Program Outcomes
The Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy at VP&S.
Fieldwork Performance
Each student upon completion of each full-time (Level II) fieldwork experience is evaluated by the supervisor, using AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE). Starting with the Class of 2021, students were evaluated on the updated FWPE with a passing score of 111.
For the Columbia University Occupational Therapy Class of 2023, the average score on all Level 2 fieldwork experiences is 127.
Columbia students consistently score highly on this evaluation.
Degree Completion
The full time students in our program typically complete their academic and fieldwork requirements within 24- 27 months. This range is dependent upon whether or not a student elects to pursue an optional fieldwork experience. The class entering in the Fall of 2018 was the last class who could elect the three year part-time program. Students in our Dual Degree (MS/MPH) program typically complete their academic and fieldwork requirements within 36 months.
The following indicates by Class the percentage of students who successfully completed their program as intended. These figures take into account any student who may have withdrawn from the program, or who did not complete the program within their expected time frame, even if they did eventually complete it successfully.
|
Graduating Class |
Program Status |
Number of students who, when they began their studies, expected to graduate in the designated year |
Number of students who graduated within the expected time frame |
Percentage who graduated within the expected time frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Class of 2023 |
Full Time program |
55 |
54 |
98% |
|
|
Dual Degree program |
0 |
0 |
--- |
|
Class of 2022 |
Full Time program |
54 |
54 |
100% |
|
|
Dual Degree program |
0 |
0 |
--- |
|
Class of 2021 |
Full Time program |
54 |
52 |
96% |
|
|
Dual Degree program |
0 |
0 |
--- |
|
TOTAL |
|
163 |
160 |
98% |
NBCOT Certification
Starting with the Class of 2024, students will complete all of their academic coursework in January and complete both Level II fieldwork experiences afterwards.
Many of these students, after completing their second and final fieldwork experience, graduate in October of that same calendar year. Those students who participate in an optional fieldwork experience graduate in February or May of the next calendar year. One is eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam only after successfully completing all required coursework and fieldwork. Hence, the number of graduates in any given calendar year will not match the number of first time NBCOT exam takers.
The percentage of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination as new graduate test takers can be found on NBCOT’s website.
Employment
The vast majority of the employers of our graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with our graduates':
- Critical thinking skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to function as a team member
- Ability to work with families and care givers
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Responsiveness to supervision
- Overall professionalism
When we survey our students, we learn that the majority are either offered employment from their fieldwork site or find employment within one month of looking. Our students tell us that finding a job is not difficult; choosing among offers is!