Master of Occupational Therapy
Program Overview

Muskingum University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Bridge Program is a 2-year path for licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) to earn their master’s degree. In addition, beginning in Summer 2022, a pilot of an alternative pathway was created to permit individuals with Bachelor's Degree in health-related fields to enter the MOT Program. Online instruction with 18 on-campus weekend learning experiences provides students the opportunity to continue working full-time while earning their degree.  

The need for Occupational Therapists continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Occupational Therapists is projected to grow 14 percent between 2021 and 2031.

Graduates of the program are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to enable their clients to perform their day-to-day activities despite physical or psychosocial impairments, limitations, or restrictions. By combining online classes, face-to-face learning experiences, and supervised clinic-based instruction, the program prepares students for a wide range of work settings. Individuals served by occupational therapy practitioners span the entire lifespan in variety of settings from schools, outpatient facilities, hospitals, skilled nursing, mental health, incarcerated individuals, industry, and community settings to name a few.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national examination for the occupational therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT examination. The MOT Program prepares students for licensure within the State of Ohio. Students who plan to seek licensure in other states will need to contact that state’s licensure board for specific requirements. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. 

About the occupational therapy Program

• A total of 69 semester hours are required to earn the degree – 34 courses (view curriculum) 
• Students will be selected into a cohort each fall, and follow a fulltime, set rotation of courses throughout the program
• Upon graduation students will be prepared for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam 
• Lab space is designed specifically for the MOT program to provide hands-on learning.
• Courses are offered in a hybrid format including online instruction and 3 on-campus weekend learning experiences in each 10-week term.  (See minimum system requirements here)
• Taught by experienced and supportive faculty 
• Participate in exceptional fieldwork experiences at respected institutions nationwide
• Access to personal advising, academic resources and mentoring assists students' growth as self-directed learners.
• Financial aid is available
• No GMAT or GRE required
• OTA Pathway: No bachelor's degree required (applicants must have completed 90 semester hours of college credit and hold a valid OTA license) Click here for more information. 
• Alternative Pathway: Hold a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. Click here for more information. 

Federal regulations require that Muskingum University publicly disclose whether completing certain programs, which may lead to professional licensure or certification, meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in each state. This disclosure applies to all programming modalities, including on-ground, online, or hybrid. For more information click here.