published clinical research studies.
OT 3100 – Evidence Analysis and Synthesis
This course uses systematic methods (e.g., PRISMA, Pedro, Consort, Strobe, Trend, CASP) to critically appraise and synthesize research to inform design and implementation of clinical protocols and best practice guidelines to improve clinical practices and outcomes.
OT 3200 – Evidence-Based Protocols and Practice Guidelines
This course focuses on the use of evidence checklists for evaluating and developing practice guidelines (e.g., AGREEII). Current professional practice guidelines will be evaluated, generated, implemented, and assessed for adoption and sustainability.
OT 3206 – Advanced Theory and Practice
Examines select theoretical perspectives, practice areas, evaluation procedures, intervention protocols, and/or professional issues in-depth.
** Lab based courses.
Essential Skills / Technical Skills
Students in the OTD/MS in OT program at the University of Pittsburgh must possess essential skills (sensorimotor, process, social interaction) to perform all educational (classroom, laboratory and clinical) and fieldwork, and experiential preceptorship tasks in an accurate, safe and efficient manner, to the satisfaction of the faculty, with or without reasonable accommodation. These essential skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
Sensorimotor Skills
1. Complete comprehensive OT evaluations and conduct intervention sessions which may include measuring range of motion, strength, endurance, muscle tone, pain level, activities of daily living skills, instrumental activities of daily living skills, fine motor skills, transfer skills, functional mobility, balance, response to sensation, cognitive status, and home management skills.
2. Assume a variety of body postures (i.e., sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling, stair climbing, reaching forward, reaching overhead, twisting of the trunk and neck in all directions).
3. Execute appropriate psychomotor movements required for manual handling and manipulation of various object/person sizes and weights including lifting and transferring clients, guarding clients during functional ambulation on level surfaces/uneven surfaces/ramps/stairs, pushing and pulling to provide resistance and to assist in maneuvering and transitioning clients (i.e., dressing, toileting, bed mobility).
4. Demonstrate postural control, neuromuscular control, eye/hand coordination, strength and integrated function of the senses of vision, hearing, tactile sense, vestibular and proprioception to manipulate and use common occupational therapy equipment, devices, materials and supplies, and demonstrate competency in the use of these objects.
5. Demonstrate sufficient endurance to prepare the educational and clinical environment, effectively manage client care, and complete an episode of care within a reasonable time and adhering to best practice guidelines.
6. Demonstrate a high degree of coordination of motor skills and vigilance to respond to emergency situations quickly and appropriately to provide clients a safe environment, including performance of CPR.
7. Attend and actively participate in all lecture and application sessions.
8. Tolerate sitting for up to 2 hours at a time, over an 8-10 hour period.
9. Tolerate periods of physical activity for up to 8-10 hours per day.
10. Access transportation to didactic and clinical education sites.
Process Skills
1. Acquire, retain and apply knowledge through instructional methods (i.e., written material, oral delivery, visual demonstration, laboratory experience, clinical experience, and independent learning).
2. Comprehend, retain, assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate, and problem solve complex concepts.
3. Apply knowledge and judgment required to administer, interpret, modify, and prioritize evaluation, intervention, and outcome methods to meet the specific needs of the client.
4. Formulate written and verbal evaluations (reports) using sound therapeutic judgment to meet didactic, laboratory, and clinical demands in a reasonable time frame.
5. Apply knowledge and judgment required to demonstrate ethical reasoning.
6. Apply knowledge and judgment required to demonstrate safe performance.
Social Interaction Skills
1. Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills such as collaboration, cooperation, flexibility, tact, empathy, and confidence.
2. Demonstrate respect for individuals with disabilities and those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, races, religions, and/or sexual orientations.
3. Engage successfully in supervisory and instructor-student relationships, in particular, accepting feedback positively and adjusting performance in a timely manner.
4. Communicate in the English language effectively in oral and written forms with all stakeholders (i.e. instructors, clients, classmates, fieldwork educator) using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
5. Exhibit professional demeanor, that is, language, dress, level of assertiveness and respect appropriate to the situation
6. Demonstrate effective organization, prioritization, time management and stress management.
7. Demonstrate consistent professional behaviors such as initiative, preparedness, dependability and punctuality.
Students should review the essential skills for the OTD/MS in OT program carefully and identify if additional supports are needed for any portion (didactic and clinical) of the OTD/MS in OT program. Students are encouraged to contact the University’s Disability Resources and Services Office (412-648-7890) to arrange an individualized consultation to discuss any support services or accommodations they may need.
Regulations
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Students are expected to comply with the University of Pittsburgh’s Academic Integrity Code, SHRS Academic Integrity Policy, and the canons of ethics of the student’s discipline (*Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, AOTA, 2020).
