Occupational Therapy

Danielle Miles

lauren.innes — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 19:47:53 +0000

Danielle Miles lauren.innes

Mon, 09/29/2025 - 15:47

Danielle Nicole Miles, OTD, MS, OTR/L, MHA, PTA

Clinical Assistant Professor

(716) 829-7533

milesda@dyu.edu

KAB 331

Biography

As an occupational therapist and educator with over 20 years of comprehensive clinical experience in rehabilitation, she has six years of direct practice experience in occupational therapy, three years as an academic fieldwork coordinator, and three years of teaching experience in academia. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and approaches her work with a well-rounded perspective on evidence-based practices. Her focus is client-centered and holistic, aiming to enhance functional performance outcomes in student learning and understanding of how to provide effective client-centered care throughout the occupational therapy process.

Education & Training

Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Gannon University, May 2023
Master's in Science in Occupational Therapy, ��ӰԺ, May 2017
Master's in Health Care Administration, University of Phoenix, September 2012
Associates in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, May 2003

Occupational Therapy

Michelle Mounteney

lauren.innes — Thu, 30 May 2024 19:13:39 +0000

Michelle Mounteney lauren.innes

Thu, 05/30/2024 - 15:13

Michelle Mounteney

Clinical Associate Professor

716-829-7798

mountenm@dyu.edu

KAB 339

Biography

Michelle Mounteney, OTD, MS,OTR/L is an occupational therapist with 33 years of clinical experience in pediatrics. Michelle also has experience in supervision and management with an emphasis on program development, policy and procedures, and quality assurance and improvement. As a professor at ��ӰԺ, she has been involved with the SHP curriculum committee and previously on the board for Hickok Center for Brain Injury, Inc.

Education & Training

Quality Matters Certified Peer Reviewer, QM Global Organization, July 2023
Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist, Certified Professional Evergreen Certifications, August 2022
Doctor of Occupational Therapy with a Certificate in Teaching and Learning, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, August 2020
Master’s in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology, D'Youville College, May 2007
Associates in Occupational Therapy, Erie Community College, May 1990

Research Interests

Dr. Mounteney's research interests include foster care with respect to the child, birth parents, and foster parents as well as transitioning out of care. Other interests include pediatrics, use of OT within the office of accessibility, and student mental health across campus.

Awards & Honors

Faculty of the Year, ��ӰԺ Occupational Therapy Program, 2021

Occupational Therapy

Erin Lafferty

api — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:47:16 +0000

Erin Lafferty api

Mon, 11/06/2023 - 10:47

Erin Lafferty, MS, OTR/L

Clinical Assistant Professor

lafferty@dyc.edu

Remote

Biography

Pediatric OT with interest in sustainable service learning, international private practice, ASD, NGO collaboration, and program development in the international school setting. Currently residing in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Education & Training

BS/MS, Occupational Therapy, DYouville University, 2000

Research Interests

Fieldwork Education

Awards & Honors

DYouville University OT Department Faculty of the Year, 2017 Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Vietnam Pediatric Achievement Award, 2022 Visiting Faculty, Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Vietnam, 2022

Occupational Therapy

Colleague ID

0062156

Donna Brzykcy

erin.sullivan — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:45:58 +0000

Donna Brzykcy erin.sullivan

Wed, 10/04/2023 - 08:45

Donna Brzykcy, EdD, MS, OTR/L

Clinical Assistant Professor
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

(716) 829-8346

brzykcyd@dyu.edu

KAB 333

Biography

Dr. Brzykcy graduated from the D'Youville OT Department in 1996 and returned in 2011 as a Clinical Faculty member. She has experience working in both pediatric and adult rehab settings. In the OT program, she teaches the Fieldwork Seminar courses, Occupational Development II labs, and is active as an Interprofessional Education (IPE) facilitator in the Simulation Center. She has been the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the OT Programs since 2014. Dr. Brzykcy was previously a board member for both the New York State Occupational Therapy Association and West Side Community Services. For the 2022-2023 AY, she served as an AOTA Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Mentor

Education & Training

Doctorate in Health Professions Education, ��ӰԺ, 2025
Team STEPPS Health Care Professions, ��ӰԺ, 2023
AOTA Fieldwork Educators Certificate Program, 2014
BS/MS Occupational Therapy, ��ӰԺ, 1996

Research Interests

While pursuing her Ed.D. Dr. Brzykcy researched the benefits of community-based Level II fieldwork for occupational therapy students.

