Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy (Specialization in Rehabilitation Services)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy (Specialization in Rehabilitation Services)

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Occupational Therapy core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy (Specialization in Rehabilitation Services) is a foundational undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human occupation, therapeutic support, and community-based rehabilitation services. Grounded in a commitment to servant leadership, the program balances rigorous academic inquiry with the ethical principles of stewardship and compassionate service. Students engage with the social, behavioral, and biological sciences to understand the factors that influence human performance and community participation across the lifespan.

Beyond technical knowledge, this program emphasizes the cultivation of a professional identity that integrates faith-based values with evidence-informed practices. By examining the intersection of rehabilitation services and social responsibility, students are prepared to address the diverse needs of vulnerable populations within various community settings. The curriculum fosters an environment where academic excellence and character development occur concurrently, ensuring that graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities through informed, ethical, and purpose-driven practice.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy program provides students with a foundational study in the mechanics of rehabilitation services, human development, effective communication, professional ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. This curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping students to assist in the delivery of supportive health and wellness services through a faith-centered perspective.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Associate

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Occupational Therapy core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project in Rehabilitation Services

• 4
• RES200
• COM250
• Professional Ethics and Advocacy
• 3
• THE105
• BUS270
• Grant Writing and Fundraising
• 3
• BUS150
• COU280
• Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity
• 3
• SOC101
• CAP299 — Capstone Project in Rehabilitation Services: Requires the synthesis of theoretical knowledge and field-based application through an original project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM250 — Professional Ethics and Advocacy: Evaluates professional standards and ethical dilemmas in service environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS270 — Grant Writing and Fundraising: Introduces techniques for resource acquisition within nonprofit organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU280 — Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity: Focuses on providing culturally competent support for diverse community demographics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Ethical Decision-Making | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO110 | Human Biology and Health | 4 | None
• COU201 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• EDU120 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | PSY101
• BUS150 | Principles of Stewardship | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES200 | Research Methods for Social Services | 3 | ENG101
• MIN210 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | THE105
• PSY220 | Psychology of Disability and Health | 3 | PSY101
• SOC230 | Community Health and Social Policy | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project in Rehabilitation Services | 4 | RES200
• COM250 | Professional Ethics and Advocacy | 3 | THE105
• BUS270 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 3 | BUS150
• COU280 | Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity | 3 | SOC101

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Rehabilitation Services Liaison
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Direct Support Professional
• Faith-Based Advocacy Specialist
• Activity Program Coordinator
• Health and Wellness Volunteer Coordinator

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | A.A. in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy (Specialization in Rehabilitation Services)
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years