FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT

I. CONTACT INFORMATION

• Department Name: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Department
• Duration: 4 years
• Language of Instruction: English
• Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
• University: Girne American University
• Phone: +90 850 650 2000 | Secretary Extension: 2539
• Website: https://www.gau.edu.tr/en/faculty-of-health-sciences

II. About the Department

Our Occupational Therapy Department was established in 2016 within the Faculty of Health Sciences to meet the growing need for health and well-being-oriented services in Turkey and the world, and to train professionals who will improve the health and quality of life of individuals through meaningful and purposeful activities.

Since its establishment, our department has steadily progressed to become one of the leading occupational therapy education centers in Turkey and the TRNC, thanks to its specialized and experienced academic staff, laboratories equipped with modern technical equipment, and strong clinical collaborations. Students from all over the world are admitted to our department, and therefore, many of our graduates to date work as Occupational Therapists in their home countries.

Program Aim:
 The Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Program aims to train qualified occupational therapists who will empower individuals through meaningful activities, increase their independence and community participation, while adopting a creative, critical, and client-centered approach.

Title of Graduates:
 Those who complete the 4-year undergraduate program in the Occupational Therapy Department receive the title "Occupational Therapist".

Employment Opportunities for Graduates:

1. Health Sector
   • Public and University Hospitals: In units such as Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Burn Unit, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
   • Private Hospitals and Medical Centers: They provide services in similar clinics.
   • Rehabilitation Centers: Centers for individuals with physical disabilities, neurological diseases (stroke, MS, Parkinson's, etc.), or individuals with mental health issues.
   • Psychiatric Hospitals and Mental Health Centers: They work to help individuals with conditions such as addiction, schizophrenia, and depression gain daily living skills and integrate into the community.
   • Home Care Services: They provide treatment and environmental modifications in the home setting to increase the patient's functionality.
2. Education and Research Sector
   • Universities: They can pursue an academic career, provide education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and conduct scientific research.
   • Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers: They work to help children with special needs (such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) acquire self-care, fine motor, academic, and social skills.
   • Schools Providing Inclusive Education: They provide support for the adaptation of students with special needs to the school environment.
3. Social Services and Municipalities
   • Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services: In units such as disability and elderly care centers (Nursing Homes, Special Care Centers), Child Protection Institutions.
   • Municipalities: They can take part in social projects for people with disabilities, elderly and disability counseling centers, and community-based rehabilitation services.
4. Industrial Area (Workplace Health and Ergonomics)
   • Human Resources or Occupational Health and Safety Units of Large Companies: They provide consultancy to protect employees' physical and mental health in the workplace, increase their work adaptation, design ergonomic work environments, and prevent work accidents.
5. Private Sector and Entrepreneurship
   • Opening Private Occupational Therapy and Development Centers: They can open their own private practice or center.
   • Consultancy Services: They can provide consultancy on home, school, or workplace modifications.
   • Adaptive Device and Technology Development: They can take part in the development and consultancy of products to facilitate the lives of individuals with disabilities.
6. Forensic and Legal Field
   • Council of Forensic Medicine and Courts: They can serve as expert witnesses in evaluating disability status, determining the individual's degree of incapacity, and preparing necessary reports.

Occupational therapists work with individuals of all age groups, from infancy to old age, who experience physical, mental, sensory, or social difficulties, aiming to improve their health and well-being through "meaningful and purposeful activities" (daily living, work, productivity, social participation). Therefore, their employment areas are extremely broad, in line with this goal.

III. MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND GOALS

Mission
 To educate occupational therapists who aim to increase the individual's community participation through meaningful and purposeful activities (occupations), possess an evidence-based, holistic, and client-centered perspective; who can think critically, are committed to ethical values, adopt lifelong learning as a principle, and are leaders and innovators. Furthermore, to contribute to the development of occupational therapy science and the improvement of community health through scientific research and community service.

Vision
 To be a leading and reference department in the field of occupational therapy, recognized at national and international levels, accredited for the quality of its education and research, and whose graduates are preferred in the sector.

