The academic content and curriculum of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Program is designed to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of occupational therapy. The program usually lasts four years and provides students with a well-rounded education.
The first year usually focuses on basic science courses. During this period, students take courses that include anatomy, physiology, biology and neurology. These courses provide a basic grounding for understanding the structure and functioning of the human body. In addition, social sciences such as psychology and sociology are also taught in this first phase, so that students can better understand human behavior and the dynamics of society.
In the second and third years, students begin to take occupational therapy-specific courses. During this period, they receive training on assessment methods, treatment approaches and rehabilitation techniques to improve the daily lives of people with disabilities. Students are taught how to assess functional limitations caused by various diseases and disabilities and how to create treatment plans to address these limitations. In addition, applications of occupational therapy for different age groups such as pediatric, adult and geriatric applications are also included in the curriculum.
The fourth year is usually devoted more to clinical practice and internship. During this period, students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired by working with real patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other health institutions. These experiences are extremely important for graduates to prepare for professional life.
In addition, courses in ethics, communication skills, research methods and leadership are also offered throughout the program. These courses aim to help students not only to become good occupational therapists but also to become effective and responsible professionals in the health sector. All these knowledge and skills, which are necessary for students to be successful in their careers after graduation, form the basis of the Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Program.