The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program offers opportunities

for in-depth study of, and clinical experiences with clients of all

ages who have limited capacity to perform to their expectations

in their everyday lives or who are at risk of developing a limiting

condition. The goal of occupational therapy is to assist individuals

to achieve their maximum level of independent living and quality of

life through remediation of, adaptation to, or prevention of physical,

cognitive, perceptual or mental health functional limitations.

Occupational therapy utilizes the consultative process in addition

to direct intervention and works with populations and systems as

well as individuals.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program engages students

in the teaching/learning process to enable them to demonstrate

excellence in entry-level and advanced skills (above the generalist

level) in assessment-evaluation and the intervention process. The

program encompasses the individual, the community (specific

populations) and is understood though proficiency in outcome

measurement, program evaluation, and analysis and synthesis of

evidenced based outcomes data. The overall process is grounded in

the diagnosis and application of occupation and performance, and

the use of reasoning and creative problem solving.

Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Gannon’s faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, The University offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

Gannon is located in Pennsylvania's fourth largest city and one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes. Gannon’s urban campus, in the middle of downtown Erie, is within a two hour drive of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. The unique location and facilities create a special atmosphere conducive to learning, scholarship, research, service, and personal growth.

The Florida site is an innovative response to the increasing demand for high-quality graduate education in disciplines that serve the rapidly expanding health care sector of the Florida economy. The additional site increases the opportunity for Gannon University students, prospective students and faculty to help meet the need for health professionals in a state where the population of both older persons and school-age persons is growing.

The extensive market research spanned the country and several states with growing populations. The west coast of Florida had the optimal balance of growing population of college-age students, a growing need for health care professionals combined with a limited number of graduate health care professional programs and an extremely welcoming community.

The additional site was also chosen for its congruence with Gannon University's Mission and Catholic Identity. The University was encouraged to find open and eager partners within the Ruskin community, the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg and at potential sites for clinical and field placements.