Awards & Honors

President's Excellence Award for Community Engagement in 2024
Merit for Service Award, New York State Occupational Therapy Association, 2017
Faculty of the Year, D'Youville Occupational Therapy Program, 2014

Publications and Links

Donna Brzykcy MS, O. T. R., Jamie Geraci, M. S., Renee Ortega MA, C. O. T. A., Tamra Trenary, O. T. D., & Kate McWilliams, M. S. O. T. (2016). Occupational therapy fieldwork education: Value and purpose. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70, 1-2.
Panzarella, K., Rivers, L., Bright, B., Whelan, M., Butterfoss, K., Russ, L., ... & Reddington, M. (2013). Using actors as simulated patients for interprofessional education. Medical science educator, 23, 438-448.

Donna Brzykcy | LinkedIn

Occupational Therapy

Lynn McIvor

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:47:00 +0000

Lynn McIvor api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:47

Lynn McIvor, OTD, MS, OTR

Clinical Associate Professor

(716) 829-7825

mcivorl@dyc.edu

KAB 335

Biography

Dr. McIvor earned her Master’s degree from D’Youville University and her Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree from Chatham University. Prior to working in academia, she spent her career as a clinician working with children and adolescents in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Early Intervention, preschool, and school-based settings. Dr. McIvor had worked in the NICU at Sister’s of Charity Hospital and South Buffalo Mercy Hospital for 19 years. Her current work is focused on community practice, including co-leading the Balanced Boxing program, running programming at GiGi's Playhouse, and participating as a board member for the C-HOPE of WNY organization.

Education & Training

OTD, Occupational Therapy, Chatham University, 2017
MS, Occupational Therapy, ��ӰԺ 2000

Research Interests

I am interested in how occupational therapy can impact communities and participants in nontraditional settings.

Awards & Honors

Innovation in Problem Solving Award (2020)
The Occupational Therapy Program Director's Award (1999)

Occupational Therapy

Colleague ID

0058117

Heather Ferro

api — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:46:55 +0000

Heather Ferro api

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:46

Heather Ferro, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CHSE

Associate Dean School of Health Professions
Clinical Associate Professor

(716) 829-8343

ferroh@dyc.edu

DAC 436

Biography

Heather is passionate about interprofessional collaboration! She has been a licensed occupational therapist for 28 years, spending her clinical career working in teams to improve the health & wellbeing of adults/older adults. Dr. Ferro has been a clinical instructor within the OT programs at D’Youville since 2009.

Education & Training

OTD, Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Chatham University, 2017
BS/MS, Occupational Therapy, D’Youville University, 1995
CHSE, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, 2019

Research Interests

Interprofessional Education
Use of Simulated Patients
Caregiver Training
Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

Awards & Honors

Medical Training Magazine: Patient Safety Advocate Award (2019)
D’Youville University: OT Faculty of the Year Award (2017-18)
D’Youville University: OT Faculty of the Year Award (2011-12)
D’Youville University: Pi Theta Epsilon's Honorary Lifetime Member Award (2012)

Publications

Butterfoss, K, Cieri, N., Ferro, H., Beutel, B., Case, A., DeMarco, L., Dunn, B., Stewart, M., Verni, C., Whalen, M., Duszkiewicz, A., & Panzarella, K. (2022). Interprofessional education and transitions of care: A simulated curriculum from preoperative to community care, SN Social Sciences, 51(2022), https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00355-2
Panzarella, K., Butterfoss, K., Ferro, H., Cypert, J., & Koszelak, C. (2019). The benefits of training health professional students in TeamSTEPPS® prior to graduation, Medical Training Magazine, 8(1), 16-19. 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-training-health-professional-students-prior-karen/
DeMarco, L., Panzarella, K., Ferro, H., Pownall, L., Case, A., Nowakowski, P., Stewart, M., Duszkiewicz, A., Verni, C., Kennedy, M., Cieri, N., Dowd, C., & Dunford, D. (2015) Outcomes of an Interprofessional Simulation Curriculum, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 7(2), 453-468. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JARHE-10-2014-0086/full/html
Panzarella, K., Rivers, L, Bright, B., Whelan, M, Butterfoss, K., Russ, L., Case, A., Brian, S., Ferro, H., DeMarco, L., Dunford, D., Schmitz, K., Kittleson, H., Kennedy, M., Brzykcy, D., Pownall, L. & Reddington, M. (2013). Using Actors as Simulated Patients for Interprofessional Education: A Year Long Production, Medical Science Educator, 23(3S). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03341666

