The OT curriculum requires the graduate student to be able to perform the following technical standard areas:

ACADEMIC SKILLS:

■ In a timely manner, employ logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving, and creativity in a variety of settings.

■ Perform evidenced based reviews of the literature to guide informed decision making.

■ Perform critical reasoning to include appropriate screening, assessing, planning, providing care strategies, and formulate client and family centered education, and discharge preparations within a variety of settings and specified timelines.

■ Gather and measure relevant data and synthesize results within specified timelines.

■ Pose relevant questions and seek out appropriate responses in a timely manner.

■Demonstrate the ability to multi-task and address complex needs or solve dynamic problems.

■ Generate graduate level papers, meet competency levels on exams, and replicate demonstrations.

■ Prioritize and organize multiple workload needs.

■ Demonstrate scholarly research skills appropriate for a graduate level program. 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: 

■ Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

■ Document scholarly work for external reviewers.

■ Demonstrate computer competence in the use of word processing, computerized simulators, media software, databases and search engines.

■ Articulate effectively to consumers, supervisors, peers, reimbursement sources, other health care professionals, clients and their families, as well as general audiences to meet clients’ needs.

■ Demonstrate the ability to teach others prevention, health maintenance restorative and compensation skills. 

■ Appropriately use non-verbal skills to analyze and communicate needs in a professionally acceptable manner.

THERAPEUTIC SKILLS:

■ Possess sufficient motor function to elicit essential data from the manipulation of assessment materials and therapeutic technologies and equipment.

■ Safely move, handle, and transfer various clients independently (up to 150 pounds).

■ Perform manual dexterity tasks sufficient to fabricate orthotic devices, adapt equipment, and fabricate splints.

■ Use sufficient sensory systems to safely utilize thermal, auditory, and electrical modalities.

■ Safely perceive and navigate varied environments and communities.

■ Adjust personal posture, mobility, coordination, strength, and energy for the therapeutic process.

■ Modify environments for the well being of others.

■ Provide recommendations and training in techniques to enhance mobility, including physical transfers, wheelchair management, community mobility, and driver rehabilitation issues. 

■ Perform psychomotor skills in a timely manner for safety and competency considerations.

BEHAVIORAL-INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES:

■ Ability to effectively work with others who may have a range of impairments or disabilities.

■ Ability to place personal needs secondary to the needs of others;

■ Ability to respond and adjust actions or behaviors in response to supervision and client needs.

■ Ability to demonstrate empathy, integrity and sincere concern for others.

■ Ability to display appropriate social and interpersonal skills within a variety of settings and cultures.

■ Be motivated to seek out professional self-development opportunities

■ Display flexibility and adaptation appropriate to the demands and the needs of clients and their families.

■ Value the importance of the use of self to motivate and assist others.

■ Display appropriate language, attire, and mannerisms in all professional environments including the classroom. 

■ Articulate personal needs in an appropriate and professional manner.

■ Use sound judgment in regard to the safety of self and others and adheres to safety regulations within a variety of settings. 

■ Value the role of sociocultural, socioeconomic, spirit uality, diversity factors, and lifestyle choices when interacting with others.

■ Demonstrate an awareness of the use of self including personality, insights, perceptions, and judgments as a part of individual and group interactions.

■ Demonstrate the ability to work well with others.

■ Accept life long learning and competence expectations as a personal value.

■ Display honesty and integrity and personal responsibilities for behavior consistent of ethical professional occupational therapists.

HEALTH PROMOTION PRACTICES:

■ Display good health practices and hygiene for safe interaction with others

■ Update immunization records for safety.

■ Update certifications in CPR and First Aid within appropriate timelines.

■ Understand the importance of personal health, habits, and the prevention of disease/infection.

■ Display an awareness of personal issues and report issues that would interfere with the ability to competently care for others.