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If an individual is experiencing pain and difficulty in movement due to illness, injury, or disability, and if this ailment makes it hard for him to do his job, move around, do physical activities, or even care for himself, he may need Occupational Therapy.
If you have a heart for service, occupational therapy programs provide the means to expand your knowledge and become a therapist.
Overview:
Occupational Therapy online programs provide training to become an Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapists are crucial to the healthcare system; therefore, they assist patients with their physical disabilities, either temporary or permanent. Earn your degree in Occupational Therapy today!
A career in the field of counseling or therapy, (within any capacity), provides a rewarding experience for the patient as well as the professional.
It’s An Important Part Of Healthcare…
Occupational Therapy is one of the many professions in healthcare. It aims to help people with physical, psychological, and social problems to make them capable of doing things they cannot do due to an illness, injury, or disability. It gives them the ability and opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.
One of the most important goals of physical therapy is to help people develop or restore their ability to do self-care, work and be productive, and engage in activities like sports, socials, gardening, laundry, etc.
As Occupational Therapists, it is the only profession that offers therapeutic help to people so they can continue to live extraordinary lives.
Choose The Right Program For You…
The first thing you should do to find your ideal master’s degree program in Occupational Therapy is to do the research. Make your research productive by establishing a person who can serve as your basis for comparing schools.
These are the most important aspects of a school’s program that you need to consider:
- Accreditation
- Tuition Fee/Affordability
- Financial aid
- Graduation rate
- Retention rate
- Faculty
- Quality of the program
- The school’s passing percentage for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) test
METHODOLOGY
Are you ready for top-level work in the dynamic field of Occupational Therapy? Choosing to be part of the healthcare system as a highly qualified Occupational Therapist is a rewarding career pathway, and it all starts with choosing the best institution for your occupational therapy education.
Our list of the occupational therapy programs by the country’s top-tier universities exhibits these impressive program features:
- The rigorous Online Master’s of Occupational Therapy coursework is delivered in synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid formats,
- The courses consist of academic and clinical classes as required for practical experience and collaborative research, indicative of an occupational therapy education,
- The Online Master’s of Occupational Therapy program upholds the latest practices, principles, and technologies used by Occupational Therapists today,
- Board-certified faculty with in-depth knowledge and familiarity with Occupational Therapy practice,
- Impressive NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) examination pass rate,
- The excellent academic standing of the college or program, as demonstrated by industry organization memberships and recognitions,
- Financial aid for eligible graduate occupational therapy students,
- Accredited by academic agencies that safeguard the quality of graduates being produced by Online Master’s of Occupational Therapy programs.
See our Methodology page for more information.
10 Best Online Master’s of Occupational Therapy Graduate Schools
Nebraska Methodist College
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Nebraska Methodist College offers a blend of on-campus and online formats for its Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree program. It is designed for professionals who are driven by a desire to conduct individualized healthcare.
Admission requirements
To qualify for admission, these are the requirements that you need to comply with:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0; a Math/Science GPA of 3.25 is preferred
- Adherence to the program’s technical standards
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) application
- Two references: one professional and one academic
- A written statement of purpose as a sample of your written work
- Latest resume
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended
- An interview
Standard Features of Nebraska Methodist College’s Master of Occupational Therapy Programs
The Master of Occupational Therapy program at Nebraska Methodist College is designed to equip you with knowledge and skills to provide patients with expert guidance to live healthy lives.
The school’s on-campus and online format facilitates a combination of flexibility and physical interaction. This makes their courses more interesting.
These occupational therapy programs aim to provide you with technical knowledge, therapeutic interaction, and critical thinking skills to make you capable of working with patients of different providers of healthcare services.
Nebraska Methodist College is a leading accredited college in the United States, frequenting rankings of nursing and allied healthcare education providers.
Belmont University
(Online) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
The Belmont University – Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program combines on-campus and online classes. It is a full-time degree program designed to build the knowledge and skills of Occupational Therapy assistants (OTA) and physical therapy assistants (PTA).
Admission Requirements
If you decide to be a part of Belmont University’s Master’s in Occupational Therapy degree program, these are the requirements that you need to comply with:
- A minimum of one year of work experience as a full-fledged OTA or PTA on or before the January 1 application deadline.
- At least 90 semester equivalent credits are garnered from a regionally accredited college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
- GPA of 3.0
- Completion of these eight prerequisite courses with a grade of at least B- from a regionally accredited college or university
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
- Statistics
- Human Growth & Development
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Anthropology
- English Composition
- Communication course
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a licensed occupational therapist
- A personal essay
- Demonstration of familiarity with Occupational Therapy
Standout Features of Belmont University’s Online Occupational Therapy Programs
Aside from opportunities to attain leadership skills, do interprofessional coursework, and study abroad, there are other more compelling reasons why you should choose Belmont University for your Master of Occupational Therapy studies.