Values

• Client-Centeredness: The uniqueness, needs, and preferences of the individual are at the heart of all our services and education.
• Scientificity and Evidence-Based Practice: Our education and practices are supported by the most current scientific evidence.
• Ethics and Integrity: We are strictly committed to professional ethical principles and the principle of integrity.
• Innovation and Creativity: We encourage producing innovative and creative solutions to problems.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: We value and support intra-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary collaboration.
• Community Participation and Social Responsibility: We consider it our duty to reach all segments of society and contribute through social responsibility projects.
• Continuous Development: We adopt an understanding of continuous improvement and development in our academic and administrative processes.

Goals

1. To provide our students with a high-quality educational environment where they can integrate theoretical knowledge with practice.
2. To maintain the employment rate of our graduates at a minimum of 90%.
3. To increase the number of national and international scientific publications and projects of our academic staff every year.
4. To ensure, guide, and manage the effective participation of students and faculty members in social and educational programs.
5. To organize public seminars, screening programs, and awareness projects that are integrated with the community.

Our Internal Stakeholders

• Our Students
• Faculty Members and Instructors
• Administrative and Technical Staff
• Department Commissions and Coordinatorships
• Faculty Commissions and Coordinatorships
• Smart Health Healthy Living Center
• Dean's Office of the Faculty of Health Sciences
• Rector's Office of Girne American University

External Stakeholders

• Program Graduates
• TRNC Ministry of Health
• TRNC Ministry of National Education
• Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital
• Dr. Akçiçek Hospital
• Public and University Hospitals in Turkey
• Juntos Special Education Center
• Juno Counseling Education and Research Center
• Girne Rehabilitation Center

IV. STRATEGIC GOALS

1. Improvement of Education-Teaching Quality
   • To periodically update the curriculum in line with World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) standards and local needs.
   • To establish advanced practice laboratories including simulation and virtual reality technologies.
   • To disseminate the use of student-centered, interactive, and problem-based learning methods.
2. Increasing Research and Development Capacity
   • To encourage and support academics to apply for national (TÜBİTAK) and international (EU Framework Programs) projects.
   • To organize or co-organize at least one national/international congress per year.
   • To increase the number of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Strengthening Societal Contribution and Service
   • To carry out at least two societal awareness projects per academic year.
   • To disseminate community-based occupational therapy services by developing collaborations with local governments and non-governmental organizations.

V. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Our Occupational Therapy Department is structured under the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Girne American University.

• Department Head: Responsible for representing the department and its academic and administrative functioning.
• Department Board: Consists of all faculty members. Academic decisions such as curriculum, exams, and student affairs are made in this board.
• Administrative Staff: The department secretary and laboratory supervisors work in administrative tasks and practice units.

VI. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

1. Physical Infrastructure: Increasing the capacity of existing laboratories and establishing new, specialized laboratories (e.g., Work and Industrial Occupational Therapy Lab.).
2. Clinical Practice Opportunities: Creating new practice sites in different cities and specialized areas so that our students can gain more diverse and qualified clinical experience.
3. Technology Integration: More effective use and enrichment of digital learning platforms and online educational materials.
4. Funding and Resource Development: Securing additional funding through externally funded projects and donation campaigns to strengthen the department's budget.

Note: This document outlines the general framework of the Girne American University Occupational Therapy Department. Strategic goals and improvement areas will be periodically reviewed and updated.

November 5, 2025
Head of Occupational Therapy Department
 Tuğba Çalışkan

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (Unique to Girne American University in Cyprus!)

• Duration: Four Years

• Qualification attained: BSc.

• Medium of Education: English

LESSONS

HS101 Anatomy (3 2 4)

The aim of this course is to familiarize the students with the structural systems of the human body, the inter-relationship of the structures within these systems and the related terminology. 

HS103 Physiology (4 0 4)

The aim of this course is to provide the students with a sound understanding of the functional characteristics of the human body, the functional principles of the systems comprising the human body and the principles of the unified functioning of these systems for homeostasis. 

HS105 Psychology (2 0 2)

The aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental topic, theories and branches of psychology to the students; provide the skills for an objective and scientific approach to human behaviour. In addition, basic and historical approaches in psychology, the fundamental topics of learning, motivation, social cognition, personality, sensation and perception, attention will be studied during this course. 

