The Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation prepares occupational therapists with bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees to work in one of the top 10 emerging practice areas identified by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Occupational therapists obtaining the certificate acquire the skills to provide comprehensive, competent intervention to persons with visual impairment from various conditions including brain injury.
The program consists of 21 credit hours of specialized courses in low vision rehabilitation of which students are required to take 17 hours (for a description of the courses go to Curriculum/Course Descriptions). Students take 11 credits of core courses designed to provide a foundation in providing low vision rehabilitation services, 4 credits of elective courses to address specific aspects of intervention in greater depth, and a 2-credit course in advanced application. All of the courses, are offered online through a web-based curriculum.
The curriculum is designed with the working occupational therapist in mind. Course work emphasizes practical application of the information taught. Projects are designed to reinforce learning of application to practice. Materials for completion of the courses can be obtained through the internet and required texts. Direct access to a medical library is not required for the core courses and most electives, but the student must have consistent access to the internet. A high-speed connection (DSL, cable, satellite) is strongly recommended.
Admission into the program is competitive. Students are selected based on a combination of factors including practice experience, desire, ability to successfully complete the coursework in the timeframe allotted, commitment to completion of the certificate, and potential for employment in the low vision rehabilitation field.
Students can enroll in the certificate program or combine completion of the certificate program with a post-professional master’s degree in occupational therapy.