The Alvernia University Occupational Therapy program is dedicated to promoting the philosophy of the OT profession which states "occupations are activities that bring meaning to the daily lives of individuals, families, communities, and populations, and enable them to participate in society" (AOTA, 2017).


Our program provides outstanding preparation for roles in both traditional settings and newly emerging areas of need. The program’s distinctive evidence-based, occupation-focused, and client-centered approach combines challenging coursework, diverse clinical placements, and the opportunity to collaborate with faculty who are leaders in their fields.

In This Section

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

MSOT Tracks

Alvernia offers two Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree tracks based upon a student's previous coursework.
 

Track I: Five-Year Combined BSHS + MSOT Program

Description

The five-year Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is for students beginning the program as undergraduates:

  • This combined BSHS + MSOT track requires five years of study following a traditional Fall-Spring semester sequence.
  • Accepted students entering this track as freshman or as transfer undergraduate students, and maintaining applicable progression and retention requirements, automatically transition from the undergraduate to graduate phases without needing to reapply and retain the undergraduate tuition rate.
Cost of Attendance
Current Cost2024 Fall Semester2025 Spring Semester2024-2025 Academic Year
Tuition$21,500$21,500$43,000

Student Fees

*student activities,
health and wellness,
shuttle service
and web fees

$1,330$1,330$2,660
Lab FeesFirst-Year = $0
Sophomore = $200
Junior = $250
Senior = $300
Fifth-Year = $100		First-Year = $0
Sophomore = $200
Junior = $250
Senior = $300
Fifth-Year = $100		First-Year = $0
Sophomore = $400
Junior = $500
Senior = $600
Fifth-Year = $200
Books and Supplies$500$500$1,000


*The projected total cost of attendance includes a rate adjustment equivalent to 4%/year. However, rates are subject to change. The cost includes completion of both an earned bachelor and master’s degree.


Total Projected Cost Over Five Years

TuitionStudent FeesLab FeesBooks and Supplies
*$233,452*14,407AY2024/25 = $0
AY2025/26 =$400
AY2026/27 =$500
AY2027/28 =$600
AY2028/29 =$200

Total = $1,700		$5,000
Estimated undergraduate housing and dining costs

Estimated costs for housing and meals as part of the 2024-25 cost of attendance for undergraduate student based on residential status may be found here.


Track II: Post-Baccalaureate MSOT

Description

The Post-Baccalaureate Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program is for students with an earned bachelor’s degree:

  • This track requires 2 years and 4 months of study (including foundational, professional, and field-work)
  • The Post-Baccalaureate track follows a year-round curriculum sequence: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Prerequisites include completion of the following: Anatomy and Physiology (6 cr. with lab component), Kinesiology (3 cr.), Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology (3 cr.), Introduction to Psychology (3 cr.), Lifespan Development or Developmental Psychology (3 cr.), Psychopathology (3 cr.), and Statistics (3 cr.)
Cost of Attendance
Current Cost2024 Fall Semester2025 Spring Semester2025 Summer Semester2024-2025 Academic Year
Tuition ($985/credit)$11,940 (12 credits)$12,935 (13 credits)$9,950 (10 credits)$34,825
Comprehensive Fees$597$647$498$1,724
Lab & Liability Fees$200$250$250$700
Books and Supplies$500$500$500$1,500


Total Projected Cost Over 2 Years, 4 Months

Tuition ($995/credit)Comprehensive FeesLab & Liability FeesBooks and Supplies
$76,615 (77 credits)$3,831$1,700$3,500


Program Overview

Career Options with an Occupational Therapy Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb. The median annual wage for occupational therapists in 2023 was $96,370.

  • Rehabilitation Director for skilled nursing facility
  • Home Health OT
  • Pediatric OT for inpatient and outpatient clinics
  • School-based and Telehealth OT
  • Early Intervention OT
  • Hand therapist
  • Staff therapist for hospitals
  • Occupational Therapist for VA Medical Centers
  • OT in the Army Medical Specialist Corps
  • Investigator/Track Research for large corporation
  • Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for a university
  • OT in community Mental Health Centers
  • Occupational Therapist specializing in low vision, driver rehabilitation, work hardening, home and environmental modifications, and sensory integration
NBCOT Results

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam to become board certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Alvernia boasts a competitive pass rate on this exam.


Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online.


Learn More

For more information about Alvernia’s Five-Year Combined BSHS+MSOT program, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu.


For more information about Alvernia’s Post-Baccalaureate MSOT program, please contact the School of Graduate and Adult Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu.


Or reach out directly to:


Elizabeth M. Bentz, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, RYT
Chair, Occupational Therapy Department
Assistant Professor
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne Room 374
610-790-2991
elizabeth.bentz@alvernia.edu


Amy J. Thomas, OTD, OTR/L, ARSP
Program Director, Occupational Therapy
Associate Professor
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne Room 373
amy.thomas@alvernia.edu