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Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Overview

 

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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.
 

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Degree Tracks

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

 

Accreditation

The occupational therapy master's degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. Click here to see Alvernia's ACOTE certificate. ACOTE's telephone number is 301-652-6611. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the individual becomes an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the result of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.

All students in the occupational therapy program at Alvernia University must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months of completing undergraduate or prerequisite course work. After passing the NBCOT Certification Examination, the student will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) and after attaining state licensure they are entitled to use the designation OTR/L. The program holds accreditation status for an entry-level professional master's degree.

ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage.

Career Options with an Occupational Therapy Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, 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 2019 was $84,950.

  • 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
Graduation Rate

The total number of graduates from the Alvernia University 5-year BSHS+MSOT program during the 3-year period of 2018-2020 was 162, with an overall graduation rate of 97%.

The total number of graduates from the Alvernia University Entry-Level MSOT program during the 3-year period of 2018-2020 was 51, with an overall graduation rate of 96%.

A break down of Alvernia's 3-Year MSOT Graduation Rate is available for each program.

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 5-year Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu.

 

For more information about Alvernia’s Entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, please contact the School of Graduate and Adult Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu.

 

Or please reach out directly to:

 

Elizabeth M. Bentz, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, RYT
Chair, Occupational Therapy Department
Assistant Professor
Bernardine Hall 114E
610-790-2991
elizabeth.bentz@alvernia.edu

 

Amy J. Thomas, OTD, OTR/L, ARSP
Program Director, Occupational Therapy
Assistant Professor
Bernardine Hall 114C
amy.thomas@alvernia.edu

MSOT Master of Occupational Therapy