Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.)

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Student Learning Outcomes for Occupational Therapy:

Students will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate with others (colleagues, professional contacts, clients, faculty, etc.).
Engage with clients in a manner that demonstrates skillful application of concepts related to client-centered care, culturally responsive care, and therapeutic use of self.
Recognize opportunities and construct plans to influence change and enhance occupational performance for individuals, populations, and organizations.
Engage in occupational therapy practice that integrates critical thinking, reflective practice, creativity, and ethical reasoning in the occupational therapy process.
Design and implement evaluations and interventions that are occupation-centered and theory-based, with entry-level competence.
Contribute to the body of evidence that supports traditional and emerging occupational therapy practice and/or the understanding of human occupation.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy requires two years or four semesters (this includes one summer semester/session) of graduate academic study and six months of clinical Level II Fieldwork with the requirements listed below. To begin the master’s program in occupational therapy, students must have successfully completed prerequisites including a 2.9 by the end of their junior year and earning a minimum of a C- in all required courses. Successful completion of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy affords the student the opportunity to take the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam and to become licensed to practice occupational therapy as an individual jurisdiction requires. Please note: a felony conviction may affect an individual’s qualification to take the NBCOT certification exam and/or obtain professional credentials.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy requires:

Additional requirements to attain the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree:

Maintain a minimum OT grade point average of 3.00.

Achieve a minimum grade of C- in all graduate courses. College policies on repeating courses apply to graduate study.

Students must pass both Level I and Level II Fieldwork experiences. Only one Level II failure may be repeated. Students are required to complete 24 weeks of full-time fieldwork or its equivalent of Level II fieldwork within 18 months of completing graduate coursework.

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy program has maintained a fully-accredited status since 1976 by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The BS/MS Occupational Therapy degree program is fully accredited. The Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) has received Candidacy accreditation status. The organization can be contacted at ACOTE, c/o Accreditation Department, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Box 31220, 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449; (phone) 301-652-2682; (fax) 301-652-1417; www.acoteonline.org.