8
Program Semesters
110
Credit hours
24
Weeks of full-time clinical experiences
14
Weeks of Capstone Experiential
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Degree Requirement (A.5.3.)
Applicants must complete a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to starting the OTD program. The program does not admit students on the basis of ability to benefit.
Prerequisite Courses (A.3.2.)
All applicants must complete each of the following prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants may choose to repeat a course, and the grades will be averaged and only the first retake will be used.
Course | Lab requirement | Credit hours |
Biological or Physical Science | No | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology, I & II | Yes | 8 |
Psychology or Sociology | No | 6 |
Statistics (Mathematical or Psychological) | No | 3 |
GPA Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum prerequisite grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale as well as an overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. However, as a Christian University we do offer a conditional admittance opportunity for two outstanding candidates with a grade point average of 2.7 – 2.99 may be granted admission to the program on a conditional basis. The conditional students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average at the end of the first semester. If either of the conditionally admitted students fall below a 3.0 at the end of the first semester, they will be dismissed from the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required with the application. One must be from a professor who can vouch for your academic ability to matriculate successfully through a graduate professional program. One letter must be from a licensed occupational therapist who can provide information about your professional demeanor, communication skills, and understanding of occupational therapy. One letter must be from clergy or a member of the community (coach, mentor, former employer, etc.) that can provide information about your character, sincerity, and commitment to complete a graduate professional program.
Observation Hours
Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 clinical observation hours with an OTR or COTA. The observation hours must occur in a minimum of at least 2 different settings (pediatrics, mental health, home health, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinic, etc.)
Essay
Applicants are required to submit an introductory essay introducing themselves and their desire to become occupational therapists.
Interview
Applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic evaluation of their application and supporting materials. Submission of all required application material does not guarantee an interview.
Supplemental Application
In addition to the OTCAS application, applicants must complete the Faulkner University Supplemental Graduate Application and submit a $75.00 application fee directly to Faulkner University.
Background Check Policy
Graduation from the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Faulkner University requires students to interact with others in various settings, both inside and outside of the classroom. One of the graduation requirements is the successful completion of the fieldwork education component of the curriculum. Because many fieldwork education sites are legally required to perform background checks on all individuals who interact with patients, background checks are often required for student placements. Therefore, a criminal background check is required of all students admitted into the Faulkner Occupational Therapy Program. Students may be required to have additional background checks as a site-specific requirement during fieldwork. Students are responsible for the cost of these additional background checks and any other site-specific fieldwork requirements such as drug screens, immunizations and such.
The initial background check report completed at admission is included in the clinical fee and will be made available online to the OT Program Director. Reports will be permanently archived online with Universal Background Screening Inc. Printed copies can be made available to the student upon request. When a fieldwork site requests a copy of the report, it is the student’s responsibility to deliver the report. The academic program will only provide a copy of the report to a student’s fieldwork education site if specifically requested by the site and student. Students acknowledge and agree to the release of this information to the fieldwork education site when they sign the Student Agreement Form. The offer of admission will be revoked for failure to complete a background check within the defined timeframe or if the results are unsatisfactory.
In the event the institution receives an affirmative background check response, the student will be notified of the results and be provided an opportunity to clarify the items in his or her background prior to a final admission decision. If any criminal history, sanctions, debarments, exclusions, suspensions or other adverse results are reported in subsequent background checks, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students will not be allowed to progress with fieldwork placements or be retained in the program if criminal history, sanctions, debarments, exclusions, suspensions or other adverse results are reported.
Disclaimer: The Criminal Background Check Policy and process at Faulkner University does not guarantee the safety of students, faculty, patients or staff, nor is it able to predict the individual’s future behavior in the program or the profession. An acceptable student background check, as determined by the institution, state or experiential site, does not guarantee the student will be eligible to complete the program, fieldwork affiliation, obtain an occupational therapy license or employment. An NBCOT Early Determination Review or affiliate/fieldwork site may interpret the results of the background check differently or discover other information not present in previous searches.
