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.
Alvernia offers two Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy degree tracks based upon a student's previous coursework.
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:
Current Cost | 2024 Fall Semester | 2025 Spring Semester | 2024-2025 Academic Year |
Tuition | $21,500 | $21,500 | $43,000 |
Student Fees *student activities, | $1,330 | $1,330 | $2,660 |
Lab Fees | First-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.
Tuition | Student Fees | Lab Fees | Books and Supplies |
*$233,452 | *14,407 | AY2024/25 = $0 AY2025/26 =$400 AY2026/27 =$500 AY2027/28 =$600 AY2028/29 =$200 Total = $1,700 | $5,000 |
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.
The Post-Baccalaureate Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program is for students with an earned bachelor’s degree:
Current Cost | 2024 Fall Semester | 2025 Spring Semester | 2025 Summer Semester | 2024-2025 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 |
Tuition ($995/credit) | Comprehensive Fees | Lab & Liability Fees | Books and Supplies |
$76,615 (77 credits) | $3,831 | $1,700 | $3,500 |
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.
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.
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