Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

The Master of Science (MS) Program in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) focuses on preparing exceptional occupational therapy professionals that recognize and respond to the unique needs of rural communities with a focus on evidence and occupation-based practices that are client-centered. The MSOT program requires approximately 24 months of study to complete and is designed to graduate high quality, entry-level practitioners that can fill the need for therapists in the surrounding communities.

The program is committed to providing interactive teaching-learning experiences with an emphasis on rural health. All graduates of the program understand the unique healthcare needs of rural-dwelling citizens, as well as the social determinants of health contributing to rural resident’s health and occupational wellbeing. Graduates become equipped to create innovative solutions to meet the occupational health needs of persons, groups, and populations while demonstrating value for others, seeking quality in all personal and professional endeavors, and consistently demonstrating personal and professional integrity and ethical characteristics in all interactions. Each graduate embraces lifelong learning and assumes accountability for their actions, future professional development, and expertise. The program promotes the maturation of adult learners and embraces the institution’s core values of integrity, community, diversity, excellence, peace and social justice, respect for all persons, and service and civic engagement.

Prospective students can apply through the national Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OT CAS). No GREs are required, and the program accepts up to 24 new students into a cohort each January. The program has been approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission and is the process of pursuing accreditation with the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

All other policies, specific to the program, can be found in the OT Program’s Student Manual, which is distributed at orientation.