In the M.Sc. (OT) program, you will achieve an understanding of the influence of family, society, culture, and physical environment on the concepts of occupation and health across the lifespan within the context of client-centred practice. In our problem-based and collaborative learning environment in which both faculty and students are actively involved in the learning process, all students will develop skills required for competency as an occupational therapist (e.g., teamwork, communication, information management, critical appraisal, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and ethical decision-making) in addition to specific occupational therapy competencies.

So….what is occupational therapy?

Occupation includes anything that people do to occupy themselves. This includes:

• looking after one's self (self-care)
• enjoying life (leisure)
• contributing to the social and economic fabric of the community (productivity)

Every individual has inherent worth and a basic need to be engaged in occupation and occupational therapists assist people of all ages to prevent disability and to promote, maintain or restore an individually determined balance of work, rest and play that is essential for health. Thus, occupational therapy uses the art and science of occupation to optimize occupational performance.

Within the framework of client-centred practice, occupational therapists collaborate with the individual and his/her family throughout the process of assessment, program planning, intervention, and outcome evaluation. A main goal of an occupational therapist is to assist the patient to take control over their recovery and ultimately their lives. The client is an active participant in their health, rather than patients who are being treated for an ailment. Being involved in the process of getting an individual closer to optimal health is very rewarding.

Where does an Occupational Therapist fit in our society?

Occupational therapists are in high demand for their expertise both towards prevention and research. There are a limited number of rehabilitation professionals trained at the graduate level in Ontario and Canada.

Occupational therapists can work in a large variety of settings within health, educational and social services systems:

How does McMaster's MSc (OT) curriculum prepare students to become competent occupational therapy practitioners?

Our MSc (OT) Program values education which:

• places an equal emphasis on both content and process;
• provides a relevant context in which students can direct their own learning;
• recognizes students as resources for one another;
• promotes the development of lifelong learning skills;
• embodies a positive, energetic, and collaborative learning environment in which both faculty and students are actively involved in the learning process;
• involves partner institutions and community agencies in the development of curriculum and the education of students;
• provides a forum on an ongoing basis for the critical evaluation of teaching and learning activities in relation to students, faculty, curriculum content, and performance of graduates.