POTSDAM -- Clarkson University's new master of science in occupational therapy (MSOT) program has been approved by the New York State Education Department. The program has also been granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, according to Clarkson.

Occupational therapists help people participate things through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. The term "occupation" is not limited to a person's profession, and can be anything from studying to playing to cooking a meal, Clarkson said.

"The outcome can be quantified in a number of different ways, such as standing unassisted to bake a pie, swallowing while eating dinner, having good judgment while driving, helping a child with autism develop social skills and make a friend or being able to maintain dignity and independence with day-to-day activities after a stroke or amputation," said Director and Founding Chair of the Occupational Therapy Program Rondalyn V. Whitney. "It's all a matter of finding what is important to each person. We help people live their lives to the fullest in spite of disability or disorders."

The program takes 27 months to complete. It will be housed in Clarkson Hall on the school’s downtown campus. Students will begin the classes in August.

The program includes three study tracks, including technology for health related quality of life, occupational therapist as an educator and innovative practitioner, the school said.

Technology for health related quality of life is designed for students who want to become clinicians who can design and implement programs.

Students in the occupational therapist as an educator track will become clinicians who can design and implement programs in academia, clinical research or intervention directed to the needs of children and youth.

The innovative practitioner track enables students to become clinicians who can design and implement programs for a primary care practitioner, product designer or entrepreneur.