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Certificate of Advanced Study in Pain Topics for Occupational Therapists

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Pain Topics in Occupational Therapy is designed for health care professionals looking to fill a gap in knowledge on pain management. The certificate mirrors the TUSM graduate program in Pain Research, Education and Policy. Both programs are built on the premise that pain is a biopsychosocial phenomenon and as such, its management ought to be influenced by a variety of factors ranging from neuroanatomy to social and economic issues. Students are exposed to a dynamic and richly rewarding educational experience. All OT-PREP students complete a total of 5 credit hours to earn the TUSM certificate.

Licensed occupational therapists and students enrolled in the Tufts University Graduate Degree Program in Occupational Therapy are invited to enroll in the Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) Certificate of Advanced Study in Pain Topics. www.tufts.edu/med/prep A baccalaureate degree is required for admission.

The certificate requires five courses as follows:

OTS 293, 294: Special Topics (1 credit)

OTS 234, 235: Practicum Course (1 credit)

PREP 230: Neuroanatomy, Neurochemistry and Pharmacology of Pain (1 credit)

PREP 232: Ethical and Sociocultural Aspects of Pain (1 credit) OR PREP Elective/s with OT Advisor consent (1 credit)

PREP 234: Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems (1 credit)

Download a PDF of the Certificate of Advanced Study in Pain Topics for Occupational Therapists brochure

For further information and an application contact: TUSM, Public Health & Professional Degree Programs, Certificate of Advanced Study in Pain Topics at 617-636-0935 or med-phpd@tufts.edu. 

Certificate of Advanced Professional Study for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists are confronted with administrative and supervisory responsibilities and the need for increased specialization. Areas of practice such as health and wellness consulting, technology and assistive device development, and private practice community health services are emerging practice areas. To help occupational therapists meet these demands, Tufts Department of Occupational Therapy, in conjunction with the Office of Graduate Studies, offers a part-time program, the Certificate of Advanced Professional Study.

The program is open to individuals with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. It is of special interest to occupational therapists interested in expanding their careers, fieldwork educators, administrators, clinical specialists and supervisors, and seasoned professionals eager to strengthen their expertise.

The certificate requires four courses as follows:

OTS 209 Clinical Research (or equivalent with advisor consent)

Specialty Courses: Three specialty courses with an integrated focus are required. These courses and other electives are offered on the basis of interest and enrollment. Elective graduate-level courses at Tufts may be substituted based on a student’s needs. An individual course of study is arranged with the program adviser.

Benefits
To help occupational therapists meet the demands of emerging practices, legislation, administrative and supervisory responsibilities, and the need for increased specialization.

Certificate in School-Based Practice

This certificate in school-based practice is intended for licensed occupational therapists interested in expanding their knowledge base to become specialized practitioners in the provision of academically-relevant occupational therapy services in public schools. Tufts Department of Occupational Therapy students who are interested in this content and practice area are also invited to apply. Therapists who complete this four-course series will learn how to influence contextual services within their schools consistent with special education law and the American Occupational Therapy Association standards.

Program of Study:
2 Core Courses
OTS 284 School-Based Practice: Programmatic Issues
OTS 285 School-Based Practice: Assessment to Intervention

1 Research Course (select one)
OTS 208 Clinical Reasoning IV: Evidence-Based Practice
OTS 209 Clinical Research
OTS 288 Outcomes Measurement and Monitoring

1 Content Course in the area of services to children
(to be approved by advisor)

Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

This certificate program is intended for practicing occupational therapists who would like to use coursework to gain knowledge in the occupational therapy specialty of hand and upper extremity therapy. Therapists who complete this course series are eligible to apply for a hand therapy clinical fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Students who do not elect to pursue the fellowship will still receive the certificate of advanced professional study upon completion of the four courses.

The certificate requires four course credits as follows:
OTS 274 Topics in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation I: Fall
OTS 275 Topics in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation II: Spring
OTS 276 Topics in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation III: Summer
OTS 209 Clinical Research or
OTS 210 Thesis Research

To apply, please visit the application page on the graduate web site or call the Office of Graduate Studies at (617) 627-3395.