Occupational Therapy

Colleague ID

0058113

Occupational Therapy (MS)

moe — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:26:29 +0000

Occupational Therapy (MS) moe

Sun, 09/25/2022 - 11:26

3-Year

74-75 Credit Hours

Overview

Occupational therapy helps individuals regain and build skills that are important for their health, well-being, safety, and daily living.

As an occupational therapist, you'll work with people of all ages who have various physical, developmental, social or emotional challenges. You will help them develop the skills to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.

D'Youville's master of science degree program includes courses in occupational therapy theory and practice, six months of supervised fieldwork, and research.

Upon graduation from our ACOTE-accredited program, you'll be prepared to take the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists.

Learn more about the Occupational Therapy program on our program homepage.

Why Choose D'Youville?

Receive individual attention from dedicated faculty mentors and clinicians at the forefront of their field.
Studies show that teamwork across clinical specialties improves patient outcomes. D'Youville's unique interdisciplinary education lab offers the opportunity for you to practice treating patients (played by actors) alongside a team of students from 7 other healthcare majors at D'Youville — all under the supervision of a skilled instructor.
Learn in classes, labs, and seminars sized for effective teaching and mentoring.
Gain practical experience through our strong focus on clinical field experience. D'Youville has developed relationships with 300 clinical fieldwork sites in a wide array of settings, facilities, and treatment protocols.
Our students' certification exam scores consistently meet or exceed the national average.
Eligible OT students can apply to the Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, a National Honor Society for Occupational Therapists and Students. Our Chapter is active and hosts a fall and spring event each year.

Launch Your Career with Confidence

Lynn McIvor, OTD, MS, OTR

Program Director/Clinical Associate Professor

I truly believe that Occupational Therapy is the best profession in the world, and I think students will leave D'Youville with that same passion. Our students are really motivated to excel professionally, and they get excited because we also equip them with the tools to be advocates for the profession and the people they serve.

Giovanni Feliciano

Master's in Occupational Therapy

There's a genuine sense of community at DYU that makes the learning experience not only educational but also personally enriching. It's the kind of environment where some professors aren't just educators; they're mentors and sometimes even friends. The smaller class sizes foster a more intimate learning experience, encouraging interactions and discussions that might not be as feasible in larger settings. This unique aspect of DYU has undoubtedly enriched my time there, making it a memorable and invaluable part of my academic journey.

Admissions Requirements

OTCAS: The Occupational Therapy Department at ��ӰԺ participates in the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. Applicants to the master's in occupational therapy program must apply online through the OTCAS application. To apply to D'Youville OT program visit OTCAS at www.otcas.org and select D'Youville College as one of your designations.

Application Deadline: applications must be complete and verified by OTCAS prior to November 30th, for fall semester start to be considered for admission.

Program Requirements

Admission to a the occupational therapy program is based on the qualifications of each individual student. A GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to a B) or better is the minimum requirement for acceptance into the program.

In addition, applicants to the master's in occupational therapy must
present the following:

Completion of a baccalaureate degree prior to the start of course work. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required for admissions consideration.
Two letters of recommendation - one academic and one professional (or two academic). References from OT observations will not be accepted.
Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program, as shown by a cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system).
Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better prior to the start of the first semester of course work. Courses must be at least three credits and pass/fail grades are not accepted:
- General or Developmental Psychology (must cover life span development)
- Abnormal Psychology
- Sociology or Social Anthropology
- Applied Statistics
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (I and II with labs or six to eight credits of a combination of other biology courses that focus on anatomy and physiology such as Comparative Primate Anatomy, Comparative Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, or their equivalents, at least one of which is a lab course, as determined by the registrar and the department.

Upon Admission

Admitted students are required to take a writing skills assessment. If the results
indicate the need for remediation, students must follow through with
recommendations. In addition, the faculty expects students to have basic computer skills for word processing, e-mail and online database and library searches.

