Overview

About Occupational Therapy at University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences

Occupational Therapy was established within University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation sciences (USWR) in 1992 as a program to train occupational therapists in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The department aims to promote standard practices according to the WFOT criteria and develop philosophical bases for practice according to occupation and Eastern culture. The Bachelor and Master degrees were designed to prepare occupational therapy practitioners to be able to provide high-quality health care by meeting clients’ needs in a client-centered healthcare delivery setting. The Bachelor degree is a 48- months, and the Master degree is a 24-months full- time, continuous program with possibility for further extension. To achieve its goal in developing best evidence practice and promoting the philosophical bases, the department of occupational therapy established the doctor of philosophy program in the occupational therapy, which is the final credential in the hierarchy of academic degrees started in 2008.

Occupational Therapy as a science degree-based, health and social care profession, takes a holistic approach (e.g., considering mental, physical, and psychosocial aspects of human being in the management), enabling individuals to achieve their full potential. This profession provides practical support to enable people in overcoming any barriers that prevent them from active social participation. Occupational therapy helps to increase patients’ independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life and through these processes improves patients’ quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of conditions who are experiencing limitations in social participation, mental and physical abilities. Occupational therapists play a critical role in helping people of all ages to overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations. Occupational therapists carried out their services in all levels of primary and secondary preventions to promote social well-beings.