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has developed its own code of ethics to assist OT students, OT faculty, and occupational therapists in making ethical decisions. It is the expectation of the Department that all University of Pittsburgh OT students will understand and abide by these principles throughout the curriculum including during fieldwork and preceptorship education.
For the complete University of Pittsburgh Academic Integrity Policy visit www.provost.pitt.edu/faculty/academic-integrity-freedom/academic-integri.... Visit http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/current-students/student-handbooks for the SHRS Graduate Student Handbook; www.shrs.pitt.edu/academic-integrity for the SHRS Guidelines on Academic Integrity; and http://www.aota.org/en/Practice/Ethics.aspx for the AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2020).
Grievances and Complaints Regarding Faculty Obligations and Student Rights: The Department of Occupational Therapy adheres to the University and SHRS policies and procedures regarding grievances and complaints. Visit www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/conduct/guidelines/ for the University’s Guidelines on Academic Integrity, and Student and Faculty Obligations and Hearing Procedures; and www.provost.pitt.edu/faculty/academic-integrity-freedom/academic-integri... (see Grad Students, Post Docs, & Research Associates; Academic Integrity; Faculty Obligations and Students Rights – page 11).
Grievances and Complaints Regarding the Program: The Department of Occupational Therapy strives to maintain good working relationships and a supportive learning environment and encourages open and honest dialogue about concerns. Pending the nature of the concern, students may discuss the matter with their Class Liaison, Academic Advisor/Program Director or another appropriate faculty member. The Class Liaison serves as the communication link between students and faculty in representing issues common to the OT student body. The Academic Advisor/Program Director’s and/or faculty member’s responsibility is to meet in a timely and professional manner with the student to discuss the concern and consider reasonable solutions that would remedy the situation consistent with Department, school, and University policies. Students who feel they are not able to direct the particular concern to their Academic Advisor/Program Director or to a faculty member, may discuss the matter with the Program Director and/or Department Chair. If such discussion does not prevent or solve a problem, additional actions may be taken, and the concern can be expressed in writing to the SHRS Associate Dean of Graduate Studies or the SHRS Dean.
If the student is dissatisfied with the response to the complaint, a written appeal may be made to the SHRS Associate Dean of Graduate Studies or the SHRS Dean; the appeal must be made within 3 weeks of receipt of the Chair’s response. The Associate Dean’s/Dean’s response to the complaint will be communicated to the student within 3 weeks of the appeal. The Associate Dean/Dean’s decision is final.
The Chair/Dean will maintain a written record of a complaint, including the nature of the complaint, the steps taken to resolve the complaint, the final decision, and any external actions initiated by the student. This record will be confidential and will be held for 8 years.
English Language Competency Requirements
If you are a citizen of a country whose official language is not English, and you scored below 120 on the Duolingo English Test, 100 on the TOEFL ibt or overall band 7.0 or lower on the IELTS, you will be required to take an English Language Proficiency Test as part of your orientation with OIS. The purpose of this test is to verify your English language proficiency at the time of registration. The results of this exam will be used to determine if additional English language classes should be considered as a supplement to your intended plan of study. If you have additional questions about the test, please click here.
The exam must be taken within the first month of the start of the program.
Registration
The University Academic Regulations and Registration information can be found in the Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog at https://catalog.upp.pitt.edu/index.php.
Registering for Classes:
OTD and MS in OT students are “block” registered each term by the SHRS Registrar with the approval of their Academic Advisor. OTD and MS in OT students meet with their Academic Advisor or Program Director each term to address registration for the subsequent term. Students receive written notification of the classes their Academic Advisor/Program Director has approved for registration. Registration follows the OTD curriculum (see page 14). Note: Term 5 registration is OT 2228, 10 credits and OT 2229, 3 credits (total credits = 13); Term 6 registration is OT 2229, 7 credits (total credits = 7).
Once students are registered, they may view their course schedule at http://my.pitt.edu. Students receive access to their class schedule (Outlook calendar) each term from the Department of Occupational Therapy. Students should follow the Outlook calendar as it is the most up-to-date schedule.
Students must be officially admitted to the University to be eligible to register for classes. Graduate students who are registered for 9 to 15 credits in the fall or spring term are full-time students and are assessed the SHRS full-time tuition rate. Students who are registered for fewer than 9 credits are considered part-time students and are billed on a per-credit basis. During the summer sessions, OTD students and MS in OT students (applicable to Research and Scholarly Project plan) are billed the SHRS per-credit rate. Visit http://www.ir.pitt.edu/tuition/index.php for the University’s current tuition and mandatory fee rates. OTD/MS in OT students are assessed a major fee of $150 per term (amount subject to change).
