The Professional Program in Occupational Therapy consistently demonstrates strong outcomes. The following is a sample:

Fieldwork Performance
Each student upon completion of each full time (level 2) fieldwork experience is evaluated by the supervisor, using AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance Report.  A passing score on this evaluation is 123.  For the Columbia University Occupational Therapy Class of 2012, 110 level 2 experiences were completed.  Their average score was 140. The Class of 2013 completed their first full-time fieldwork experience.  Based on that experience, their average score was 142.  Columbia students consistently score high on this evaluation.

Degree completion:
Students in our program typically complete their academic and fieldwork requirements within 24- 28 months. This range is dependent upon whether or not a student elects to pursue an optional fieldwork experience.  The following indicates by Class the percentage of students who successfully completed their program as intended.  These figures take into account any student who may have withdrawn from the program, or who did not complete the program within the time frame.

*anticipated

NBCOT Certification
Our students complete all coursework for their entry level degree in May of each calendar year.
Many of these students, after completing their second and final fieldwork experience, graduate in October of that same calendar year. Those students who participate in an optional fieldwork experience graduate in February or May of the next calendar year. One is eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam only after successfully completing all required coursework and fieldwork. Hence, the number of graduates in any given calendar year will not match the number of first time NBCOT exam takers.

The total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination as first-time new graduate test takers in 2010–2013 was 137 out of 152, which is a pass rate of 90%. During that 3-year time period, the program had 154 graduates. For the most recent year, 2012, during which we had 59 graduates, the pass rate was 95%.

Employment
Over 90% of the employers of our graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with our graduate’s:

• Critical thinking skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to function as a team member
• Ability to work with families and care givers
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Responsiveness to supervision
• Overall professionalism

Our students report, on average, that it takes less than one month to find employment.