School of Health Professions

Occupational Therapy

What you'll gain:

A degree that focus on both coursework and fieldwork

Research skills that will translate to the professional world

Join a degree program with consistently high career placement rates

Master's Degrees

Fieldwork Education

The Department of Occupational Therapy has clinical fieldwork agreements with over 400 hospitals, school systems, rehabilitation centers, mental health sites, nursing facilities, and community-based centers in select states across the U.S.

The goal of fieldwork education is to prepare the students to be well-rounded, entry-level practitioners.

Learn More

Careers

Our program prepares you for general occupational therapy practice.

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Donna Brzykcy, MS, OTR/L, a clinical assistant professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at D’Youville, explains why D’Youville’s ACOTE-accredited three-year professional program leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree graduate program is the ideal choice for students.

An Occupational Therapist's Role

Occupational therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including: acute hospital, rehabilitation, and orthopedic settings.

Other major employers of occupational therapists are hospitals, offices of other health practitioners (including offices of occupational therapists), public and private educational services, and nursing care facilities.

Driver rehabilitation, training for the elderly, and ergonomic consulting are emerging practice areas for occupational therapy.

Career Outlook

Most states, including New York, require licensure to practice. State licensure is typically based on the results of the NBCOT certification exam, but must be applied for separately in the state in which you plan to practice.

Curriculum

Find detailed course information for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, tools to plan your education, and complete academic policies and procedures in the D'Youville academic catalog.

Courses For the Major Degree

Number	Name	Credits
OT-501	OT Process & Theoretical Foundations I	2
OT-506	Occupational Development I	4
OT-509	Medical & Social Conditions I	2
OT-510	Medical & Social Condition II	2
OT-512	Occupational Development II	4
OT-513	Psychosocial Level I Fieldwork	1
OT-514	Interpersonal Skills	2
OT-515	OT Delivery Systems	2
OT-517	Group Process	2
OT-519	Functional Anatomy	5
OT-520	Neuroscience for Rehabilitation	5
OT-521	Fieldwork Seminar I	0
OT-523	Child & Adolescent Level I Fieldwork	1
OT-525	OT Process & Theoretical Foundations II	2
OT-527	OT Methods of Evaluation & Documentation I	2
OT-529	Child & Adolescent Intervention	4
OT-530	Adult & Geriatric Level I Fieldwork	1
OT-632	Fieldwork Seminar II	0
OT-633	OT Methods of Evaluation & Documentation II	2
OT-634	Adult & Geriatric Intervention	4
OT-635	OT Process & Theoretical Foundation III	2
OT-640	OT Clinical Fieldwork I	4
OT-641	OT Clinical Fieldwork II	4
OT-644	Management of OT Services I	1
OT-645	Management of OT Services II	2
OT-689	Professional Issues	2
OT-690	Community Practice	2-3
Total Course Credits (excluding Research Core)		64-65

COURSES IN THE RESEARCH CORE

Number	Name	Credits
OT-524	Research Project I	3
OT-602	Research Methods in Occupational Therapy	3
OT-693	Research Project II	3
Total Credits in Research Core	9
Overall Total Credits in MS OT Curriculum		73-74

ELECTIVES/AS NEEDED

Number	Name	Credits
OT-605	OT Clinical Fieldwork III	1-3
OT-630	Continued Research Advisement	1
OT-646	Topics in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation	1
Total Credits		3-5

Subject to changes based on regulations by New York State of Education Departments and/or American Occupational Therapy Association requirements.

Contact Admissions

Request Info

Apply Now

Pre-Occupational Therapy

moe — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:17:07 +0000

Pre-Occupational Therapy moe

Sun, 09/25/2022 - 11:17

Undergraduate (BS) + Masters (MS)

6-7 Years

Begin a Journey That Transforms Lives

Turn your passion for helping others live healthier, more independent lives into a rewarding career in healthcare. The Pre-Occupational Therapy Pathway at D’Youville University is an undergraduate pre-health route designed to prepare students for advanced study and direct entry into the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MS OT) program. Students develop a strong foundation in human anatomy, neuroscience, and rehabilitation sciences while gaining the skills and empathy needed to help individuals improve daily function and quality of life.