OT 101 Introduction to Occupational Therapy (3 0 3)
The students familiarize themselves with the profession of occupational therapy during his course. They understand the duties, capabilities, responsibilities and the work ethics of the profession; analyze daily-life activities, the basic logic of ergotherapeutic approaches in different diseases and understand the importance of teamwork. 

OT 103 Health and Wellness Strategies (3 0 3)
This course covers the topics of: the role of the occupational therapist in improving health and wellness; health-related concepts; analysis of health and wellness related improvement strategies and the same in cases of functional limitations based on performance –centered human activity/ roles. 

OT107 Nervous System: Structure and Function (3 0 3)

This course introduces the student to the structural properties of the human nervous system as well as informing about how life functions, sensory and motor activities are carried out. 

TURK001 Turkish Language I (2 0 2)

This course concentrated on the importance of language in society, the relationship between culture and language, comparative study of Turkish and other languages, historical development of Turkish Language and its spread. In addition, the course introduces Turkish from a phonetic perspective and provides skills in grammatical rules and their application.

NH001 National History I (2 0 2)

This course informs about the revolutionary movements in the Turkish Republic and Atatürk’s principles as well as introducing the cognitive skills behind his ideologies. 

EGL 101 Development of Reading Skills (3 0 3)

This course aims to develop the students reading skills through the use of selected paragraphs and sections and their reading practice. 

OT 102 Theories of Occupational Therapy (3 0 3)
In this course, the students understand the importance and the philosophy of occupational therapy theories; paradigms; reference frames; therapy approaches; ergotherapy models and learn their practical applications. 

OT 104 Activities in Occupational Therapy (2 4 4)
This course covers: Concepts related to activity directed at enhancing role performance; the role of activity analysis in the selection of therapeutic activity; therapeutic activity and exercise.

HS 102 Growth and Development (2 0 2)

In this course the students will understand the normal sensory, motor, cognitive and psychosocial processes of human development and the factors which affect them. 

HS104 Self-knowledge and Communication Methods (2 2 3)

This course relates to the understanding of characteristics of human behaviour, development of self- assessment instinct, basic theories and principles of communication and providing the students with the ability to implement this knowledge in their professional and social lives. 

HS106 Sociology and Health (2 0 2)

This course will provide knowledge for the students on topics such as social theories, urbanization, community development, sociological disciplines and general community issues. 

TURK002 Turkish Language II (2 0 2)

This course is an extension of TURK001 and investigates the topics outlined in TURK001 at further depth.

NH002 National History II (2 0 2)

This course is designed to add further knowledge on the topics outlined in NH001 but extends to facilitating accurate evaluation of the issues of the Republic of Turkey and her Government.

EGL102 Development of Writing Skills (3 0 3)

This course is aimed at developing the students’ writing skills and is supported by summaries of paragraphs and structural bases of written material. (Pre-requisite: EGL 101)

OT 201 Performance Areas – Sensory-Motor (2 2 3)
The students learn sensory systems and their relationship with daily life; the main principles of the theories and techniques of sensory unity; assessment methods in visual, sensory and perceptory dysfunction; and principles of ergotherapy, in this course.

OT 203 Performance Areas- Psychosocial (2 2 3)
In this course, the students recognize psychosocial performance competence and analyze psychosocial status in cases of different functional dysfunctionality and disability, as well as learning how to assess these situations. 

OT 205 Performance Areas- Cognitive (2 2 3)

This course ensures that the students can define cognition; understand the effect of cognition on role performance; and learn the methods of cognitive assessment in ergotherapy and the therapeutic approaches. 

OT 207 Functional Insufficiencies in Musculoskeletal System (4 0 4)

Through this course, the students are informed about traumatic, inflammatory, neoplastic, congenital and degenerative diseases which lead to insufficiencies in the functions of the musculoskeletal system. 

OT 209 Basic Measurement and Assessment Techniques (4 4 6)
In this course, the students learn about assessment of posture, shortness, flexibility; methods of evaluation of anthropometric measurements, normal joint movement and muscle strength. 