- Belmont University provides one of the first five entry-level OTD programs across the United States.
- You’ll learn from professional mentors who thrive as city leaders in healthcare innovation.
- Belmont University allows you to apply what you learn both locally and overseas.
- You’ll be working with nationally recognized professors who are experts in their fields.
- Belmont University’s cutting-edge facilities make learning easy, fast, and accurate.
Belmont University is one of the fastest-growing Christian universities in the United States.
Shenandoah University
(Blended) Master Of Science In Occupational Therapy
Shenandoah University’s (Blended) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is a 75-credit degree program delivered in a flexible, blended format. More than 50% of the program’s courses are available online.
For potential occupational therapists and students of a hybrid format, you are expected to engage in hands-on activities on campus and in your home community as directed by your professors. The program produces critical thinkers and problem-solvers. It also prepares students to tackle interpersonal and community-based issues professionally.
Admission Requirements
As a candidate for admission to Shenandoah University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program, you must comply with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree – graduates of a BS in Occupational Therapy are most welcome
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.2 is preferred but not required
- Completion of these courses with a minimum grade of “C.”
- General Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology, 200 level or above.
- Statistics Course content must include descriptive and inferential statistics
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Entry-level Sociology
- Advanced course in Sociology or Anthropology
- Human Growth and Development
- Medical Terminology
- Completion of at least 40 shadowing hours under registered occupational therapists
- Two letters of recommendation – one from your employer and one from a licensed occupational therapist
Standout Features of Shenandoah University’s Blended Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Degree Program
The Blended Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Shenandoah University is designed to equip you with knowledge and skills to help patients gain freedom of movement and attain the quality of life they deserve and hope for.
Students experience close mentorship from a caring faculty. The program prepares you to become a dedicated, ethical, and focused leader in healthcare.
At 83%, Shenandoah University has one of the highest student retention rates in the United States.
Thomas Jefferson University
(Online/Blended) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Thomas Jefferson University is ideal for occupational therapy students seeking to earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree in a blended learning format. It provides the training and education for entry-level positions in this thriving field.
The program is intended for students and working professionals who have a bachelor’s degree or higher, especially those who can fulfill the pre-professional requirements of the program.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for the program, here are the requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- GPA 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
- Physics with lab OR Biomechanics with lab
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental or Lifespan Psychology
- Sociology OR Cultural Anthropology
- English/Writing
- Official transcripts to be sent to OTCAS
- Your latest resume or curriculum vitae
- An essay stating your reasons for choosing Occupational Therapy as your profession and how a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy can influence your professional goals
- Three letters of recommendation consisting of an academic recommendation and a letter from supervisors or managers
- Documentation of all volunteer work experience – to be submitted to OTCAS
Standout Features of Thomas Jefferson University’s Online/Blended Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
The Online/Blended Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program at Jefferson University qualifies graduates for entry-level professional work in a hospital, school, nursing facility, and health service.
The US News & World Report ranked Thomas Jefferson University sixth in its 2020 list of the US Best Occupational Therapy Schools.
Grand Valley State University
Hybrid Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy
Grand Valley State University is offering a Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy to help working professionals and nontraditional occupational therapy students advance their careers or embark on a new profession in healthcare.
The program develops students’ critical thinking skills and judgment by educating them about the link between occupation and health in human lives.
Admission Requirements
Grand Valley State University’s hybrid Master’s program in Occupational Therapy was intended for non-conventional students. To be part of the university’s program, comply with these requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree plus the prerequisite coursework
- Compliance with the technological requirements of the program
- Completion of the Graduate School application
- Official transcripts
- Prospective students taking prerequisite courses must send official transcripts at the end of each semester to prove their progress concerning their desire to complete a bachelor’s degree. They should have completed a minimum of nine hours of prerequisite at the time of application. The school accepts a prerequisite GPA of C or better.
- Three evaluations from an employer, professor, or registered occupational therapist. These should be submitted electronically with your OTCAS application.
- Completion and uploading of the Achievement Profile Form to OTCAS.
- The university’s hybrid program accepts only 22 candidates, including early admits from Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, University of Michigan, and Hope College.
- OTCAS-verified application.
Standout Features of Grand Valley University’s Hybrid Master’s in Occupational Therapy Degree Program
Grand Valley University’s Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy is anchored on a humanistic and progressive educational philosophy. It aims to foster critical thinking and project self-directed and transformative learning.
Through the program, you will gain experiences that will enrich your skills, attitude, and competencies. These online occupational therapy programs will prepare you for the challenges of the real world.