Essential Functions
The following skills are considered essential for any student that is completing the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Faulkner University. Occupational Therapy is a demanding profession that requires essential skills for success. The profession can be physically, mentally, and psychologically demanding. Therefore, basic essential skills that are required for all students are as follows:
- General abilities: Students are expected to possess adequate endurance and alertness to participate in a highly rigorous doctoral program. Students are also expected to demonstrate general strength and equilibrium to participate in laboratory courses and clinical experiences.
- Observational skills: Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate visual acuity and visual perceptual skills to observe clients from a distance and closely to form an accurate observation. Students are also expected to have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell. These senses will interpret data from the external environment and allow accurate observation skills of not only clients, but also in lecture and laboratory classes.
- Communication skills: Students are expected to possess and demonstrate effective communication skills to interact appropriately and successfully with clients. These skills are necessary to discern accurate abilities of clients. Students are also expected to demonstrate sensitivity when addressing clients and their families. Students are expected to communicate appropriately in lecture and laboratory classes.
- Motor skills: Students are expected to possess good fine and gross motor skills in order to accurately access and treat clients. Students should possess and demonstrate adequate stamina and equilibrium to access and treat clients, participate in laboratory classes, and operate necessary equipment pertaining to occupational therapy practice. Students should have the psychomotor skills needed to successfully complete occupational therapy evaluations to include manual muscle testing, goniometry, joint range of motion, etc. The motor skills of bending, stooping, lifting, turning, transferring, and transporting clients are necessary.
- Interpersonal/Behavioral/Professional skills: Students must demonstrate good judgment, emotional health and stability, and therapeutic use of self in order to complete accurate assessments and develop personal, client-centered treatment plans. Students should have emotional maturity to develop good rapport, sensitivity, and respect with clients and their families. Students must demonstrate respectful professional behavior with clients, fellow students and faculty.
- Critical Reasoning skills: Students must possess the ability to problem solve various situations through calculating and analyzing data. This skill is imperative in determining correct and effective client treatment. Students also need this skill when completing various work within the didactic and laboratory courses.
- Technology skills: Students must have basic computer skills including Microsoft office, and the ability to learn other software programs quickly.
Health Insurance
All students are required to provide evidence of personal health insurance upon admission to the OTD program. This insurance will be needed for coverage of laboratory testing and medications (if necessary) in the event of an exposure incident. Additionally, health insurance may be required as a site-specific requirement for fieldwork placements. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain health insurance coverage (i.e. - active status) throughout the program of study.
Immunization Requirements
Immunization records must be submitted upon being admitted to the program prior to orientation. All vaccine/immunization records must include full date details (i.e., month/day/year) and the health care providers’ signatures. Health care provider initials may be considered sufficient if the document is on the letterhead (including the name and address of the practice) of a health care provider. School records which merely reflect dates of administration will NOT be accepted. Immunization records submitted without thorough documentation such as date received, lot #, expiration date, etc., may not be accepted at clinical sites, and student will be required to repeat vaccines or obtain titers in lieu of vaccines if applicable.
Proof of the following immunizations is required prior to any clinical participation:
- Tdap – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (must be renewed every 10 years)
- Tuberculin Skin Test or chest X-ray as indicated (within the past year and again annually while participating in program)
- MMR – 2 doses or Positive Titer – Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (must submit lab report)
- Varicella – 2 doses or Positive Titer (Lab report required for Titers.)
- Hep B Series – 3 doses (dose 2 (30) days after dose 1, does 3 (5 months) after dose 2).
- Meningitis – complete primary dose/series or Positive Titer (Lab Report required for Titers).
The following immunizations are recommended by the college, but may be required by clinical sites as a site-specific requirement:
- Flu – Due annually and must be current flu season (September – April). Receipts not accepted.
