Occupational Therapy (MS), 3-Year

Overview

As an occupational therapist, you'll work with people of all ages who have various physical, developmental, social or emotional challenges. You will help them develop the skills to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.

D'Youville's master of science degree program includes courses in occupational therapy theory and practice, six months of supervised fieldwork, and research.

Upon graduation from our ACOTE-accredited program, you'll be prepared to take the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists.

Curriculum

Find detailed course information for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, tools to plan your education, and complete academic policies and procedures in the D'Youville academic catalog.

Careers

Our program prepares you for general occupational therapy practice. 

Most states, including New York, require licensure to practice. State licensure is typically based on the results of the NBCOT certification exam, but must be applied for separately in the state in which you plan to practice.

Fieldwork Education

The Department of Occupational Therapy has clinical fieldwork agreements with over 400 hospitals, school systems, rehabilitation centers, mental health sites, nursing facilities, and community-based centers in select states across the U.S.

The goal of fieldwork education is to prepare the students to be well-rounded, entry-level practitioners. Three levels of fieldwork education are integrated into the occupational therapy curriculum:

Community Practice

An advanced placement in a community setting or educational environment allows you to explore non-traditional or specialty applications of occupational therapy. Community Practice occurs in the graduate year following Level II fieldwork.

Learn More

Visit Western NY OT Fieldwork Consortium to learn more about fieldwork opportunities. Current students can also review D'Youville Occupational Therapy Fieldwork for information and resources specific to D'Youville programs.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a the occupational therapy program is based on the qualifications of each individual student. A GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to a B) or better is the minimum requirement for acceptance into the program.

In addition, applicants to the master's in occupational therapy must
present the following:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree prior to the start of course work.  Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required for admissions consideration.
• Two letters of recommendation - one academic and one professional (or two academic).  References from OT observations will not be accepted. 
• Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program, as shown by a cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system).
• Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better prior to the start of the first semester of course work. Courses must be at least three credits and pass/fail grades are not accepted:
  • General or Developmental Psychology (must cover life span development)
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Sociology or Social Anthropology
  • Applied Statistics
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (I and II with labs or six to eight credits of a combination of other biology courses that focus on anatomy and physiology such as Comparative Primate Anatomy, Comparative Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, or their equivalents, at least one of which is a lab course, as determined by the registrar and the department.

OTCAS: The Occupational Therapy Department at D'Youville College participates in the Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service, known as OTCAS. Applicants to the master's in occupational therapy program must apply online through the OTCAS application. To apply to D'Youville OT program visit OTCAS at www.otcas.org and select D'Youville College as one of your designations.  

• Application Deadline: applications must be complete and verified by OTCAS prior to November 30th, for fall semester start to be considered for admission.