Certificates for Advanced Practice
Neuroscience: a Foundation for OT
Autism
|
Teaching in the Digital Age
|
Innovative Practice with Older Adults
|
Neuroscience
Overview
The specialty certificate is designed for registered and licensed occupational therapists and physical therapists who wish to participate in advanced study of neuroscience and neuro-based rehabilitation intervention strategies. Courses are taught by experts in the field.
Program Features
- 4 graduate level courses (12 credits)
- Course 1: September-December
- Course 2: January-February
- Course 3: March-April
- Course 4: May-June
- 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
- 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.
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: OT 778 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Course 2: OT 751 Foundations of Neuroscience | 3 |
| Course 3: OT 753 Advanced Concepts in Neuroscience I | 3 |
| Course 4: OT 754 Advanced Concepts in Neuroscience II | 3 |
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in occupational or physical therapy
FAQs
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 class and additional time for reading and doing 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)
For Physical Therapists, documentation is available, such as class syllabi, final transcripts, certificate of completion, and so forth, which can be submitted to the appropriate State Board for continuing education approval.
Can I take classes out of order?
Courses are usually taken consecutively. Exceptions can be made on an individual basis.
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. Universitytechnology 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 kind of learning experiences will be used?
The curriculum allows for a dynamic interactive learning environment using the latest technology for distance learning which allows access to a variety of experts on specific topic areas.
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
Course Coordinator
Carol Just, OTD, OTR/L
Carol.Just@
jefferson.edu
Primary instructor
Roseann 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!