- COVID-19
*** Please note than any titer results that are negative may require a repeat of vaccine doses and additional titer screening.
Application Enhancements
Community service activities and leadership activities will be considered along with other factors as part of a holistic admission process.
Technology Requirements
Occupational Therapy program students are required to have a laptop with a camera, microphone, and WIFI capabilities. The laptop should also be compatible with the minimum system requirements for ExamSoft. https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system- requirements/
Students are expected to maintain their own technology equipment throughout their time in the OTD program. The program is not responsible for students’ personal equipment that is left unattended in the building.
Credit for Previous Courses/Work Experience (A.3.3.)
The program does not award credit to students for any previous course or work experience. The Faulkner Occupational Therapy Program does not accept transfer students.
Student Employment
Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, students are highly discouraged from engage in off-campus employment. If a student is approved for federal work-study, the student may be permitted to work a limited number of hours per week on campus. Some students with exemplary knowledge of course work may function as a paid peer tutor. Matriculation through the OTD program at Faulkner University is a full-time responsibility. Students should expect OTD program activities to occur Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm, as well as some nights and weekends.
Deferment of Admission
Extenuating circumstances may impact an applicants’ ability to accept admission into the Faulkner University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. Applicants may request to defer acceptance into the program once. Applicants who have paid a seat deposit after being offered admissions but are unable to enroll during the cycle in which they were admitted, may petition the program to defer their admission into the program for one admission cycle (12 months). The applicant will forfeit their seat and seat deposit if they do not enroll during the subsequent cycle. Failure to enroll in the next cycle forfeits the deferment and the applicant will need to restart the application process for consideration in other admission cycles.
Applicants requesting deferment must provide a written request that includes a detailed explanation of the reasons for the deferment (i.e. - family emergency, death in the family, catastrophic or life changing events, extreme financial hardship, military service, etc.). The written request must be submitted to the OTD program director later than July 1st. The OTD program will review the request to make a determination. The OTD program will notify the applicant in writing of the final decision within 30 days of receiving the request.
Curriculum and Course Sequencing
Students should complete all program requirements according to the Degree-Plan Course Sequence Guide. The program is aware that circumstances may arise that would required an extension of the time needed to complete the program course requirements. However, students must complete all Level II fieldwork and the doctoral capstone within 12 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program (A.4.7.).
Course # | Year 1: Semester 1 (Fall) | 16 Hours |
OTD 6520 | Basic Science I: Human Anatomy | 5 |
OTD 6312 | Movement Science I | 3 |
OTD 6313 | Pathology and Medical Management | 3 |
OTD 6330 | Basic Tenets of OT Practice I | 3 |
OTD 6240 | Service in Occupational Therapy I | 2 |
Course # | Semester 2 (Spring) | 15 Hours |
OTD 6420 | Basic Science II: Neuroscience | 4 |
OTD 6333 | Basic Tenets of OT Practice II | 3 |
OTD 6434 | OT Across the Lifespan: Adult Population | 4 |
OTD 6352 | Treatment Techniques to Enhance Performance | 3 |
OTD 6120 | Fieldwork IA | 1 |
Course # | Semester 3 (Summer) | 17 Hours |
OTD 6331 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
OTD 6430 | OT Across the Lifespan: Pediatric Population | 4 |
OTD 6350 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
OTD 6200 | Ethics, Service, and Multiculturalism in OT | 2 |
OTD 6432 | OT Across the Lifespan: Mental Health Population | 4 |
OTD 6121 | Fieldwork IB | 1 |
Course # | Year 2: Semester 4 (Fall) | 16 Hours |
OTD 7433 | OT Across the Lifespan: Aging Population | 4 |
OTD 7353 | Adaptive Equipment and Patient Care Concepts | 3 |
OTD 7350 | Qualitative Research | 3 |
OTD 7212 | Clinical Communications | 2 |
OTD 7300 | Fieldwork Preparation | 3 |
OTD 7122 | Fieldwork IC | 1 |
Course # | Semester 5 (Spring) | 11 Hours |
OTD 7255 | Wellness and Health within the Community | 2 |
OTD 7342 | Current Policies and Social Systems Related to OT | 3 |
OTD 7256 | Faith, Health and Quality of Life | 2 |
OTD 7257 | Servant Leadership | 2 |
OTD 7241 | Service in Occupational Therapy II | 2 |
Course # | Semester 6 (Summer) | 9 Hours |
OTD 7920 | Fieldwork IIA – 12 weeks | 9 |
Course # | Year 3: Semester 7 (Fall) | 12 Hours |
Module 1 | ||
OTD 7922 | Fieldwork IIB – 12 weeks | 9 |
Module 2 | ||
OTD 8360 | Doctoral Capstone Project | 3 |
Course # | Semester 8 (Spring) | 14 Hours |
OTD 8140 | Doctoral Capstone Experience | 14 |
Total | 110 hours |
*All semesters are 15 weeks in length. The curriculum sequence is subject to review and changes may occur.