Statute of Limitations / Leaves of Absence: The purpose of the statute of limitations is to ensure that a graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh represents mastery of current knowledge in the field of study. All requirements for the OTD/MS in OT degree must be completed within a period of five (OTD) or four (MS in OT) consecutive calendar years from the student's initial registration for graduate study. Under special conditions, graduate students may be granted one leave of absence. A maximum leave of two years may be granted to doctoral students. A maximum leave of one year to master’s students. The length and rationale for the leave of absence must be stated in advance, recommended to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies by the department (Program Director), and approved by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. If approved, the time of the leave shall not count against the total time allowed for the degree being sought by the student. Readmission following an approved leave of absence is a formality.
Visit https://catalog.upp.pitt.edu/index.php (Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog) for the University policy and www.shrs.pitt.edu/current-students/student-handbooks for the SHRS Graduate Student Handbook.
Service Restrictions: Restrictions can be placed by a variety of university offices. If a student has a restriction, he or she will be referred to the appropriate office to resolve the matter before registration can be completed. Types of restrictions include academic, missing data, disciplinary, and financial.
Comprehensive Examination
MS in OT degree is conferred only upon successfully completing a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination assesses competency and mastery in understanding evidence based occupational therapy practice. Students take the comprehensive examination at least one month prior to the last day of the term in which the degree is to be granted. The comprehensive examination has a written and an oral component. Students must successfully pass both the written and oral components of the comprehensive examination before graduation. Students on inactive, special, or provisional status or on probation are not eligible to take a comprehensive examination. A student who is unable to complete all degree requirements within a two-year period after passing the comprehensive examination may be re-examined at the discretion of the department Program Director, or Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
Class and Preceptorship Attendance and Punctuality
Policy: Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes in which they are enrolled (including assigned fieldwork and preceptorship experiences), to arrive at class/fieldwork/preceptorship prior to the scheduled start time, and to be prepared to begin class/fieldwork/preceptorship on time.
Purpose: A class, like any workplace, depends on instructors and students being present. Class sessions are the primary opportunity for instructors and students to create knowledge together and practice skills. Regular attendance and promptness are professional behaviors that facilitate learning and teaching. As with any job, failure to show up for work or being late for work reflects poorly on one’s performance. In the professional workplace, employees who miss work or who are late too often are terminated. At the same time, exceptional circumstances do sometimes arise, and employers understand this. For that reason, the OT program permits a reasonable number of excused absences and late arrivals.
Procedure: Class: Attendance will be taken at each class session. Attendance and punctuality (unexcused absences, excused absences, lateness) are taken into account in the final course grade. For example, points may be deducted from the professional behavior component of the final course grade or from other components as specified by the instructor. If you are unable to attend a class, you must notify the course instructor (and if applicable, course liaison) of your pending absence and the reason for your absence, as early as possible but no later than prior to the start of class on the day of your absence. Absences may result in a reduction of points unless the reason relates to an extreme circumstance (e.g., illness, funeral, etc.). Acceptance of the extreme circumstance will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the instructor in consultation with the Program Director. Preceptorship: Attendance during clinical and research preceptorship is monitored by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and the faculty mentor respectively. The student's preceptorship hours may include daylight, evening and/or weekend work hours. Any anticipated absences due to an extreme circumstance (e.g., illness, funeral, etc.) must be approved - absences during preceptorship must be approved by the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Faculty Mentor, and Program Director.
University Holidays: University offices are closed in observance of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Spring Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, the day before Christmas, and Christmas Day. The University attempts to recognize religious observances of members of the University community in instances where those observances may conflict with University activities. Examples of such occasions are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Muharram, Diwali, and Good Friday, but other days of religious observance may also conflict with scheduled academic activities. On such dates, course instructors will work with students to allow for missed class for reasons of religious observations. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the course instructor of an absence due to a religious observance by completing the Absence Notification Survey well in advance of the known religious observance (e.g., at the start of the term).
University-wide Closure and Class Cancellation: Only by authorization of the Chancellor shall the University be officially closed. Students are urged to use their own discretion in deciding whether they can safely commute to class. If personal health or safety is an issue in that decision, responsible judgment should be used. For the full policy see . Closure and Class Cancellation Policy
Disaster Preparedness: In the event of a disaster, such as flooding, fire, or health pandemic, the University of Pittsburgh will post information for faculty, staff and students on the University’s website home page (hwww.pitt.edu). The Department of Occupational Therapy will distribute information and instructions for occupational therapy students through recorded messages on the Department voicemail (412-383-6620) and through email (University of Pittsburgh accounts only). Students will be responsible for maintaining open lines of communication with course instructors/liaisons, and completing all required work as instructed.
Academic and Professional References
Policy: Students must submit a signed waiver to each faculty/staff member who is requested to provide a written or oral reference for application for scholarships or fellowships or admission to academic programs or professional employment.
