Program Highlights In Brief
The entry level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree is designed for students who
are looking a profession that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives.
Alvernia’s MSOT program promotes the integration of theory and practice in the art and science of
occupational therapy. Alvernia’s occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy
Association.

Academic Quality
Students are admitted to the College and are fully accepted when the following criteria have been met:
• Successful completion of Bachelor’s Degree
• Evaluation of prerequisites
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
• Completion of graduate entrance application with supporting documentation
• Completion of Anatomy and Physiology (lab based) is highly recommended

Career Success
At Alvernia we measure our success by our graduates’ personal and professional satisfaction, and by the many ways they contribute to the greater good in all areas of society. Our graduate students are placed at meaningful internship sites within the local occupational therapy community and peers in the field. No matter what your aspirations and dreams, we’ll give you the tools and support to help you thrive.

CURICULUM OVERVIEW (Prerequisites)
Applicants will undergo a transcript review to determine which additional undergraduate prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation. See listing of prerequisite courses below.

Liberal Arts Courses
Anatomy and Physiology (lab based)
Introduction to Psychology
Lifespan Development/Developmental Psychology
Sociology/Anthropology
Neuroanantomy/Neuroscience/Neurology
Statistics, MBA 600 or Med 518
Kinesiology or Biomechanics/Exercise Physiology with a Kinesiology component

Occupational Therapy Courses
OT 204 Activities Analysis I
OT 206 Activities Analysis II
OT 210 Concepts and Theories of OT
OT 302 Disease, Injuries and Health Care Conditions
OT 303 Occupational Therapy Evaluations
OT 304 Motor and Sensory Development
OT 305 Intervention Planning
OT 306 Analysis of Occupations
OT 308 Intervention I: ADL Performance
OT 309 Disease, Injuries and Health Care Conditions II
OT 401 Intervention II: Work Performance
OT 403 Intervention III: Wellness and Prevention
OT 405 Community Health Care Admin. and Organization
OT 416 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork II: Practicum I
OT 417 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork II: Practicum II
OT 590 or Graduate Equivalents of OT 416 and OT 417

Required Graduate Interdisciplinary Courses (6 credits):
COR 510 Moral Leadership 3 credits
COR 600 Organizational and Professional Ethics (taken within the final 12 credits) 3 credits

Required Graduate Occupational Therapy Courses (28 credits):
OT 501 Analysis of Theoretical Concepts in OT Practice I 4 credits
OT 502 Function and Technology 4 credits
OT 503 Research Design 3 credits
OT 505 Analysis of Theoretical Concepts in OT Practice II 4 credits
OT 601 Occupational Therapy Outcomes 3 credits
OT 603 Advocacy and Leadership 3 credits
OT 610 Research Report 4 credits
OT --- Elective - Graduate Level OT Course 3 credits

Entry Level M.S.O.T. Retention Requirements

Course Requirements
OT students must be taken in sequence.  All majors must achieve a final grade of B or better in all graduate courses and a grade of P in both Level II OT Fieldwork practicum experiences.  The repeat/delete option may be used for one course only (COR or OT) at the graduate level.  Students who do not meet this requirement will be dismissed from the Program.

Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment in the Program during the Fall and Spring semesters.  A student who requires a leave of absence from studies must petition the Occupational Therapy Program Director.  A leave of absence may be no longer than two semesters (Fall and Spring).  Students who fail to return to studies following a leave of absence will be required to formally reapply for admission to the Program. 

Certifications, Clearances and Insurance Requirements
Prior to any fieldwork experience (level I or II), students are required to submit to the College, and to fieldwork centers (as applicable) proof of ownership of valid health & accident insurance coverage, certification in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infant, child, adult, & AED, and first aid.  Students are required to maintain ongoing certification.  Additionally, OT majors must obtain criminal record checks, child abuse history clearance, FBI fingerprint recording, and FBI clearances prior to fieldwork experiences.  Forms are available in the Occupational Therapy Program office.  Criminal background checks, and child abuse clearances must be done on an annual basis.  FBI checks as required.  Students who do not have the necessary valid clearances, checks, and certifications will not be permitted to enter the fieldwork experience, which will affect ability to complete coursework, and the Program. 

Students should read the website link regarding misdemeanor/felony convictions and drug and health clearances. 

Fieldwork Practicum
All level II fieldwork practicum must be completed within 12 months following completion of academic coursework.

Any student who fails either of the Level II fieldwork practicum may repeat the course one time only.  The course should be repeated during its next offering.  The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator scheduled the fieldwork.  The student must meet with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator within one month following the notification of the failure.  Failure to meet with the Coordinator in this time frame may result in dismissal from the program.  Any student who receives a grade of “F” after repeating either of the Level II Fieldwork practicum will be dismissed from the Occupational Therapy Program.

Health and Physical Challenges
Students with a health or physical challenge may be asked to obtain a physician’s statement that the condition will not be aggravated by or endanger clients/patients associated with the student in required coursework and fieldwork experiences.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for students to meet ADA regulations.

Student Grievance Policies
Student grievance policies are included in the Graduate Studies Division Student Handbook.