Students will be notified by the program of changes in writing.
Tuition and Fees (A.4.4.)
*There will be additional costs of the program not charged through Faulkner University, including background checks, clinical education expenses, vaccination, drug screens, health insurance etc. It is estimated that students should plan for at least $14,000 each year for living expenses and transportation. This estimate would vary based on choice of accommodations, lifestyle, etc.
Withdrawal and Reimbursement (A.4.4.)
Due to the nature of the program, withdrawal from one course in the curriculum is withdrawal from the entire program. Registration is considered a contract binding on the student. If the student officially notifies Faulkner University of the withdrawal, the withdrawal date is the date, as determined by the University, that the student began the withdrawal process or otherwise provided official notification to the Registrar’s Office, in writing, of his/her intention to withdraw. No combination of awards, however, may result in a refund of more than 100% of the student’s total charges. Refunds for housing and meal plans are made in accordance with their respective refund schedules. All other fees and charges are non-refundable. Any refunds for payments that have been made by check will not be processed until the check has cleared the bank. If financial aid has posted to the student's account, a refund will not be processed until any necessary adjustments have been made to financial aid. In addition, refunds are not processed until the conclusion of the published refund period as described in the Refund Schedule as prescribed by Faulkner University.
The College of Health Sciences Learning Resource Center (LRC) (A.2.14., A.3.6.)
The College of Health Sciences Learning Resource Center (LRC) is dedicated to assisting students in developing into independent, lifelong learners who achieve in both academic and professional settings. The LRC is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction, knowledge progress, and moral and spiritual values so that the community can benefit from these efforts. To this end, the CHS LRC aims to educate students with the tools they need to access and evaluate this constantly changing knowledge, which is essential for personal growth as well as professional competitiveness and sustainability. Additionally, students have access to a 60-computer lab for testing and research.
Library Services include:
- Charging Stations
- Computers
- Interlibrary Loans
- Monthly Information Literacy Sessions
- Online Library Catalog
- Online Resources
- Point-of-use instruction
- Printers/Photocopy Machines
- Study Corrals
- Tutoring Services
- Wireless Network
Disability Services (A.3.6.)
In conjunction with Faulkner’s community principles and overall mission, the Center for Disability Services acknowledges disability as an integral part of the campus experience. We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity to all campus programs and services for individuals with disabilities. To establish equal access, documentation of disability by qualified professionals is necessary. Accommodations must be reviewed each semester and are not retroactive. If you are interested in obtaining reasonable accommodations, please contact the Director of the Center for Disability Services (334-386-7185) at your earliest convenience or visit the Center for Disability Services page on Faulkner’s website for additional information. Reasonable Accommodations are academic adjustments that assist the individual with a disability to have equal access to the educational program.