Purpose: Under the Buckley Amendment, records or information pertaining to students’ academic performance are confidential. By submitting a signed waiver, students will notify the faculty member that they are requesting a written or oral reference and permit the faculty member to share information with the academic or professional entity identified by the student.
Procedure: The student requesting written or oral references will complete and submit a signed waiver to each faculty/staff member the student wishes to provide a reference. A waiver form is provided in the Manual for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student (see Appendix D) or in the Manual for the Master of Science Student (see Appendix #). The waiver is necessary for all written and oral references requested from faculty/staff.
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Certification
Policy: Students must be certified by the University of Pittsburgh in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Purpose: HIPAA certification documents training in the guidelines for the conduct of ethical and regulation-compliant clinical practice and research. Confidentiality of patient/client information is a critical component of HIPAA. Confidentiality is the guaranteed trust that all patient/client information will remain private. This includes both information shared and not shared in written reports and the confidentiality of professional consultation. Patients/clients should not be identified by name, other Personal Health Information (PHI) or image in public areas such as the hallways, elevators, lounges, cafeterias, or waiting rooms, or in any form of social media. Confidentiality extends to patient/client records which should NOT be photocopied or printed without the approval of the Fieldwork/Preceptorship Educator.
Procedures: The student will complete the web-based HIPAA training modules for clinical practice (Information Privacy and Security Awareness Training for Physicians, Mid-level Providers, Dentists, Staff and Students Who Are NOT employed by UPMC but Who Encounter Protected Health Information in UPMC Facilities) and for research (Privacy and Information Security; Biomedical Course; Responsible Conduct of Research; Conflicts of Interest; GCP - Social and Behavioral Research Best Practices for Clinical Research). A copy of the certificates earned upon completion of each module is filed with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The student should also place a copy of the certificates in their Portfolio. Students receive detailed instructions, including the due dates, for required documents.
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
Policy: Students must be certified in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
Purpose: Bloodborne Pathogens Training is intended for all users of human blood, blood products, biohazardous agents, and other potentially infectious materials. The intent of these regulations is to teach healthcare professionals how to control infectious diseases so that they can protect themselves and their patients/clients. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and the University of Pittsburgh’s Exposure Control Plan require annual training for individuals with potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Procedure: The student will complete the web based Bloodborne Pathogen Training module. Students complete the module annually. A copy of the certificate earned upon completion of the module is filed with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The student should also place a copy of the certificates in their Portfolio. Students receive detailed instructions, including the due dates, for required documents.
First Aid, CPR, AED Certification
Policy: Students must be certified and maintain certification in adult and pediatric First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Purpose: First Aid/CPR/AED certification gives students the fundamental knowledge and skills for responding to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help individuals of any age (adults and children) and to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies.
Procedure: The student will complete the training as scheduled by the Department of Occupational Therapy during Year 1 (OTD and MS in OT) and Year 3 (OTD only). A copy of the certificate is filed with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The student should also place a copy of the certificates in their Portfolio. Students receive detailed instructions, including the due dates, for required documents.
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting
Policy: Students must complete training in Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania.
Purpose: Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a shared responsibility. It requires collaboration from the formal child protective services system, community partners and citizens to provide local safety nets for children and families that are facing challenges within their communities and neighborhoods. In Pennsylvania there is legislation that impacts the reporting, investigation, assessment, prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases. The website, KeepKids.Safe.pa.gov, is designed to serve as the hub for information related to critical components impacting child protection including a link for mandated reporters to make reports of suspected child abuse electronically, training on child abuse recognition and reporting, information related to clearances and general information related to child protection.
Procedure: A copy of the student’s certificate of completion for the Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania online training module must be filed with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The student should also place a copy of the certificates in their Portfolio.
Visit the following websites for information regarding Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: www.hr.pitt.edu/protecting-children-abuse/report-abuse, and http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/.
COVID-19 Introduction Education Module (WOLFF Module)
Policy: All students are required to complete the UPMC COVID-19 Introduction Education Module (Wolff Module) annually.
Purpose: The UPMC COVID-19 Introduction Education Module (Wolff Module) provides basic COVID-19 education and expectations for students. All students must complete the education module annually in its entirety to ensure safety on UPMC campuses in the presence of COVID-19.
Procedure: A copy of the student’s certificate of completion of the UPMC COVID-19 Introduction Education Module (Wolff Module) must be filed with the Department of Occupational Therapy. The student should also place a copy of the certificate in their Portfolio.
Student Resources
Department of Occupational Therapy Awards
Award of Professional Achievement. To recognize University of Pittsburgh advanced practice students who have made notable contributions to the profession and/or Department of Occupational Therapy in promoting occupational therapy through professional and/or service activities.