Overview

The Department of Occupational Therapy at the Faculty of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences is dedicated to promoting health, independence, and participation in meaningful daily activities across the lifespan. Occupational therapy focuses on enabling individuals with physical, developmental, neurological, psychological, or functional challenges to participate effectively in self-care, education, work, social activities, and leisure.

Through evidence-based education, clinical training, and research, the department prepares skilled occupational therapists who can assess functional abilities, identify barriers to participation, and develop individualized intervention programs. Our approach integrates clinical knowledge, therapeutic techniques, assistive technologies, and client-centered care to improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

History and Evolution

The Department of Occupational Therapy has developed as an integral part of rehabilitation education and services at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Over the years, the department has expanded its educational and clinical activities in response to the growing need for specialized rehabilitation services for children, adults, older adults, and individuals with neurological, musculoskeletal, developmental, and other functional conditions.

The department emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical and clinical education. Students receive training in assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, functional rehabilitation, and the use of adaptive and assistive approaches. The department also promotes research and professional development to contribute to the advancement of occupational therapy education and practice.

Academic & Clinical Scope

The department provides academic education and clinical training supported by experienced faculty members and specialized rehabilitation environments:

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.): An undergraduate program combining foundational medical sciences, occupational therapy theory, assessment methods, therapeutic interventions, and supervised clinical education. Students develop competencies in evaluating occupational performance and designing individualized intervention programs.
• Clinical Education & Training: Students gain practical experience in a variety of clinical and rehabilitation settings, developing skills in patient assessment, intervention planning, therapeutic activities, functional training, and outcome evaluation under professional supervision.
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Specialized approaches for children with developmental, neurological, sensory, motor, and functional difficulties, with emphasis on improving participation in play, learning, self-care, and everyday activities.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Assessment and intervention for individuals with neurological conditions, focusing on motor and sensory function, upper-limb rehabilitation, activities of daily living, cognitive abilities, and community participation.
• Physical & Functional Rehabilitation: Occupational therapy interventions aimed at improving functional performance following injury, illness, surgery, or other physical limitations, including activities of daily living and upper-extremity function.
• Assistive Technology & Adaptive Strategies: Training in the selection and application of assistive devices, adaptive techniques, and environmental modifications to promote independence, safety, and participation.
• Research & Evidence-Based Practice: Faculty and students engage in research addressing functional rehabilitation, occupational performance, developmental conditions, neurological rehabilitation, assistive technology, and other areas relevant to contemporary occupational therapy.

Mission and Vision

• Our Mission: To provide high-quality education, clinical training, and research in occupational therapy; prepare competent, ethical, and client-centered occupational therapists; and contribute to the improvement of functional independence, participation, and quality of life for individuals and communities.
• Our Vision: To become a leading academic and clinical center for occupational therapy education, research, and evidence-based rehabilitation services in the region, contributing to innovation in client-centered and interdisciplinary rehabilitation.