Master's Degree Occupational Therapy Personal Purpose
- Robert Edinger
- May 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 3
In 2000, I earned a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy from the School of Occupational Therapy at Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre in Karachi, Pakistan, graduating as the top student in my class. The program is accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. My academic qualifications were evaluated by Global Credential Evaluators in the United States, resulting in a GPA of 3.88.
Following graduation, I worked as a Registered Occupational Therapist at the Institute of Behavioral Psychology in Karachi, a renowned organization offering educational, therapeutic, and psychological services for various age groups, along with corporate services.
During my five-year tenure there, I treated adults with upper limb injuries and disabilities due to strokes and worked with children experiencing developmental delays, learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, attention and behavioral issues, sensory processing deficits, and communication challenges. This work was immensely fulfilling and aligned with my career aspirations. Witnessing clients' progress was rewarding, and I honed my therapeutic skills while developing patience and empathy. I also learned to create realistic yet challenging care plans in a multidisciplinary environment. To enhance my expertise, I attended numerous courses, workshops, and seminars, and later assisted in training new therapists.
My subsequent role was as a school therapist, where I supported underachieving students across all grades by identifying and addressing issues such as learning difficulties, developmental delays, fine motor challenges, and behavioral problems. I collaborated with special education teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and resource teachers, and worked with families to remove learning barriers and integrate students into general education. I also conducted workshops for teachers and families to explain my role and how they could support our shared goals, and I contributed to developing individual educational plans alongside teaching staff.
Throughout my career, I have served as a program administrator, overseeing a team of rehabilitation professionals, including occupational therapists, aides, and students. I was recognized as an effective and approachable leader and teacher, roles I thoroughly enjoyed. I took great pleasure in helping subordinates and students achieve their goals and shared my passion for the profession.
Since moving to the US in 2009, I've aimed to resume my career but faced challenges, as my degree doesn't meet the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy's entry requirements. I was advised to pursue a bachelor's degree before enrolling in a master's program, but couldn't find a suitable program and had to prioritize family obligations, putting my career on hold. Nevertheless, I stayed informed about industry developments by reading professional literature, including 'Occupational Therapy and Mental Health' by Cantan Brown, 'Occupational Therapy in the Promotion of Health and Wellness' by Marjorie E. Scaffa, and 'Applied Theories in Occupational Therapy: A Practical Approach' by Rusanna Tufano and Marli Cole.
With my family now settled, I am determined to return to my profession, ideally at a senior level. I was thrilled to find a program that allows me to update my skills online and return to a field where I felt competent and fulfilled. It also aligns with my goal to re-enter the profession at a senior level, leveraging my experience in supervision and training.
My preferred electives include Community Development for OT, Aging and Continuing Care, Measuring Health Outcomes, and Chronic Condition Management. I'm aware of the growing demand for OT services for the aging population, a challenge across health services, particularly in OT, which can significantly help the elderly live independently and happily. Coming from a culture that respects and cherishes the elderly, I enjoy their company and am eager to contribute to addressing their increasing needs.
For my Practicum, I plan to assist an organization that provides healthcare to the elderly living at home, helping them maintain their independence by finding interdisciplinary solutions and gathering information on their OT-related needs. The profession faces a supply-demand imbalance, necessitating innovative solutions. I'm interested in developing 'one-to-one' or small group online therapeutic advice, demonstrations, and discussions to facilitate self-treatment or family-provided care.
My studies will be fully self-funded, and my husband supports my application. I have considered the demands of online studies and am confident in my self-discipline, commitment, intelligence, and experience to not just succeed but excel in the program and my future career.
Thank you for considering my application.
Master's Degree Occupational Therapy Personal Purpose
Your statement reads as the work of someone who has lived a full professional life with purpose, depth, and unwavering commitment. What makes it especially compelling is the way your narrative blends technical expertise, human compassion, and long-term dedication to the field of occupational therapy. You present yourself not only as a seasoned clinician but as someone who has continuously reflected on the meaning and impact of your work.
Your academic foundation is exceptionally strong. Graduating at the top of your class from a WFOT‑approved program and earning a 3.88 GPA through U.S. credential evaluation immediately establishes your intellectual capability. But what elevates this further is how you pair academic excellence with years of hands‑on, meaningful clinical practice.
Your five…