Student Health Center
The Health Center is located on the west side of the first floor of the Tine Davis Gym on the Montgomery campus and provides a Registered Nurse (RN) to assist students with basic health care needs. The University Health Center provides these services free to all students. Nursing care and patient counseling. The RN provides the following services (Pursuant to the Alabama Board of Nursing: Nursing Practice Act 610-X-6- .03):
- Health promotion and well-being services such as blood pressure checks and temperature checks.
- Basic treatment of minor cuts, minor sprains, flu, cold, and other minor illnesses.
- Referrals and assistance in making appointments with a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other healthcare providers for other treatments and care.
The University Health Center’s operating hours are 20 hours a week, Monday through Friday during fall and spring semesters. For specific hours please check the Faulkner Mobile App.
Eagle’s TimelyCare
Faulkner University offers medical telehealth visits for all Faulkner students. Students have access from their mobile devices or any web enabled device (Smart Phone, iPad or computer) to Eagle’s TimelyCare, which provides 24/7 medical telehealth care.
Eagle’s TimelyCare telehealth offers unlimited tele-visits for when students are not feeling well and may not be able to get to the Health Center or a local physician. Faulkner recommends all students identify, contact, and secure a local healthcare provider covered by the student’s insurance prior to registration.
TimelyCare also offers mental health telehealth care for all Faulkner students which provides 24/7 mental health telehealth care. Eagle’s TimelyCare telehealth offers either scheduled counseling tele-visits or TalkNow which puts you in touch with a professional immediately. TalkNow service provides a safe space to talk about anything at any time (anxiety surrounding COVID-19, relationships, depression). Students have unlimited access to TalkNow and 12 visits per semester to the scheduled counseling appointments.
There is no charge for these services. TimelyCare services are a part of your student fees.
University Counseling Center/Eagle’s Timelycare
The University Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies (Harris-Parker Building) on the Montgomery Campus. The University Counseling Center provides confidential counseling services for personal, emotional, social, and mental health concerns students may experience while attending Faulkner. Services are available by appointment for all Faulkner students by emailing counselingcenter@faulkner.edu.
Campus Ministries
Campus ministries promote and support the culture of faith and Christian service at Faulkner. Campus ministries provide students with an opportunity to engage in fellowship, Bible study, devotionals, leadership, involvement and evangelism with other Christians. Campus ministries provide support as students face the challenges of college life and spiritual fulfillment. Campus ministries are provided or sponsored by local congregations. The campus ministries for Faulkner’s campus include the following:
- Dalraida Church of Christ 3740 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 Telephone (334) 272-2561 www.Dalraida.org Contact Billy Camp at seth.camp@faulkner.edu
- Eastern Meadows Church of Christ 8460 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 Telephone (334) 273-0001 http://www.emcofc.org/ Contact Brett Thomas at brother.brett@yahoo.com
- Landmark Church of Christ 1800 Halcyon Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 Telephone (334) 277-5800 Fax (334) 277-5816 Landmark Church of Christ continued: http://landmarkchurch.net/ Contact Nathan Capps at Nathan@landmarkchurch.net
- University Church of Christ 5315 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, Alabama 36109 Telephone (334) 386-7320 Fax 334-386-7577 www.ucoc.org Contact Andrew Kingsley at akingsley@ucoc.org
- Vaughn Park Church of Christ 3800 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 Telephone (334) 272-2665 www.vaughnpark.com
Food Services
- The J. L. Perry Cafeteria, located in the Student Commons on the Montgomery campus, offers a traditional college dining hall experience.
- The Grille, located in the Student Multiplex on the Montgomery Campus, is fast food service offering items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and steak quesadillas, wings, wraps, and salads.
- The Crash Cart Café, located in the College of Health Sciences building, offers coffee, cappuccino, blended and iced coffees, snacks, muffins, and light lunch fare.
More information and hours of operation can be found on the Culinary Management Solutions, Inc. website by clicking on the menu tab.
