Department of Occupational Therapy
Entry level master's options
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| Master's of occupational therapy class of 2005 |
The occupational therapy Master's programs begin the second week of June, the beginning of the summer quarter. Admission to the entry level master's program junior and senior years at this University is based on presentation of credit for two academic years of prerequisites earned at an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 overall and a science GPA of 3.0 or above. You will also need 40 hours of community service or observation hours.
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 bachelors degree in health science, and a master's in occupational therapy. This is a three-year track of full-time study and includes the clinical afiliation time required for certification.
A second option is offered for students who already have a bachelors 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 three year full-time cycle. They receive a master's degree in occupational therapy only.
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, third year, involves research and program planning for community centered health-care services. Classroom instruction is integrated with supervised clinical practice at approved community hospitals and clinics.
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.
We encourage any prospective student to observe in the OT field as much as possible. This gives the student exposure to the OT profession. A minimum of forty hours of community service is required for the admission process and may be completed in many areas. You will then be asked to write a brief summary on what you did and what you learned from your experience. We also will ask you to write a one-page essay about your perception and knowledge of the OT profession.