Job Titles to Explore

Occupational Therapist (OT)
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Geriatric Occupational Therapist
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Hand Therapist
Rehabilitation Specialist
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Home Health Occupational Therapist
Assistive Technology Specialist
Clinical Supervisor or Program Director

Employment Settings to Explore

Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
Outpatient Therapy Clinics
Schools and Educational Institutions
Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care Facilities
Community Health Centers
Home Health Agencies
Mental Health and Behavioral Clinics
Private Practice or Consulting Services
Corporate Wellness and Ergonomic Programs
Research or Academic Institutions

Giovanni Feliciano

Master's in Occupational Therapy

Admission Requirements

At D'Youville, we are committed to selecting students who are academically well-rounded and committed to meeting the challenges of a high-quality education. If you have been successful in a traditional college preparatory program in high school, you should be well-prepared for the academic challenges at D'Youville. While we don't require you to submit ACT or SAT test scores, if you have taken or intend to take a standardized test we encourage you to submit your scores if you'd like them to be evaluated as part of your application.

First Time in College Freshman Requirement

Submitted application for admission
- Applications are free of charge and can be found on our Apply: First Time in College webpage.
Official high school transcripts
- A high school average of at least 85 percent.
- Students must also demonstrate successful completion of the following high school courses: two years of math, one year of biology, and one year of chemistry. Physics is strongly recommended. Students who have not taken high school chemistry will be considered for admission with the understanding that a college preparatory chemistry course must be taken before beginning the curriculum

Not Required (utilized in a holistic review for admission if provided):

Standardized SAT/ACT test scores
Admissions essay
Letters of recommendation

Transfer Admission Required Review Criteria:

Submitted application for admission
- Applications are free of charge and can be found on our apply webpage.
Official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges/universities
Cumulative GPA of 2.5

Not Required (utilized in a holistic review for admission if provided):

Coursework relevant to major of interest
Admissions essay
Letters of recommendation

Technical Standards and Essential Functions

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are health-related professionals who are experts in evaluating performance skills used by people in everyday activities, and in planning and providing therapeutic intervention to improve and enable function in the home, school, workplace, and community. OTs analyze, select, adapt, design, and implement therapeutic activities for patients, clients, and children whose ability to cope with daily living and perform necessary tasks is compromised by illness, injury, developmental deficiencies, physical impairments, psychological disorders, social inadequacies, the aging process, or environmental deprivation.

OTs provide services in a multitude of settings and situations with a wide range of individuals of various ages, special needs, socio-cultural backgrounds, roles, abilities, and disabilities. The OT department at D’Youville intends to graduate well-prepared entry-level general practitioners, who are team players, ready to ethically and competently practice, effectively document, knowledgeably research, and advocate for those in need of OT services. OTs are responsible for the safety and effectiveness of service delivery with an aim toward achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in meaningful, purposeful occupations.

In order to competently function in the rigorous educational program and as an OT in practice settings that may involve heavy workloads and stressful situations, an individual must be proficient in certain cognitive, intellectual, interpersonal, social-emotional, communication, physical, psychomotor, and sensory-perceptual-motor abilities as well as demonstrate compassion, professional attitudes, and ethical behaviors. The faculty is committed to an educational environment where students, with or without disabilities, may develop cognitively, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and professionally.

Therefore, the following technical standards must be met with, or without, reasonable accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The purpose of the technical standards is to delineate specific expectations and abilities for successful student performance in the classroom, laboratory, fieldwork sites, and clinical education environments. Technical standards must be met at enrollment, matriculation into, continuation in, and completion of the OT educational program. Inability to attain and comply with these technical standards may prevent admission to the OT program, or if the enrolled student becomes unable to fulfill these technical standards, with reasonable accommodations, it may result in course failure, withdrawal, or dismissal from the department.

Applicants with disabilities or physical challenges, who are otherwise qualified, must discuss considerations for reasonable accommodations with the Coordinator of Accessibility Resources at D’Youville College by phone at 716-829-7728. Verification and documentation of the disability by a qualified professional, such as a physician or psychologist, is needed before reasonable accommodations are made. Accommodations will not be considered reasonable if they affect the substance of the OT education program, compromise the educational standards, the integrity of the curriculum, and/or negatively affect the safety of students and/or other people, including patients/clients/children, with whom they may come into contact during the course of their studies. If accommodations are provided, this information will be kept in strict confidence, and it is the student’s responsibility to divulge the disability and need for reasonable accommodations while on fieldwork.

