Why Indiana State University

Why Indiana State University?

 The Occupational Therapy Program is located in the College of Nursing and Health Services in the Department of Allied Health and Rehabilitation. Our history as well as our mission & vision statements provides a broader picture of who we are.

 History

The origins of Indiana State University date back to December 20, 1865, when Indiana State Normal School was created by the Indiana legislature. The primary mission was the “preparation of teachers for teaching in the common schools of Indiana.” The first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1908, the first master’s degrees in 1928, and the first doctorates in 1965. “University” status was achieved in 1965 and the name was changed to Indiana State University.

Today, Indiana State University (ISU) is a comprehensive, research intensive university that includes a College of Arts & Sciences, professional colleges of Business, Education, Technology, Nursing, Health & Human Performance and the School of Graduate Studies. Institutional accreditation has been achieved from 27 accrediting bodies. The current mission of the University is “to educate students to be productive citizens and enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Indiana by making the knowledge and expertise of its faculty available and accessible. These purposes are served when the University disseminates knowledge through instruction and extends and applies knowledge through research, creative and scholarly activities, and public service.”

The Occupational Therapy Program was developed in response to recommendations made by the Western Indiana Health Professions Task Force.  ISU embraced its vision, “...a shared commitment to improving our communities…to ensure the success of its people and their work” with the development of this program.   The program aligns with the mission and vision of the College of Nursing and Health Services and Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation by “… developing productive citizens who function as skilled professionals…” and “The desired global outcomes of the OT, which also align with the University’s mission, is to engage with the community by decreasing the shortage of competent health care providers...” The Occupational Therapy Program has requested initial review by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) http://www.acoteonline.org  of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) http://www.aota.org. This is the first step towards becoming an accredited program.  We hope to graduate our first class in December 2015.

 Indiana State University Mission & Vision

Mission

Indiana State University combines a tradition of strong undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on community and public service. We integrate teaching, research, and creative activity in an engaging, challenging, and supportive learning environment to prepare productive citizens for Indiana and the world.

Vision

Inspired by a shared commitment to improving our communities, Indiana State University will be known nationally for academic, cultural, and research opportunities designed to ensure the success of its people and their work.

College of Nursing and Health Services

Mission

The College is dedicated to fostering student excellence and developing productive citizens who function as skilled professionals.  Further, we champion teaching, research, creative activities, community involvement through health initiatives, and life-long learning. 

 Vision

The College will be recognized as a leader in providing qualified health and human service professionals who serve diverse populations through education, scholarship, innovation, service, and community engagement.

Department of Allied Medicine and Rehabilitation

Mission

The mission of Department of Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation is to provide excellence in interprofessional preparation/practice of collaborative healthcare and wellness. The department supports the development of productive citizens through mentorship in the quest for new knowledge and research, community engagement, clinical experience, service learning, and progressive comprehensive health care

 Occupational Therapy Program

Mission

The mission of the Occupational Therapy program is to provide competent health care providers who possess basic skills as a health care provider, consultant, educator, manager, researcher, and advocate for the profession and the consumer. In addition the program seeks to improve patient access and quality care for rural and underserved populations through interprofessional education.

In achieving its mission, and that of the university, the School of Occupational Therapy will:

· Demonstrate the responsiveness of Indiana State University to the needs of the community (local, regional, national, international). The Western Indiana Health Professions Task Force identified the need for occupational therapy in the Wabash Valley and beyond. The ISU OT program will empower students to become the highly skilled evidence and occupation based professionals.

· Reinforce the universities commitment to service. A facet of the curricular theme, professional responsibility facilitates the students’ involvement with the needs of the community. The theme reinforces the attitudes of caring and respect that are consistent with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for the American Occupational Therapy Association.

· Provide experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and therapeutic environments that provide exposure to traditional and emerging practice areas. Thus, expanding their knowledge and encouraging students to engage in creative and innovative thinking.

In preparation for future practice, provide opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. OT Educational Outcomes

1. Utilize critical thinking with the knowledge derived from the biological, behavioral, and clinical sciences for clinical decision-making.  (Excellence in Practice and Inter-professional Collaboration)

2. Demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with professional and legal standards. (Professional Responsibility)

3. Provide guidance and interventions to promote wellness, health promotion and enhance the physical performance of persons in the community. (Inter-professional Collaboration, Excellence in Practice, and Professional Responsibility)

4. Provide safe and effective standards of care for a diverse client population. (Excellence in Practice and Professional Responsibility)

5. Communicate effectively with clients, families, colleagues, other health care workers, and the general public orally and in writing. (Excellence in Practice and Professional Responsibility)

6. Plan and execute research, disseminate research findings, and critically evaluate the professional literature to promote evidence-based practice. (Inter-professional Collaboration, Excellence in Practice and Professional Responsibility)

7. Demonstrate continuing personal and professional growth to maintain professional competence, advance career development, and contribute to the development of the profession. (Excellence in practice and Professional Responsibility)

8. Analyze trends in health care and advocate for community-based initiatives related to health and well-being. (Excellence in practice and Professional Responsibility)