General Information

The Undergraduate Program of the Department of Occupational Therapy is a 4-year program consisting of 8 semesters, each worth 30 ECTS credits. The department’s academic staff currently consists of 1 Lecturer and 1 Research Assistant. In the program, undergraduate students take fundamental courses in basic medical sciences, Atatürk’s Principles and History of Reforms, Turkish Language, and a Foreign Language, in addition to courses specific to the Department of Occupational Therapy during the first year. In the second and third years, students complete the foundations of occupational therapy, and in the fourth year, they undertake internships in various clinical sciences to apply their knowledge. Students who successfully complete all examinations over the four years graduate with the title of Occupational Therapist.

Graduates of the program who meet the necessary requirements in accordance with the postgraduate education regulations may continue their studies at the master’s or doctoral level.

Aims and Objectives

Aim:
The aim of the Department of Occupational Therapy is to train occupational therapists who can synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge, plan and implement client-centered occupational therapy evaluations and interventions, and act with professional ethics and competence. Occupational therapists are expected to enhance individuals’ independence and quality of life through meaningful and purposeful activities that promote social participation, while also applying evidence-based practices with lifelong learning, clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.

Objective:
The objective is to train occupational therapists who, equipped with knowledge and skills in occupational therapy, contribute to the recognition of the profession both nationally and internationally through scientific studies and consultancy services, and who can think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and develop innovative and original solutions in their working environments.

Level of Qualification within the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ) and Awarded Degree

Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.

The undergraduate program in Occupational Therapy is a 4-year program consisting of 240 ECTS credits. It meets the credit and level requirements defined for the First Cycle in the “Qualifications Framework for European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA)” and Level 6 in the “Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ).” It also corresponds to Level 6 in the “European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF-LLL).”

Admission Requirements

Turkish students are admitted to the Department of Occupational Therapy based on the results of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) conducted by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Placement is carried out according to students’ preference order and their quantitative (SAY) score type results in the YKS.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University recognizes courses previously taken at other institutions based on the principle of lifelong learning. If the learning outcomes of these courses are compatible with those of the enrolled program, they may be exempted from the graduation credit requirements. The Faculty Board evaluates the equivalence and exemption decisions in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

Program Profile

The Department of Occupational Therapy was established to provide a high-quality program that integrates both theoretical and practical courses, enabling students to keep pace with and learn about new technologies.

The undergraduate curriculum is designed in line with a cooperative educational strategy and experiential learning, ensuring adaptability to technological advancements. The program primarily covers basic and clinical medical sciences, principles of occupational therapy, and areas of occupation. Accordingly, students gain the ability to apply knowledge of basic and clinical sciences to both patients and healthy individuals through problem-based applications, creative and integrative approaches, and holistic, multidisciplinary teamwork.

The Occupational Therapy undergraduate program (First Cycle in the Bologna Process Qualifications Framework, Level 6 in TYYÇ) is academically oriented, preparing graduates for professional fields requiring advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as for postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) programs.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The most commonly used teaching and learning methods at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University are as follows. Programs employ many of these methods according to their aims and objectives. The Occupational Therapy program specifies the methods used across the program under the “program learning outcomes” section, while methods specific to each course are indicated in the “course description and implementation” section.

Examples of Teaching and Learning Methods:

• Lectures & Classroom Activities
• Group Work
• Laboratory
• Reading
• Assignments
• Project Preparation
• Seminars
• Internship
• Web-based Learning
• Practical Training
• On-site Practice
• Professional Activities
• Social Activities
• Field Work
• Report Writing

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Graduates can work as occupational therapists in public and private hospitals, university hospitals, community mental health centers, nursing homes, care homes, wellness centers, special education centers, and rehabilitation centers. They can also pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD) at universities in Türkiye and abroad. There is currently no issue of unemployment for occupational therapists in Türkiye.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

To qualify for graduation from the undergraduate program in Occupational Therapy, students must:

• Successfully complete all compulsory and elective courses (including mandatory practical components) and earn a minimum of 240 ECTS credits as specified in the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University undergraduate regulations.
• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.
• Complete Clinical Summer Internship I (20 working days, 6 ECTS).
• Complete Clinical Summer Internship II (20 working days, 6 ECTS).

For detailed information, see the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations.

Opportunities for Further Study

Students who successfully complete this program may apply for postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD) in Occupational Therapy or related fields. Admission is based on students’ academic performance in undergraduate studies and their scores in the Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Exam (ALES) conducted by ÖSYM. According to national and institutional regulations, foreign language proficiency may also be required for admission.

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

The following methods are used to assess whether program learning outcomes are achieved:

• Midterm Exam
• Final Exam
• Make-up Exam
• Quizzes
• Assignment Evaluation
• Report and Document Submission
• Computer-based Presentations
• Practical Examinations

Examinations:
Students’ success in achieving the learning outcomes of each course is evaluated through midterm activities and final exams. Midterm assessments include at least one midterm exam, an assignment, and a quiz as required evaluation components. Additional assessment methods may be included depending on the needs of the program.

Grades are determined by the course instructors, based on midterm and final exam results, assignments, and other evaluations, taking into account attendance requirements. The contribution of final exams to the overall grade is between 40% and 60%, as regulated.

Students’ final grades are converted to letter grades using a relative evaluation method based on a 100-point scale, standard deviation, and class average, in accordance with the principles set by the University Senate.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Occupational Therapy program, a student must:

• Successfully complete all compulsory and elective courses, including mandatory practical components, and obtain at least 240 ECTS credits.
• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.
• Complete Clinical Summer Internship I (20 working days, 6 ECTS).
• Complete Clinical Summer Internship II (20 working days, 6 ECTS).

Mode of Study

The Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Program at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University is conducted as full-time, face-to-face education.