Printing and Copier Supplies
The College of Health Sciences provides toner and paper in the computer laboratories, and the learning resource centers.
Miscellaneous Spaces in the College of Health Sciences
- 9 private small group study spaces
- a private lactation room
- male and female locker rooms located near the lab spaces
- large student commons area with tables, couches, and chairs and multiple wall outlets to charge personal electronic devices
Student Professional Organization Membership
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national organization dedicated to serving the occupational therapy profession and the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association (ALOTA) is the state organization dedicated to serving the occupational therapy practitioners. All Faulkner OTD students are required to become student members of AOTA at the start of the program and maintain membership through graduation. There are many benefits to membership including professional networking, textbook discounts, and scholarship opportunities. For more information go to https://www.aota.org and https://www.alota.org.
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) has elected officers from the OTD class. Students are required to be active members and participate in SOTA. To become an elected officer, students must be in good academic standing. Service as a SOTA officer is a privilege and officers can be removed from office if he/she has been placed on academic probation or inadequate professional behavior. Please refer to the SOTA handbook for more information.
Professional Conference Participation
Faulkner University strongly encourages students to get involved in leadership and professional activities including attending professional conferences and meetings. The OTD Program may provide student support to student members participating in professional activities.
The first cohort of students will graduate in May 2025. Student and Program Outcomes including total program graduates and graduation rates with a direct link to the NBCOT program data results will be posted as soon as the information is available on NBCOT.
Once students have received their degree, they will become eligible to apply for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Additional information can be found at www.NBCOT.org regarding the testing process and related procedures. After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the graduate will be a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). The Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy (www.ot.alabama.gov) regulates OT licensure in Alabama. Students should review state regulatory board requirements to determine licensure requirements outside of Alabama. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Statement
Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. This includes prohibitions on discrimination based on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. In connection with its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, educational programs, or activities, Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status to those who meet its admission criteria and are willing to uphold its values as stated in the Conduct Regulations contained in the Faulkner University Student Handbook and relevant program handbooks. Faulkner University is a church-affiliated liberal arts institution committed to employing a highly qualified and diverse administration, faculty and staff, who reflect the University’s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Faulkner University complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders prohibiting discrimination towards faculty and staff on any category prohibited by applicable law but not limited to age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status. However, Faulkner University exercises a preference in employment for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ, whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the University and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.
Based upon this commitment, Faulkner University follows the principle of nondiscrimination and operates within applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. As a recipient of federal financial assistance, Faulkner is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its admissions policies, treatment of students, employment practices or educational programs except as required by religious tenets of the Churches of Christ.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Purpose: To preserve a learning environment that is free from unlawful discrimination Faulkner University’s policy is to ensure that persons who apply for admission and persons who are enrolled are treated in a nondiscriminatory manner in matters of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, gender, age, or disability, including qualified disabled veterans and qualified veterans of the Vietnam Era, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Scope: This policy applies to all students at the university. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of enrollment, including, but not limited to, admission standards and processes, and the guidelines by which enrollment may be denied or terminated, based on the standards outlined in the Faulkner University Student Handbook.
Policy:
Faulkner University complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws and does not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, gender, age, or disability, including qualified disabled veterans and qualified veterans of the Vietnam Era.
Faulkner University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom are members of the Church of Christ, and is operated within the Christian-oriented aims, ideals and religious tenets of the Church of Christ. As a religiously controlled institution of higher education, Faulkner University is exempt from compliance with some provisions of certain civil rights laws, including some provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
1. It is the responsibility of each student to obtain, read and comprehend the purpose, policies and procedures of the Student Handbook, including the policy for non-discrimination.
2. As stated in the Application for Admission, the signing of the application constitutes acceptance of and an agreement to abide by the policies and regulations of Faulkner University.
3. The University reserves the right to make changes to the Student Handbook at any time. Such changes will be communicated with students by means of email and Chapel announcements and will be updated on the Dean of Students Website, which serves as the official Student Handbook.