All OT applicants must review the technical standards described in this document and perform a self-evaluation to determine whether they are able to attain and maintain compliance with them. A signed copy of this form must be returned to the OT department, signifying the standards have been read and certifying acceptance of the responsibilities and compliance with the standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Critical Thinking and Reasoning

Technical Standards
- Critical thinking ability for analysis, synthesis, evaluation, planning, reasoning, problem solving, sound judgment, and mathematical calculations
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Evaluate individuals, analyze and interpret findings and data; develop occupational profile, identify needs and strengths, use clinical reasoning to plan intervention, assess outcomes; research, interpret, understand statistics, and apply information for evidence-based practice

Interpersonal Skills and Psychosocial- Emotional Self-Regulation

Technical Skills
- Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, religious, ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual, and intellectual backgrounds and lifestyles
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Therapeutic use of self to establish rapport with patients and colleagues; Demonstrate empathy; Use therapeutic communication (active listening, attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, teaching); Function as a part of a team (consult, negotiate, advocate, cooperate, and lead).

Communication Ability

Technical Skills
- Communication abilities sufficient for effective and professional interaction with others in spoken and written English, and through electronic or technological devices; Speak in front of a group of people
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Explain intervention procedures and carry-over methods; conduct teaching-learning procedures; Document and interpret evaluation information; Compose professional reports and records; Share information and participate in discussions; Enter, transcribe, and maintain information in virtual formats; Computer access to send/receive email and course documents

Physical Strength and Endurance

Technical Skills
- Remain continuously on task (mentally and physically) for several hours while standing, sitting, moving, lifting, reaching, carrying, bending, pushing, pulling, kneeling, walking, stabilizing, and/or interacting
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Move within facilities to various rooms and transport individuals to and from OT; Manual procedures and facilitation techniques for neuromusculoskeletal conditions; Lifting, transferring, and positioning individuals in wheeled mobility equipment and adaptive positioning devices

Gross Motor Coordination and Mobility

Technical Skills
- Physical abilities sufficient to maneuver in surroundings; Full functional range of motion; Plan, sequence, and coordinate movements. Maintain or regain body balance to stay upright; Jump, stoop, throw, and catch objects.
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Move around in patients’ rooms, small work spaces, and shared OT treatment areas; Accompany or assist individuals in outdoor or community areas and balance on uneven surfaces; Use proper body mechanics when lifting; Use transportation systems to fieldwork, practicum sites, and home visits; Demonstrate evaluation items on standardized tests

Fine Motor, Eye-hand Coordination and Psychomotor Skills

Technical Skills
- Eye-hand coordination, bilateral coordination, and hand dexterity sufficient to provide safe and effective care, and to manipulate supplies, tools, media, and equipment; Quick hand and finger movements for keyboarding
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Manipulate assessment tools such as goniometers and stop watches; Efficiently administer test items such as cutting with scissors and stringing beads; Input data and information on computer keyboard; Demonstrate proper use of media such as arts and crafts; Accurately reach for supplies and equipment; Fabricate orthotics and assistive devices

Hearing Ability and Auditory Processing Skills

Technical Skills
- Normal or corrected auditory ability sufficient to understand other people’s speech, and to interpret, and monitor environmental noises and situations
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Hear varying tone of voice to aid in assessing emotions and psychological well-being; Listen and respond to feelings of others; Use telephones for conferences; Monitor alarms, emergency signals; Hear cries for help.

