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​Master's degree (MScOT)

Key points

The Hebrew University graduate (Master's) program in occupational therapy, the first to be offered in Israel, was opened in 1990 under the Department of Medical Sciences and aims to train professional leadership in this discipline. Students of the graduate program will gain depth and breadth of knowledge in occupational therapy theory and occupational science, including their ability of evidence-based clinical reasoning. To gain a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy, students may choose one of two tracks, the research track or the non-research track (applied). In both tracks students commit to two years of intensive studies of occupational therapy and occupational science. However, it is possible to study on day a week each year.
Students in the research track are also required to conduct research and write a thesis. The track is also available to students with an undergraduate degree in related disciplines. The non-research track is only available to students with an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. In the non-research track, students are encouraged undertake an applied project which is relevant to their clinical work. Both tracks allow students to explore areas such as neurodevelopmental disorders, physical, mental and cognitive rehabilitation as well as aging. Graduate degree students also learn to translate research into clinical practice and to evaluate research-based evidence as a basis for occupational therapy interventions.
The School of Occupational Therapy graduate program offers specializations in one of three areas:
  • Neuro-developmental disorders
  • Promoting functioning and health for older adults
  • Disabilities, Rehabilitation and Mental Health studies

About the program

The thesis track

The research track aims to develop research skills and expertise in occupational therapy interventions in different areas, by providing knowledge and skills in asking research questions, as well as planning and to conducting research. This track prepares its graduates to conduct research in clinical settings. Moreover, it is a basic requirement for Doctoral studies that may lead to an academic career. The research track is open to candidates with a bachelor's degree in the health or education fields (additional completions courses may be required). However, for these candidates, the Master's degree in occupational therapy does not allow them to work as occupational therapists. This track is an intensive 2-year program in the areas of occupational therapy and occupational science. Students in this track complete 40 credits, of which 29-30 credits are courses and the rest are the Master thesis. In the final stage students in this track are required to pass an oral final examination.

​The non-thesis track

The non-research (practical) track aims to train occupational therapists for professional leadership as well as management and supervisory roles. Additionally, it aims to development evidence-based clinical reasoning and intervention. Many graduated of this track are currently holding management positions. This tack is open only to candidates who have a B.O.T degree in occupational therapy. This track is an intensive two-year program in the areas of occupational therapy and occupational science. Additionally, students are invited to develop a clinical project. Students in this program complete 37 credits.

Specialization in Neuro-developmental disorders – new

The purpose of the neuro-developmental track is to provide graduates with theoretical, research and clinical knowledge to understand the biological basis and psychosocial context of the common neurodevelopmental disorders, the central and secondary symptoms as well as their consequences on the functioning and participation in various areas of life for the person and his family. Also, the specialization is designed to impart knowledge on central theories and principles that underlie the intervention among a population with neuro-developmental disorders, knowledge of issues in research methods among a population with neurodevelopmental disorders, and an understanding of ways of applying research knowledge in working with this population. It is important to note that this program does not include clinical training hours, but will expand the clinical evidence-based practice of its graduates through case-based learning and will enhance the knowledge about evaluation and intervention tools.

Promoting functioning and health for older adults

The overarching goal of this specialization is to train excellent occupational therapists for research, clinical practice and promotion of functioning and health for older adults. The vision is that graduates will be change agents and activists with a significant impact on functioning and health of older adults. The specialization will facilitate their role as leaders in health and social services, in supervising and training health professionals, family and formal caregivers, as well as in health, social and technological innovation projects for promoting functioning and health in older adults.

Disability, rehabilitation, and mental health

The overarching purpose of this specializing is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge concerning social, medical, and functional perspectives of disability, and their application in intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation with individuals with disabilities and their families. The mandatory courses of the specialization program enhance the development of a broad multi-professional view for the purpose of assessing the needs of people with disabilities with an emphasis on mental health and developing interventions.

​Course catalog

​Program courses are listed in the Hebrew University Course Catalog

​Terms of admission

​Terms of admission to the School of Occupational Therapy's graduate program in the thesis track:
  1. Bachelor degree from the Hebrew University or another recognized university in occupational therapy or a related discipline.
  2. Final average grade of at least 89 in your bachelor degree.
  3. Interview
​Terms of admission to the School of Occupational Therapy's postgraduate program in the non-thesis track:
  1. Bachelor degree in occupational therapy from the Hebrew University or another university
  2. Final average grade of at least 85 in your bachelor degree
  3. Interview

​Scholarship information

​Information about scholarships is available on the Hebrew University scholarship website

​Registration

​After registration on the Hebrew University's website, there is an additional registration procedure on the website of the School of Occupational Therapy. Please write to ornav@savion.huji.ac.il to confirm that your registration information has been received.

​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.: 02-5881008
​Ms. Orna Nechemia
​tel.: 02-5880294
​Ms. Revital Weinbard
​tel.: 02-5880286
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