Student & Alumni Information

O‌ur Students

Our students are a diverse group of adults who come to Sacred Heart from all around the country. In our classes we have had students from as far as Bermuda, Florida and Delaware and as near as Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts. Our students are males and females, young and old, living at home with their family and living in their own home with their children. They have ranged in age from 22 to 47 and approximately 12% have children of their own. Our students come from varied ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and our program prides itself in being accommodating for the adult learners who enroll.‌

Student Research

Through engagement in continual learning and evidence-based practice, students will explain the importance of research in occupational therapy, select appropriate statistics for given research questions, compare and contrast sources of research and their importance, quality and relevance, and critique the research of others. During the program, students are required to analyze scholarly research and Critically Appraised Paper (CAP).

Community-Based Practice

Each of Sacred Heart University's Graduate Occupational Therapy Program students design community programs in small groups. In order to create the programs, they first conduct a thorough needs assessment with the program's population, service providers and important stakeholders. Students then collaborate with all important stakeholders to review the findings of the needs assessment, establish goals and objectives to address needs and design a wellness or prevention program to address un-met needs. Students then implement the programs and conduct program evaluations on program outcomes.

Student Activities

Our students become involved in a variety of activities throughout their time here at Sacred Heart. In addition to their needs assessment and community intervention project, they also complete a research project in connection with a primary faculty member's research interest. An additional integral part of the educational experience are local field trips. These "off-site laboratories" occur frequently as learning opportunities for specialty areas such as assistive technology, splinting, child development and environmental accessibility. Lastly, a variety of special events occur throughout the program that allow for socialization, celebration, professionalization and charity work.

Events

Student events include fundraisers in order to attend the national conference each spring, ConnOTA Conferences, events to raise funds for local charities and social events that allow students and faculty to get to know one another. An awards ceremony and reception for students and their families is held prior to graduation.

‌Alumni

Letters of Reference

When requesting letters of reference from the Sacred Heart University OT faculty, please use this Reference Request Form.