Our vision

We envision that the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri will be a globally renowned leader in occupational therapy exemplified by innovation and excellence in clinical education, service, practice and scholarship.

Our mission

The mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri is to improve the health and well-being of society by assisting people to optimize their participation in everyday life occupations. We achieve this mission through the integration of:

• our professional education of clinically innovative occupational therapy practitioners prepared to meet the dynamic occupational needs of people and communities across the lifespan;
• our steadfast commitment to service to our community and our profession;
• our evidence-based practice; and
• our commitment to scholarship, discovery and clinical research to advance our profession.

Named a Best Occupational Therapy Program 2021 by U.S. News and World Report

We’re proud that Mizzou ranks in the top 8% of occupational therapy programs in the nation.

Occupational Therapy defined

Occupational therapy practitioners provide skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives; occupational therapy is also one of the fastest growing health professions. Our students have had 100 percent placement rate after graduation, joining MU alumni in patient care or management positions in schools, hospitals, specialized clinics, nursing homes and other health-care agencies.

“Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.” –The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

The diversity of areas to work in Occupational Therapy keeps expanding. From hospitals to schools, rehab facilities to research, inpatient and outpatient, pediatrics through geriatrics, traveling positions, and more. This diverse range of work environments allows for therapists to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many different individuals at various points of their life.

Find out more about occupational therapy from the American Occupational Therapy Association.