Master of Occupational Therapy

The Master of Occupational Therapy Program prepares students to enter practice in the profession of occupational therapy. Students are prepared as generalists; however, a strong foundation allows for future specialization after graduation. The 73 minimum credit-hour program is completed in two years of full-time academic work plus six months of full-time fieldwork.

The curriculum enables the student to:

1. Demonstrate the professional-level competencies necessary for practice as an occupational therapist in health care and human service delivery systems.

2. Apply accepted principles of critical inquiry to the study of problems in health and human service delivery.

3. Use the management skills necessary for the service delivery of occupational therapy.

4. Assume a leadership role in advocating the needs of clients and advancing the field of occupational therapy.

Mission

The mission of the MOT program within the SOT is to develop caring and competent occupational therapy practitioners who are life-long learners and leaders within local and global communities. Our students evolve into practitioners who link education, research, and practice as critical thinkers with the ability to apply evidence and uphold high standards of professionalism. Students use learning opportunities within the curriculum to become practitioners in both existing and emerging practice areas. Our graduates influence the health and well-being of consumers across diverse populations by facilitating engagement and participation in valued occupations.

Fieldwork

Clinical fieldwork requirements include practicum experiences and field work in diverse clinical settings to allow practical application of theories and development of practice skills. The School of Occupational Therapy has established clinical sites in several states.

The clinical facilities include:

• general acute care hospitals
• outpatient centers
• pediatric centers
• sports medicine centers
• rehabilitation hospitals and units
• long-term rehabilitation facilities
• community mental health centers
• behavioral health hospitals and units
• extended care facilities
• wellness and fitness centers
• community and adult day-care
• industry
• home health and schools.

Students must be prepared to provide their own transportation and housing for fieldwork rotations. Get more information about OT fieldwork.

Credentialing
Upon satisfactory completion of the curriculum, including level II fieldwork, students are awarded the Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy and are eligible to take the certification examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Successful completion of this examination leads to certification as an occupational therapist and to the title "Occupational Therapist, Registered" (OTR).

Additionally, individual state regulations must be met for the OTR to practice. Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. When applying for state licensure, certification, or registration, a Criminal History Background Check is conducted by the state occupational licensing agency.
A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

The 2006 MOT program pass rate for first-time takers of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy was 91% (including 2nd-time takers, the rate was 100%). The three-year program average was 91.25%. The five-year program average was 93.8%. The national average for all first-time takers was 85% in 2006.

Brochures and Applications

Master of Occupational Therapy Online Application
Master of Occupational Therapy Brochure

Links to:

MOT Admission
MOT Costs
MOT Curriculum
Direct Freshman Admit
Fieldwork
MOT Prerequisites
Resources from AOTA
Financial Aid