Graduates of this program can qualify for a seat on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) administered exam.
Public transportation is free for students of Grand Valley State University.
Elmhurst University
(Online) Master of Occupational Therapy
The Master of Occupational Therapy degree program offered at Elmhurst University
combines online learning and rigorous on-campus practical research and field activities. It is intended to prepare you for entry-level jobs as an occupational therapist. If you are a full-time student, you can complete the program in 24 months.
Admission Requirements
The Online Master of Occupational Therapy program at Elmhurst University welcomes applicants who meet these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite coursework within five years from the submission of the application
- A minimum prerequisite coursework GPA of B-
- Documentation of your progress toward the completion of these prerequisite requirements in the OTCAS application
- Statistics
- Social Science
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Official transcripts that must be submitted directly to OTCAS
- The GRE is required for all applicants
- A personal statement relating your desire to take Occupational Therapy as a career and how a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy can influence your professional goals.
- Your latest professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation came from a professor and a volunteer supervisor
- A possible interview – if you are considered for admission
Standout Features of Elmhurst University’s Master of Occupational Therapy Degree Program
The Online Master of Occupational Therapy degree program at Elmhurst University uses an integrated curriculum to facilitate flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
It aims to equip students with scientific knowledge as a foundation for applying the therapeutic principles of Occupational Therapy to maintain or improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of physically impaired individuals.
These types of online occupational therapy programs could be your first step toward a promising career in a growing field.
Graduates of the program are qualified to take the national Occupational Therapy certification exam administered by the NBCOT – the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
The passing rate of Elmhurst University’s 2018 and 2019 MOT Graduates for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam is 100%.
Concordia University – Wisconsin
(Blended) Master of Occupational Therapy
The Blended Master of Occupational Therapy degree program at Concordia University – Wisconsin blends online and on-campus coursework. It is aimed at preparing you to become an excellent occupational therapist.
As such, you will positively impact people and communities through effective leadership, innovation, and adherence to best practices.
Admission Requirements
All applicants to Concordia University – Wisconsin’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program are required to meet the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Completion of the following prerequisite subjects:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab
- Statistics with a grade not less than B
- Submission of the following documents:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation that vouch for your potential for academic and professional success as an occupational therapist
- A personal essay
- Additional Requirements for Accelerated Track
- Official college transcripts
- Three (3) letters of recommendation that address your potential for academic success as an occupational therapist
- Essays as designated per track
- Documentation of 40 hours of job shadowing
- Submission of an online application via Concordia University Wisconsin’s website
- Additional Requirements for Bridge Track
- Submission of proof of employment as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Submission of an online application via Concordia University Wisconsin’s website
- Additional Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Track
- Documentation of 40 hours of job shadowing
- Submission of online application through OTCAS
- All applicants are required to pay $1000 as a tuition deposit within four weeks of acceptance to the program. It will serve as a guarantee of your spot in the program.
Standout Features of Concordia University – Wisconsin’s Master of Occupational Therapy Education Program
Concordia University – Wisconsin’s Master of Occupational Therapy degree program is designed to equip you with knowledge and skills to empower physically impaired individuals to do their day-to-day activities.
A master’s in occupational therapy program combines online, classroom, and clinic-based instructions to develop and hone your critical thinking, intervention, leadership, communication, and collaborative skills to enable you to formulate practical solutions to occupation-based problems.
The first 13 students of Concordia University used the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee as their classroom.
Barry University
(Blended) MS in Occupational Therapy
Barry University is offering a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. This occupational therapy education program combines traditional on-campus education and distance learning to give working students the time and space they need to continue their work or raise their families while pursuing advancement in their professional careers.
Admission Requirements
Take note in advance that Barry University accepts a maximum of 42 students for its MS in Occupational Therapy degree program. Priority is given to applicants who hold a degree or experience in healthcare and human services.
Here are the requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Cumulative GPA 3.2
- Completion of these prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “B”
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Sociology or Anthropology
- Psychology (Developmental or Abnormal)
- Kinesiology taken on-campus within the last five years
- Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
- Two professional recommendation letters (submitted through OTCAS)
- 40-hour observation or volunteer work in an Occupational Therapy clinic
- Interview
- A personal statement addressing the following:
- Your opinion on what makes Occupational Therapy different from other professions in healthcare
- Your plan on how to overcome the challenges of studying while working or raising a family at the same time
Standout Features of Barry University’s MS in Occupational Therapy Degree Program
The Blended Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Barry University is designed to prepare students for certification as licensed occupational therapists. Barry University’s Occupational Therapy program students learn from professors who are also practicing occupational therapists.