OT 211 Sociology of Disability (3 0 3)

This course covers the topics of disability; social status of the disabled, their social roles and social interactions on the basis of cultural and social differences. 

OT 202 Occupational Therapy in Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System (3 4 5)

In this course, the student learns the ergotherpeutic approaches applied for the problems leading to different type of functional insufficiencies in the musculoskeletal system, with the purpose of improving performance. 

OT 204 Daily-Life Activities (3 4 5)
The student understands the basic and instrumental daily-life activities; methods of assessing daily-life activities; and how to educate on daily-life activity in order to enhance independence, through this course.

OT 206 Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry (3 2 4)

In this course, the students learn about psychiatric dysfunction and its effects on role performance in children and adolescents; evaluation of psychiatric functional dysfunction from the perspective of ergotherapy; activity-based therapeutic approaches directed at independent living.

OT 208 Functional Kinesiology (2 0 2)

This course covers the topics of: Biomechanical properties of the body; musculoskeletal system; mechanical principles of movement and body mechanics. 

OT 210 Supportive Technology (2 2 3)

The students learn the following in this course: Areas of use for supportive technology in various functional insufficiencies with a view to enhancing role performance; Selection of the appropriate supportive equipment and principles of organizing the environment; Introduction of simple and complex equipment and learning the methods of education with supportive equipment. 

OT 214 Summer Internship

The internship programme is designed to help students reinforce the basic theories, concepts and skills they have learned from their lectures through practical applications at various areas in ergotherapy. The programme has duration of 2 weeks. 

OT 301 Neurodevelopmental Dysfunction (3 0 3)

This course informs the students about: The aetiology, pathology, epidemiology and clinical indications of the development of dysfunction in the nervous system. 

OT 303 Occupational Therapy in Geriatric Rehabilitation(2 2 3)

This course covers the understanding of biopsychosocial effects of the aging process and their relationship with the functional competencies; and understanding ergotherapeutic evaluation and therapeutic approaches for the purposes of enhancing role performance, safety and life quality. 

OT 305 Preventative Occupational Therapy and Environmental Review (3 4 5)

The students understand the ergonomic risk factors affecting role performance; learn planning and implementation of architectural barriers for access, safety factors, organisation of the environment and home adaptations; and gain information about the education of people according to ergonomic and biomechanical principles. 

OT307 Problem-Based Applications in Occupational Therapy (2 2 3)

This course is designed to develop the students’ skills in evaluation and planning of therapy approaches, decision making, problem solving and communication. This is achieved by carrying out analysis of case examples in small groups. 

HS301 Professional Ethics (2 0 2)

In this course the students will gain knowledge on the fundamental ethical concepts and be able to evaluate the situations they encounter from an ethical perspective.

OT302 Professional Rehabilitation (2 4 3)

In this course the students gain knowledge and skills in relation to the following topics: The complete health structure and societal roles of individuals with functional insufficiencies who wish to take up new employment or return to their previous employment; Ergotherapeutic evaluation (work and environment) and therapeutic approaches related to the life-roles and performance of such individuals. 

OT304 Orthotics and Biomechanics (3 2 4)

This course informs the students about: Biomechanical properties, suitability, function, use, and maintenance of orthotic equipment used in various functional insufficiencies; patient education; and production of simple orthotic equipment. 

OT306 Occupational Therapy in Neurodevelopmental Dysfunction (2 4 3)

Through this course, the students gain knowledge and skills in: Evaluation of the role performance in various neurodevelopmental dysfunctions; ergotherapeutic assessment and therapy approaches facilitating functional independence. 

OT308 Dance and Movement Therapy (1 2 2)

In this course, the students gain knowledge and skills with respect to the relationship between movement and psychomotor development, emotion and behavioural patterns; body’s potential movement; enrichment of individual’s movement repertoire. 

HS302 First-Aid and Emergency (2 2 3)

Through this course, the students will gain knowledge and skills necessary for the application of life-saving procedures in cases of emergency. 

OT310 Summer Internship

The students reinforce their academic gains through improving their practical skills on care and treatment by carrying out field studies in the format of an internship. 

