Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession. Occupational therapists provide services to individuals of all ages who have physical, developmental, emotional, and/or social deficits. Occupational therapists practice in public and private schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, hand therapy clinics, home health agencies, and in private practice.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University’s MOT program is to graduate a diverse population of practitioners who have the skills necessary to analyze human occupation and to implement science-driven and evidence-based interventions that promote quality of life for the clients who they serve. The graduates will contribute to their profession and to a global society through their competence, ethical standards, and professionalism.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MOT program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to
- exhibit the skills of a professional occupational therapist through a commitment to lifelong learning,
- advocate for the profession of occupational therapy while collaborating with other members of a healthcare team,
- practice clinical reasoning skills based on foundational knowledge and professional skills in order to provide optimal interventions for client problems in varied settings,
- ensure optimal and culturally competent verbal and written communication of occupational therapy services,
- implement principles of ethical and professional behavior in the delivery of occupational therapy services,
- use effective leadership skills to advance the role of occupational therapy, and
- evaluate evidence-based information by accessing resources and interpreting information for competent interventions.
Program Prerequisites
See for prerequisite and application information.
Delivery of Coursework
The MOT residential program is 93 credits and is offered over 6 trimesters. Coursework is provided in a blended learning format. This is a combination of an online learning component with classroom instruction. Lab classes are taught in a hands-on setting, while some portions of the course content are presented through a variety of interactive online activities and augmented by in-class discussions, patient interactions, and simulation. This learning style allows students to have a vast range of learning techniques at their fingertips.
Note: MOT students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of all prior didactic portions of the program.
For further information about accreditation contact Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, Telephone 301-652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org.
Standard Occupational Classification codes for which program is intended to prepare graduates: Occupational Therapist (29-1122); Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1071)
California OT Licensure
As of the date of publication of the catalog/handbook, in order to be eligible for professional licensure as an Occupational Therapist in California, Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program graduates must hold a degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program. MOT/OTD graduates that are applying for licensure in the state of California are required to submit the CA application for OT licensure, application fee, Proof of Passing Exam from the NBCOT and submit an official transcript showing MOT or OTD degree to the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
Washington State Residents
Occupational Therapy program students should check with the Washington Department of Health, Health Profession Quality Assurance Division, to determine if their program will prepare them for licensure in Washington State.
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