Visual Ability and Observation Skills

Technical Skills
- Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for patient/client/child observation and assessment; ability to discriminate typed numbers and letters; detect differences in colors, shades and brightness
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Observe and supervise patient/ client/ child responses. Read charts, files, computer screen, digital printouts, labels, and gauges; Input information in electronic records; Perceive color-coded documents; Detect meaningful changes in skin and mucus membrane color

Tactile Ability and Proprioceptive Awareness

Technical Skills
- Tactile ability and temperature discrimination sufficient for physical assessment, treatment implementation, and safety; Tolerate physical proximity and contact with others; Awareness of limb movement, force, speed, and direction
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Perform muscle palpation and feel muscle tone; Perform therapeutic intervention such as massage; Temperature awareness during ADL activities such as teaching hygiene and cooking; Safety when using modalities and physical agents; Control force and speed during range of motion exercises

Professional Attitude, Values, Demeanor, and Behavior

Technical Skills
- Ability to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health, emotional stability, honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior
Examples (Not All Inclusive)
- Work under stressful conditions with multiple demands from consumers, other practitioners, and administrators. React calmly in emergency situations. Demonstrate compassion, flexibility, and willingness to adapt for the greater good.

School of Health Professions

Occupational Therapy

Why D'Youville

Collaborative Learning: Train in D’Youville’s Interdisciplinary Education Lab with students from seven other healthcare majors to improve teamwork and patient outcomes.

Small Classes: Enjoy personalized attention in labs, seminars, and courses led by expert faculty.

Extensive Fieldwork: Access over 400 clinical sites across diverse healthcare settings for hands-on experience.

Engaged Campus Life: Live on campus for your first two years—building community and academic success.

Professional Recognition: Qualify for the Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, the national OT honor society.

Holistic Education: Gain a well-rounded foundation through studies in the arts, sciences, and humanities alongside professional coursework.

Pre-Health Pathways

Pathway Options:

You can choose to apply to enter the Masters of Occupational Therapy (MS) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Occupational Therapy (OT) Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed:

Psychology (BA)
Exercise Sports Studies (BS)
Biology (BS)

There are two tracks to set yourself up for applying to the Occupational Therapy (MS) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and doctoral program in 7 years.

OT Early Assurance:

D’Youville sets aside a number of early assurance seats available to exceptional first-time-in-college students each year. This early assurance pathway allows students to enroll directly into the Masters of Occupational Therapy program without having to submit an additional application through OTCAS provided you complete all prerequisites, maintain academic standards, and meet graduate admission standards.

Pre-OT Advisory Track:

Students who are not eligible for early assurance can still take the Pre-OT undergraduate prerequisite courses, then apply to the Masters of Occupational Therapy (MS) program upon completion of their undergraduate degree.

Careers

The Pre-Occupational Therapy Pathway helps students develop the academic foundation and practical steps needed to pursue a professional graduate degree and build a fulfilling career helping individuals of all ages gain independence and improve their ability to engage in everyday life activities.

An Occupational Therapist's Role

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals dedicated to helping individuals of all ages participate in the activities that give their lives purpose—whether that’s returning to work after an injury, developing motor skills for school, or maintaining independence later in life.

Grounded in the sciences of anatomy, physiology, psychology, and kinesiology, occupational therapy focuses on the relationship between a person’s physical, emotional, and environmental needs. OTs evaluate each individual’s unique abilities and challenges, designing personalized treatment plans that improve strength, coordination, cognition, and confidence in performing daily activities.

Occupational therapy is practiced around the world as an essential component of comprehensive healthcare, combining science, compassion, and creativity to help patients reach their highest level of function and well-being.

Industries & Settings

Occupational Therapists work in a wide variety of professional settings that address physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Their skills are highly valued across healthcare and community environments such as:

Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers – OTs help patients recover from illness, surgery, or injury by rebuilding strength, coordination, and daily living skills.

Schools & Pediatric Clinics – Working with children and adolescents, OTs address developmental, sensory, and learning challenges to promote participation and success in education and play.

Geriatric & Long-Term Care Facilities – Therapists help older adults maintain independence, safety, and dignity through adaptive equipment, exercises, and environmental modifications.

Mental Health & Community Programs – OTs support individuals with emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges, helping them develop coping strategies and meaningful routines.

Private Practice & Home Health – Many OTs work independently, providing in-home or outpatient services tailored to each client’s lifestyle and goals.

Research & Academia – Some OTs advance the field through clinical research, university teaching, or program development.

Job Outlook

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand as healthcare systems focus on improving quality of life and long-term patient outcomes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Occupational Therapists was $96,790 in May 2023.

The profession is projected to continue expanding as the population ages and as more individuals seek rehabilitation and adaptive therapies that promote independence.

For more information about the job outlook for Occupational Therapists, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

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