Welcome from the Chair
Welcome to the Division of Occupational Therapy Webpage. Whether you are here for the first time or have visited often, we hope you find the information thorough and easy to find.
The Division of Occupational Therapy at the University of Utah has been in existence since 1997. The philosophical underpinning of this program is that of occupational science. We believe as Mary Reilly (1962), a leader in the field of occupational therapy said. “[A person] through the use of his [or her] hands as they are energized by mind and will, can influence the state of his [or her] own health.” What we do and think makes us who we are and is influenced by where we live, the cultures we are a part of and where this is all taking place in the stream of time.
The faculty and staff of the Division are some of the best you will find around. They are dedicated, bright and committed to “Educating our future colleagues”. Our interests are varied and encompass health care based occupational therapy practice, occupational science research and community based occupational therapy practice. Our faculty are forward thinking and give to the community. Hopefully you will get at least a sense of who we are as you explore this website.
Our graduate class sizes are small (28 students in each class) so that each student gets as personalized an education as he or she may want. We are nationally known for the depth of our program and the caring of our faculty.
I hope you will consider applying to the University of Utah Division of Occupational Therapy program. By choosing a program that is broad and progressive, you will have the opportunity to be educated as a therapist that is ready for practice not only when you graduate—but throughout your career.
Sincerely,
JoAnne Wright, PhD, OTR/L, CLVT
Chair and Professor (Clinical)