Occupational Therapy

Welcome from Chair Dr. Ginny Stoffel

Occupational therapy is among the hottest jobs in the fastest growing industries in the United States. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) Occupational Therapy Program is well-prepared to educate the workforce of tomorrow. The Occupational Therapy Program offers an excellent professional program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the national certification exam and become a registered occupational therapist. The professional entry program is a BS/MS program where students complete the first two years of professional studies at the undergraduate level (obtaining the B.S. in Occupational Studies) and the final 36 credits at the graduate level (obtaining the M.S. in Occupational Therapy). The post-professional master’s degree program is geared toward those students who hold certification and are interested in advanced study in clinical practice, preparation for an academic career, or development of administrative skills. Transfer students and second degree students interested in the Professional-Entry Track are welcome to apply and should first contact the College of Health Sciences Advising Office, Occupational Therapy Professional Program, (414) 229-6448.

As the demographics and values of society change, so does the nature of health care, and specifically occupational therapy. Although you will still find traditional occupational therapy practice areas very prevalent, there are newly emerging practice areas as well. These areas include ergonomics, design and accessibility consultation and home modification, consulting to assisted living facilities, technology and assistive-device development, health and wellness consulting, low-vision rehabilitation, and community services aimed at prevention and health maintenance. I am pleased to say that the UWM Occupational Therapy Program is comprised of internationally recognized faculty with expertise in all of these emerging areas and offers students cutting-edge experiences to learn from these professionals through elective course offerings such as low-vision rehabilitation, community services, ergonomics, assistive technology and design and accessibility. Furthermore, the Center for Ergonomics and Rehabilitation Research Design and Disability (R2D2) Center, have been developed to provide in-depth interdisciplinary research opportunities.

The Occupational Therapy Department offers an undergraduate certificate in Therapeutic Recreation via distance education methods. The newest graduate certificate in Assistive Technology & Accessible Design is available as of 2008.

Come grow with us into the future filled with job opportunities in both traditional and non-traditional areas! You may contact me at (414) 229-5583 or email me at stoffelv@uwm.edu if you would like further information on the department and its programs.

Virginia Stoffel , Ph.D., OT, BCMH, FAOTA