OT Master Degree Options
The Master's Program
Please note: The OT Masters programs require previous college courses before a student is eligible for acceptance. Courses and volunteer hours maybe in progress when submitting your application but all requirements must be completed by the class start date. Volunteer hours and recommendations will need to be completed before a admissions decision is made.
About the program
In the junior or first year of the occupational therapy program, emphasis is on basic foundation knowledge of neurophysiological and psychosocial growth, pathology of disease and injury, and disorders affecting human performance.
The senior year, second year, concentrates on case management, administration, and clinical experience.
The grad year involves research program planning for community centered health-care services and clinical experience. Classroom instruction is integrated with supervised clinical practice at approved community agencies and clinics.
Options
Students opting for the entry-level option 1, (those without a previous bachelor's degree) will earn, upon successful completion of all coursework and fieldwork, a bachelor's degree in health science and a master's in occupational therapy. This is a two-year three-quarters track of full-time study and includes the clinical affiliation time required for certification.
Please note: As of the school year beginning in 2013, Option One will no longer be offered and all students must enter the entry-level M.O.T. program with a prior bachelors degree.
A second option is offered for students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Admission to the MOT-only program, Option 2, is based on specific prerequisites. Students opting for this track still must follow the two-year, three quarters year full-time cycle. They receive a master's degree in occupational therapy only.
Upon successful completion of either of these options, a student is eligible to take the NBCOT certification exam. This exam is computer-based and is available throughout the year.
Start Dates
The Occupational Therapy Master's programs begin the second week of June, the beginning of the summer quarter.
Class Scheduling
Students attend year around with traditional holidays off. Students typically attend classes M-Th during daytime hours. Courses change on a quarterly basis and the class schedules change quarterly. Clinical afilliations may require alternate scheduling which may include regular work hours. Additional time is needed for studying, group projects and other homework outside of class.