Occupational Therapy
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • Hybrid • Low Residency • 81 - 84 Credits
Occupational therapy helps individuals achieve independence in their daily lives through therapeutic activities. Occupational therapists pursue a master's degree to gain advanced knowledge, improve career prospects, meet licensing requirements, and enhance their ability to provide specialized care.
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.) program offers two curriculum options: a traditional full-time, two-year program and a hybrid full-time, three-year program designed for students who need to maintain employment. Both options lead to an entry-level M.S.O.T.
The coursework covers a wide range of topics essential for future occupational therapists. Students will study developmental curriculum for pediatrics, adults, and older adults, group therapy, mental health, and practice-based research projects. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of their clients across different age groups and settings.
The program is recognized as one of the top OT graduate programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. With a projected growth rate of 26% in the next eight years, occupational therapy is considered one of the top careers for the future. Additionally, Grand Valley offers the same graduate tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it an accessible and attractive option for aspiring occupational therapists. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and boasts a 98% pass rate on the NBCOT Board Exam over the past three years. Graduates are highly employable, with 100% finding work as occupational therapists or in related fields.
College of Health Professions
Department of Occupational Science and Therapy
Occupational Therapy
gvsu.edu/ot
500 Lafayette Ave.
NE, Suite 204, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 331-5500
Program Director
Scott Truskowski, PH.D.,
OTRL
(616) 331-3128
To apply, please visit otcas.liaisoncas.com or contact the department chair.
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is January 15. The $30 application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU. Application information is available at gvsu.edu/ot and otcas.liaisoncas.com.
Career Opportunities
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 49,118.06 | 10% |
| $ 58,832.48 | 25% |
| $ 64,136.10 | 50% |
| $ 83,598.43 | 75% |
| $109,225.80 | 90% |
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,784.97 | 10% |
| $ 55,474.14 | 25% |
| $ 60,946.64 | 50% |
| $ 68,396.63 | 75% |
| $ 77,889.58 | 90% |
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
Top skills- Service Orientation
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 29,092.44 | 10% |
| $ 34,498.66 | 25% |
| $ 36,879.92 | 50% |
| $ 40,441.06 | 75% |
| $ 41,415.58 | 90% |
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Top skills- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 59,624.71 | 10% |
| $ 73,802.00 | 25% |
| $ 83,910.63 | 50% |
| $ 99,078.76 | 75% |
| $107,567.86 | 90% |
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
By Direct Parent
A "Best Graduate Program"
- U.S. News and World Report, 2025
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Accreditation
The entry-level M.S.O.T. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at:
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E
Bethesda, MD 20814
ACOTE's telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-AOTA
Web address is www.acoteonline.org.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Facilities
Grand Valley State University is prominently located on Health Hill, a hub for health sciences education and research, and boasts state-of-the-art simulation centers equipped with advanced technology to provide hands-on learning experiences for students in various health-related programs.
Combined Degree: Occupational Therapy M.S. and Dr.O.T.
The combined master of science and doctor of occupational therapy program at Grand Valley State University offers current qualified OT students the opportunity to earn two degrees, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.
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