Certificates for Advanced Practice
Emerging as Leaders in Autism Practice & Research
Autism
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Teaching in the Digital Age
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Innovative Practice with Older Adults
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Neuroscience
Overview
This specialty certificate offers registered and licensed occupational therapists advanced knowledge about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and skills for working with persons who have ASD. Courses are taught by experts in the field. The Program Coordinator and Primary Instructor is Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, vice chairman and professor and director of the Sensory Integration Laboratory.
Program Features
- Four graduate level courses (a total of 12 credits)
- Courses are given in 8-week blocks starting in September
- The certificate can be completed in 12 months
The Jefferson Difference
- Latest technology. Students have access to the latest distance learning tools and to a variety of experts on specific topic areas. Technology allows easy participation in a community of learners through discussion boards, synchronous online presentations and live chat .
- Schedule designed for busy professionals. All courses are offered online or with 1-2 optional on-campus/virtual meetings per semester. The entire program can be completed in 12 months.
- Opportunities for practical experience. Students can participate in teaching practica in both online and on-campus formats (depending on availability in your geographic area).
- Interprofessional education and collaboration opportunities. As part of an academic health center, Jefferson students have access to Jefferson Elder Care, the Child and Family Studies Research Programs, the School of Population Health and the Department of Occupational Therapy’s program of research in Sensory Integration and other areas.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of four graduate-level courses (a total of 12 credits) that can be used toward a master’s or doctoral degree.
| Course | Credits |
| Course 1: Autism: The State of the Field | 3 |
| Course 2: Assessment Strategies for Individuals with Autism | 3 |
| Course 3: Lifespan Intervention for Autism Across Practice Contexts | 3 |
| Course 4: Autism: Treating the Whole Person in Context | 3 |
Click for course descriptions.
FAQs
Where are classes held?
Classes meet online generally one evening per week.
How much time should I expect to devote to the program?
The program is designed for part-time study so that practicing therapists can complete the certificate while maintaining employment and personal obligations. Students can expect to spend 3 hours a week in an online class and additional time for reading and completing assignments.
Will the certificate credits transfer to a Jefferson degree program?
Yes. The complete certificate is 12 credits, all of which will transfer into the MS or OTD program at Jefferson. Courses are taught at the graduate level and may be transferred to another institution.
Are the courses applicable for continuing education credit?
Formal academic coursework relevant to occupational therapy or to the occupational therapist’s professional role is applicable for professional development units with an equivalency of 1 credit hour/semester = 10 PDUs. (2010 NBCOT Certification Renewal Handbook)
How much does it cost?
Tuition is assessed per credit at the graduate level. Please visit the Registrar’s tuition page to view the current fees. Use the drop down menu to choose Jefferson School of Health Professions and Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program to view current per credit tuition rate. University technology and library fees are assessed each semester.
Jefferson alumni receive a 25% tuition discount. Employers may have funds budgeted to pay for tuition, either as tuition reimbursement programs or continuing education funds. For information about how to pay tuition and a monthly payment program click here.
What resources can I access via the Web?
Jefferson’s resources, including library collections, services and technology, are easy to navigate via a distance format. The instructor will guide you through this process.
Contact Info
For more information please contact
Course Coordinator
Carol Just, OTD, OTR/L
carol.just@jefferson.edu
Primary Instructor
Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
roseann.schaaf@
jefferson.edu
Registration
Susan Toth-Cohen, PhD, OTR/L, OTD Director
susan.toth-cohen@
jefferson.edu
How to Apply
Complete the non-matriculated student form (be sure to complete all information)
Fax to (215) 503-3499 for OT Faculty signature. We will initiate the process for registration.
You will then be registered for the course and notified by the Tuition Office and the Department of Occupational Therapy
You start class online from anywhere you are!
