Occupational Therapy is an area of medicine that steps beyond the ‘prevention and cure’ mantra to the maximal independence of the individual. It focuses on
recuperation, giving confidence to people whose disability may be caused by a stroke, a mental illness, a physical and mental weariness because of cardiac or other illnesses or even a hereditary deficiency.
Occupational therapists must break through their patient’s barriers and create a pathway for that person to return to normal life, at home and in the workplace. The therapist may design customized treatment programs or design special equipment that allows the disabled person to adapt to his disability.
Occupational therapy (OT) is a comparatively recent science, which has grown in popularity in the west. The demand for specialists is very high as people become more aware of the possibilities of science and how it can make a better way of life. As a student of OT you’ll need to develop clinical skills and develop a flair for one-to-one communication. Towards this, the college has well-equipped clinics and learning aids for undergraduates and state of the art research facilities for postgraduate students.
International recognition
The All-India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) as well as World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) recognize SRM’s occupational therapy program. These recognitions give a distinct advantage of being accepted at par in the world of medicine, which allows students to seek higher studies or employment abroad.
- The college has been accredited by National Accreditation Assessment Committee (NAAC)
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also ratified the course, which is vital for pursuing research projects
- The undergraduate course is recognized by the Academic Council of Occupational Therapy (ACOT)
The undergraduate course is also validated individually by these recognized international boards:
- American Occupational Therapist Association
- Council of Occupational Therapy Registration Board, Australia and New Zealand
- Health Professions Council, UK
- Department of Health and Children, Ireland
- Norway Board of Occupational Therapists
Curriculum
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.O.T.) is an undergraduate program that introduces the student to the field of occupational therapy. The course focuses on developing both clinical and communication skills. Experienced faculty members maintain international standards using modern teaching aids. Students learn to assess and treat patients with physical and psychological disabilities.
Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) enriches students with not just clinical practice and theoretical knowledge, but also with recent advances in the field along with a systematic learning approach and application of research skills. The postgraduate course has core courses with many electives from which students can choose.
Faculty
The college has a dedicated team of faculty members who specialize in orthopaedics, neurology and paediatrics. They involve the students in discussions, making sessions lively and interesting. The healthy student-teacher ratio also means the faculty can devote more time to each student.
The teaching method is enriched by the use of various multimedia like charts, models, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, group discussions, case conferences and seminars. Faculty members do not stop there. They constantly update themselves through contact with other universities. They also present papers during the Continuing Occupational Therapy Education Programs.
Allied in healthcare
Links with major corporate hospitals and rehabilitation groups give students the enormous benefit of hassle-free clinical postings and projects. The college has alliances with:
- Vijaya Hospital, Chennai (Neurology)
- NIMHANS, Bangalore (Neurology, Paediatrics and Psychiatry)
- Schiefflin Leprosy Research and Training Center, Vellore (Orthopaedics and Neurology)
- Maithree Special School, Chennai (Paediatrics)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Center, Chennai (Orthopaedics)
- Dr. G. D. Boaz Memorial Hospital, Chennai (Psychiatry)
- Andhra Mahila Sabha, Durgabhai Deshmukh Hospital, Chennai (Paediatrics, Orthopaedics and Neurology)
- The Banyan, Chennai (Psychiatry)
Community outreach programs
The hospital and clinics conduct regular medical camps that provide counseling and screening for students in schools and to community members through the community health center. Students accompany skilled practitioners from the hospital to provide free services and to spread awareness. They are sensitized to people with special needs, especially children with learning handicaps.
The college also takes the effort to arrange for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities through vocational training and employment. Free aid and orthotics, like splints, are also provided. Owing to his skill as an artist Mr. Udaya Kumar, a physically challenged patient, has been successfully rehabilitated as a teacher of arts and painting.
Research
The College of Occupational Therapy, with its own laboratories and facilities, is well equipped to handle research. Here are some of the projects undertaken:
- Regular screening in schools to identify disabilities
- Hands-free toilet flushing equipment for amputee patients designed and presented by Dr. Sheeba Rajam at the Annual National Conference of AIOTA and awarded Best Adaptive Device
- Best Scientific Paper Award in the National Conference of AIOTA (All India Occupational Therapists Association) at Nagpur in 2008 awarded to student Ms. Vanitha
Career
An occupational therapist is one of the most sought after professionals in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Employment can be found in hospitals and a wide range of service organizations, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers, old age homes and special schools. Occupational therapists can also start their own practice or become consultants.
Contact Address…
Ramapuram Campus
Address: Bharathi Salai, Ramapuram,
Chennai – 600 089.
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