Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)

M.S. in Occupational Therapy Overview

Grand Valley State University’s Master of Science (M.S.) in occupational therapy is offered through the university’s College of Health Professions and prepares graduates to take leadership roles in traditional and non-traditional settings where occupational therapists practice, and act as advocates for the profession and for the members of society who use OT services.

About the M.S. in Occupational Therapy Degree

Grand Valley’s M.S. in occupational therapy program’s curriculum provides highly integrated content, a focus on student perspectives, and strong emphasis on the social responsibilities of health care professionals in a globally aware society. Its theme is that occupational involvement is critical to maximizing individual health and wellness. 

• Preferred. The program’s outstanding academic reputation has earned students preferred status at the top clinical sites in West Michigan.
• Personal. Built on graduate core requirements, but designed to meet individual career goals in research, doctoral study, or health and allied health programs.
• Integrated. Grand Valley’s liberal education focus teaches students to use critical thinking and reflective reasoning along with OT techniques to solve problems using a variety of methods and thus connect with the individual patient, creating a more personalized treatment.
• Successful. Graduates have a 92% pass rate for first time takers on the Occupational Therapy Certification Exam; 100% for second time takers. 100% of our graduates who want to work in the field of occupational therapy are employed in the field.
• Practical. The program’s focus on occupation and its importance to the quality of human life have opened new practice opportunities for OTs, outside of the traditional hospital and rehabilitation centers, including in the community, private practice, and governmental agencies.
• Convenient. The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences puts students in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Health Hill near the Van Andel Research Institute, Spectrum Health, St. Mary’s Health Care, and other healthcare providers and businesses.
• National Accreditation. The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P. O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. The telephone number is (301) 652-AOTA. Accreditation indicates that the program has met the requirements for entry-level graduate education in occupational therapy. Graduates of an accredited program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Graduates successfully completing the national certification examination are then eligible for state registration and/or licensure.

The M.S. in occupational therapy degree requires approximately 77-80 credits hours over two continuous years (which is half a year less than most other universities). All students participate in fieldwork at clinical sites, which are selected to match each individual student’s strengths, interests, and expertise. Admission to the program is competitive, with a maximum class size of 30. Candidates may submit applications to the occupational therapy program in the year that they attain undergraduate senior status. Nontraditional students are encouraged to meet with the OT Admissions Chairperson or the Student Services Coordinator for transcript review and application information.

Related Programs

Admissions

M.S. in occupational therapy degree requirements and application for admission are available online. The $30 application fee is waived for undergraduate students and alumni of Grand Valley.

Cost

Grand Valley offers an excellent education at a reasonable cost and offers a number of ways to finance your graduate degree.