About the program
Our occupational therapy program includes theoretical courses alongside clinical studies prepares its graduates for the qualification exams they are required to pass in order to gain a license to practice in Israel.
Theoretical program
The theoretical courses cover several areas including medicine, social and behavioral sciences, occupational science and occupational therapy, as well as research. The courses are offered in progression throughout the program.
The occupational science is the basis for understanding the fundamentals and theories of human occupation and of the reciprocal links between occupation, health, and quality of life. The courses in occupational therapy providing deepen in the different practical fields. The courses in medical science provide students with the fundamentals they need to understand the biology, anatomy, physiology, and neurology of healthy people as well as pathologies and disorders. The program in social and behavioral science create the groundwork for an in-depth understanding of the cognitive, emotional and social aspects of human. The courses in basic research includes courses in statistics and research methods, that provide students with the tools to understand studies that will allow evidence-based occupational therapy treatment, research conducting, and critically appraise studies.
First year courses include basic courses in occupational science and occupational therapy (introduction to occupational therapy and occupation-based activity analysis), medical science (anatomy and physiology), social and behavioral science (introduction to psychology, social psychology, and the sociology of health and sickness), research methodology (participation in experiments, statistics)
The second, third, and fourth years are used to extend each of the areas of study. In the area of occupational science and occupational therapy courses in theoretical models as well as occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in specific areas and populations such as children with Developmental difficulties, cognitive and physical rehabilitation and mental health. In medical science specific topics in neurology, orthopedics, psychiatry, internal medicine, and pathology; in social sciences, a course in clinical neuropsychology and ethics. Throughout their years in the program, students continue learning courses about research methodology, SPSS and participate in research projects as part of a research seminar.
We believe that the most important tool of the occupational therapist is the occupational therapist itself. Therefore, the program includes, beginning at the first year, variety of courses aiming to develop therapeutic personality and self-awareness. In the first year, Students participate in a unique course called "KESHER". This course provide experience in a therapeutic relationship from the very first year by mentorship an individual with special needs in the community with personal and professional counseling. Moreover, the students participate in a course for developing self-awareness through mindfulness. Finally, students participate in an elective course for self-awareness developing by various therapeutic means (cinema, music, psychodrama, and art) and in concluding course at the end of the last year about the transition from a student to a therapist.
Clinical and practical program
As healthcare professionals, occupational therapists help their clients by providing intervention that is tailored to the population, diagnosis, and therapeutic setting. Accordingly, our students gain clinical experience in many settings and with various populations. The entire curriculum (about 1000 hours) is guided by the standards established by the WFOT (World Federation of Occupational Therapists) and the experience of universities around the world.
Students participate in clinical experience periods during the second, third, and fourth years, applying the theoretical knowledge they have learned. By methodically structuring a step-wise program, we have created clinical training that promotes clinician excellence. The fieldwork experience is offered in many locations around Israel, at recognized and approved clinics in which occupational therapists work, that are part of healthcare, rehabilitation, educational, and community services.
Student exchange program for clinical training with the University of Toronto, Canada
In 2023, for the first time in Israel, an exchange program took place between the School of Occupational Therapy of the Hebrew University and the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, Canada. The program is intended for fourth-year students for the duration of first semester (13 weeks). As part of the exchange program, the students have a practical experience, which is a central and significant part of the curriculum for a graduate degree in occupational therapy. The program is the first of its kind in Israel! An innovative project designed to promote professionalism and innovation in the field of occupational therapy studies. Thanks to the level of excellence and the international reputation of the School of Occupational Therapy and of the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University, the collaboration with the University of Toronto, one of the leading universities in the world was possible.
Course catalog
Terms of admission
The School of Occupational Therapy at the Hebrew University has one of the highest admission thresholds at the University, which assures the professional excellence of School of Occupational Therapy graduates.
Terms of admission to the School of Occupational Therapy's undergraduate program:
- Calculation of weighted grades:
- Weighted average grade of aptitude test and high school diploma grades 50%/ 50% or 70%/ 30%, the higher of the two.
- Weighted average grade of aptitude test and preparatory program (MECHINA) 50%/ 50% (all prep program tracks).
- Weighted average grade of aptitude test and bachelor's degree 50%/ 50%.
- Direct admission is only available to holders of a PhD degree.
Please ask at the Admissions Office about your chances of admission.
- Minimum requirement for English: score-100, level-Advanced A.
- Hebrew level:
exemption, in cases where the language of instruction in high school was not Hebrew (score-105).
- Interview: Candidates who satisfy these requirements will be invited to an interview. Participating in this interview is a requirement for admission. Only candidates who successfully pass the interview will receive notice of admission and may fulfill their enrollment. The invitation to an interview does guarantee admission to the program.
- Statement of health: Candidates who are invited to an interview will be asked to sign a statement of health and a waiver of medical confidentiality.
- Before the academic year begins, a preparatory program is required in: chemistry, physics, and biology to first-year students.
Participation is mandatory and requires a separate fee.
Achotenu program in Occupational Therapy
Achotenu in occupational therapy is a Bachler degree program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, intended mostly for Ethiopian students. The program is a collaboration between the Hebrew University and La'Ofek society.
Basic terms of admission to the program are a high-school full diploma (bagrut), including a minimum of 4 units in the English final exam. In addition, students may be accepted based on the Feuerstein test scores (rather than the psychometric test) and an interview.
In the first year, students learn in the preparatory program of the Hebrew University, in the natural sciences track that including biology, mathematics, English and academic writing. Students who achieve a minimum average of 90 at the preparatory studies and Advanced A level in English are accepted to the Occupational Therapy program.
The Achotenu program includes funding of a full tuition and a scholarship, residence at the students' dorms (which are obligatory), as well as academic assistance.
Scholarship information
Registration
You will have to register according to University procedures if you satisfy the terms of admission and interview as listed above.
Faculty and administration
Prof. Yafit Gilboa, Head of the School of Occupational Therapy
Prof. Naomi Weintraub, Chair of the Graduate Program
Dr. Nirit Levanon-Erez, Chair of the Undergraduate Program
Ms. Keren Ivgi, Administrative Director
Ms. Orna Nechemia, Secretary of Studies
Ms. Revital Weinbard, Office of Teaching Affairs
Ms. Odelia Eliyahu, Clinical Academic Programs Coordinator
Contact
Ms. Keren Ivgi
tel.: +97225881008
Ms. Orna Nechemia
tel.: +97225880294
Ms. Revital Weinbard
tel.: +97225880286
Ms. Odelia Eliyahu, Clinical Academic Programs Coordinator
tel.: +97225880291
