Greetings from the Philippines!
I am Sophia Kaye Villarama, a college sophomore from the University of the Philippines Manila. Unlike probably most of you, I do not have a βWhy I Chose Occupational Therapyβ story that I can share since I took this career path simply because my parents told me to do so. What I really wanted since I was a little kid was to become a pilot someday, but maybe, being a pilOT wouldnβt be so bad after all.
My university is the first to offer the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy program here in the Philippines and up to date, it is the only one offering it as a four-year program consisting of 156 units distributed throughout eight semesters and two summer periods.
We begin with general education courses in arts and humanities, social sciences and philosophy, and natural and biological sciences which are then followed by foundation courses covering human development, health, illness and disability with courses centering on occupation-based theories, process and skills. The next phase of our study focuses on occupational therapy evaluation and basic intervention strategies for pediatric, psychosocial and physical dysfunctions commonly seen in occupational therapy. We are also equipped in research, teaching, community based rehabilitation, and basic concepts in organization and administration of occupational therapy services. Clinical training in the final year of our study serves to integrate the theories, concepts, and skills through supervised management of actual patients in relevant practice settings.
Admission to the program is limited to a maximum class size of 30 students. Currently, we are only 29 in the batch. See our photos below!
With one of our professors in Lifespan Development and Occupations
Doing the "OT pose"!