OT401 Clinical Education I (0 16 8)

With this course, the aim is to develop student skills in evaluation and therapy approaches used in the field of ergotherapy, through practical applications. 

OT403 Evidence-Based Applications in Occupational Therapy (4 6 7)

In this course the students are expected to carry out literature searches relevant to evidence-based applications in ergotherapy; be able to evaluate and discuss relevant research scientifically, deontologically, ethically and legally and assess its validity and reliability. 

HS403 Education (4 4 6)

This course is designed to facilitate students’: Understanding of the concepts of learning and education; learning of educational methods; ability to recognize the techniques and equipment necessary for the evaluation of learning needs and outcomes; ability to use this knowledge in their own life and in patient education. 

HS405 Research Methods (2 2 3)

The aim of this course is to ensure that students understand the basic concepts, principles and methods involved in the research process; formulate the basic steps involved in a planned research; and gain the ability to read and understand related literature. 

OT402 Clinical Education II (0 16 8)

With this course, the aim is to develop student skills in evaluation and therapy approaches used in the field of ergotherapy, through practical applications.

 

OT404 Society-Based Rehabilitation (3 2 4)

The aim of this course is to inform the students on ergotherapeutic theories, strategies, and evaluation and application techniques. Through this course, the students also gain knowledge and skills in planning and application methods for assessment and intervention in order to facilitate societal integration of the disadvantaged groups. 

HS402 Health Management (4 4 6)

This course provides an understanding of the development of management, its basic principles, relevant legislation and management processes so that the students are able to adapt these concepts to health management.

OT 406 Graduation Project (4 6 7)

The requirements for the graduation project ensures the student attains competence in planning and carrying out a scientific study, collecting data, analyzing the relevant literature, applying statistical analysis, preparing the results as a report and present it. 

• 1. Semester
• 2. Semester
• 3. Semester
• 4. Semester
• 5. Semester
• 6. Semester
• 7. Semester
• 8. Semester

You can access the curriculum for all courses in the Occupational Therapy Department here. 

syylabus-1776071558.pdf

 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOB 

According to WFOT (World Federation of Occupational therapy) Occupational therapists are autonomous health professionals that work with individuals, groups and communities in a variety of settings such as, pediatrics, ortopedics, neurolgy, low vision therapy, mental health, assistive technology, oncological rehabilitation and geriatrics.

OTs are employed in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, home health agencies, outpatient rehabilitation centres, etc. to promote participation in occupations that give value and meaning to life.

In occupational therapy, occupations refer to the everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life. Occupations include things people need to, want to and are expected to do. 

Occupational therapists are educated, self-directed and use evidence and judgement to complete assessments, plan and implement occupational therapy interventions and evaluate outcomes of service. 

To work as an occupational therapist, individuals must complete an education programme in occupational therapy, and in most countries, meet regulatory standards for entry-to-practice and continuing competency

How Occupational Therapy is Provided

 

Referral

Occupational therapists can provide direct access to occupational therapy services without a referral from another health professional. Occupational therapists also accept referrals from a broad range of individuals, professionals and organisations. Occupational therapists have the right for self-determination regarding the populations and settings they serve, including those marginalised by economic, political or social factors.

Assessment

The occupational therapy process is based on initial and repeated assessments. The occupational therapist works together with the individual, group or community receiving occupational therapy to focus on personal capacity and environmental factors that may impact performance of important daily activities.

Assessment includes the use of standardised procedures, interviews, observations in a variety of settings, as well as consultation with significant others.

Planning

The results of an occupational therapy assessment form the basis of a plan which address short and long-term aims of intervention. The plan is relevant to the developmental stage, habits, roles, life-style preferences and environment of the person, group or community receiving occupational therapy.

Intervention

Intervention focuses on person-oriented programmes designed to facilitate the performance of everyday tasks and adaptation of settings in which the person, group or population receiving occupational therapy works, lives and socialises. Examples include teaching new techniques and providing equipment to facilitate independence in personal care; and reducing environmental barriers by providing resources to lessen stress.

Cooperation

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants recognise the importance of teamwork. Cooperation and coordination with other professionals, families, caregivers and volunteers are important in the realisation of the holistic approach used in occupational therapy.