4. The University reserves the right to deny the enrollment, or terminate the admission, of any student whose attitudes and actions do not represent the Christian mission of the university as set forth by the Student Handbook. Such decisions will be made according to the principles and guidelines described in the Student Handbook, with careful consideration of the fair and reasonable processes provided for appeal.
5. Faulkner University encourages students with disabilities to request any appropriate academic and other accommodations to the Center for Disability Services (located in the Rotunda Room 124). The Director of the Center for Disability Services (a service for students with disabilities) serves as the compliance coordinator for ADA/Section 504
6. Faulkner University encourages applicants for enrollment or enrolled students with a complaint regarding discrimination to report the offense to the Dean of Students or the general counsel of the university. If a faculty or staff member should receive a complaint of discrimination, he or she should first consult the Dean of Students or the general counsel of the university.
7. The Dean of Students and the general counsel of the university will investigate all complaints of discrimination and make recommendations to the President for appropriate action.
NON-ACADEMIC STUDENT GRIEVANCES (A.4.4.)
The College of Health Sciences has established formal policies and processes to handle submitted student complaints. Complaints should be registered formally when a Faulkner student has exhausted their efforts in resolving an issue with the University, its personnel, or any other current student. As with any complaint or grievance, the desire is for the party or parties to seek a resolution between the parties where both parties are heard and can come to some mutual understanding and agree to move forward in a mutually agreed upon arrangement. If a resolution cannot be met or one party is unwilling to enter into an agreement, then a student should refer to the current Faulkner College of Health Sciences Graduate Student Handbook
ACADEMIC APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES (A.4.4.)
If a student has reason to question the decision of an instructor regarding course content, a grade received, or penalties imposed for academic dishonesty, misconduct, or unacceptable classroom or instructional behavior, the student must follow the academic appeal procedure which begins with an appeal to the instructor if appropriate. Students should also follow this process if appealing a Notice of Dismissal and for all other academic grievances. An instructor’s decision as to any matter takes effect immediately and remains in place until the appeals process is complete. If an individual program maintains certain academic requirements (such as a 3.0 GPA), appeals regarding sanctions or dismissal should refer to the current Faulkner College of Health Sciences Graduate Student Handbook.
Program Accreditation (A.4.3.)
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program at Faulkner University has applied for accreditation and has been granted Preaccreditation Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. The program must complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork and an individual 14-week capstone experience within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework, Level II fieldwork and preparatory activities defined in 2018 ACOTE OTD Standard D.1.3.
The program is scheduled for the on-site evaluation in November of 2024 and anticipates graduating the first cohort in May of 2025.
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510 E, Bethesda, MD, 20814
301-652-6611 accred@aota.org
Complaints against a program subject to ACOTE accreditation may be submitted online by completing the complaint against a program form or sending an email to accred@aota.org. All complaints against a program must be addressed to the ACOTE Chairperson, c/o the Accreditation Department.
Program Director, Professor
G. Nikki Raines,
OTD, MPA, OTR/L, CAPS
Administrative Coordinator
Angie Brenneman
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Associate Professor
Tenika Danley,
OTD, OTR/L, MHFA
Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Assistant Professor
Sarah Grate,
EdD, MOT, OTR/L, CHT
Professor
Susan Denham,
EdD, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Professor
Amy Oliver,
OTD, OTR/L, IM, SIPT
Assistant Professor
Cate Valentino,
OTD, MAAL, MHSc, OTR/L, FMT
College of Health Science Admissions Coordinator
Hillary Moore
hmoore@faulkner.edu
334.386.7152
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy(NBCOT)
One Bank Street, Suite 300 Gaithersburg, MD, 20878
301-990-7979 https://www.nbcot.org
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) https://www.aota.org
Alabama Occupational Therapy Association (ALOTA) https://www.alota.org
Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy https://www.ot.alabama.gov