The passing rate of Barry University graduates who took the 2020 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is 100%.
University of St. Augustine for Health and Sciences
(Blended) Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
The University of St. Augustine is offering its Master of Occupational Therapy degree program through a combination of online and on-campus classes. This master’s in occupational therapy degree is designed to equip you with knowledge, confidence, critical thinking, innovation, and compassion – the attributes of effective occupational therapy.
The MOT program of St. Augustine University takes two years to complete.
Admission Requirements
St. Augustine University’s Blended MOT degree program, you’ll be required to meet the following:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Undergraduate students program may apply after completing the prerequisite coursework
- Official transcripts
- Current resume
- Written statement of purpose of reasons for pursuing Occupational Therapy and choosing the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Standout Features of the University of St. Augustine’s Master of Occupational Therapy Degree Program
The Blended Master of Occupational Therapy degree program at the University of St. Augustine for Health and Sciences is focused on student success. The university delivers the program in a blended learning format. It will provide you with the convenience and flexibility of virtual classes and the experience of actual, hands-on exercises.
Through the university’s Occupational Therapy program, you will learn to devise customized treatments and design equipment to help physically impaired people of all ages engage in activities that can make them feel no less of a person.
The school’s Master of Occupational Therapy program can make things happen for you, especially if you aspire to a career in clinical practice.
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is the largest school for graduate-level physical and Occupational Therapy programs in the United States.
University of Indianapolis
Online Master of Occupational Therapy
The University of Indianapolis is offering an Online Master of Occupational Therapy degree program to equip aspiring occupational therapists with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and integration of evidence with practice. It is intended for employed individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree but want to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy without giving up their day job.
Admission Requirements
If you seek admission to one of the University of Indianapolis’ Master of Occupational Therapy programs, you should meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0
- A University of Indianapolis undergraduate may be eligible for admission through the Early Entry program upon completing the prerequisite courses and getting a minimum GPA of 3.0 with grades not lower than a “C.”
- CASPer score
- Completed online application
- Criminal background check
Standout Features of the University of Indiana’s Master of Occupational Therapy Degree Program
The University of Indianapolis has been a known provider of quality graduate-level Occupational Therapy education since 1985. It is also the first school in Indiana to offer graduate Occupational Therapy programs.
Successful completion of the Master’s in Occupational Therapy degree program qualifies graduates to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam.
The entry-level MOT program at the University of Indianapolis begins each year in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Common Occupational Therapy Interventions?
A person’s failure or disability to perform normal physical movements is depressing to the sick person and burdens his family. Occupational therapy was invented to offer solutions to this problem. These are the most common Occupational Therapy interventions:
- Help children with disabilities participate in social and school activities
- Help people recover from injury and regain their skills
- Provide support to older individuals who are going through physical and cognitive impairment.
What does an Occupational Therapist do?
A licensed health professional, an Occupational Therapist is a master’s degree holder in the field whose job involves developing or regaining normal physical movements to live normal, day-to-day lives.
The OT career path has many specializations. Professionals work with premature infants in pediatric hospitals or children with diseases like cerebral palsy or Downs syndrome. Many practitioners even choose to help children live their childhood “occupations” stage, including learning, playing, and growing. They work in schools to help students with learning disabilities and behavioral issues.
Occupational therapists also work in homes or nursing facilities, helping older patients recover from strokes or dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Some practitioners choose to help accident victims regain needed skills or offer assistance to people with mental illness.
What does the career landscape look like for Occupational Therapists?
There’s a growing need for physical therapists in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is expected to grow by 12% from 2022 to 2032. It’s a growth rate that is much faster than the average for any other occupation. Salaries often depend on your field, education, and experience.
Furthermore, 16,100 new jobs for physical therapists are projected each year for the same period. This means that if you are a graduate of an Occupational Therapy degree, you’ll never run out of career opportunities for at least a decade.
What is a Master of Occupational Therapy Degree?
A Master of Occupational Therapy or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is a graduate degree in healthcare. It is designed for bachelor’s degree holders, particularly Occupational Therapy assistants (OTA) who want to become full-fledged occupational therapists (OTs).
You can complete this advanced occupational therapy education program in two years.
What is an Online Master of Occupational Therapy Degree Program?
An online master’s degree in occupational therapy is an advanced post-bachelor’s degree program that some colleges and universities offer through distance education. The school delivers its lessons to students with the aid of computers and information technology.
Now, through online occupational therapy education programs, computers and the internet allow professors and students to meet and hold classes, eliminating the need for physical classrooms.
An online Master of Occupational Therapy degree program offers the same benefits as a traditional campus-based counterpart. It also carries some benefits not available in the traditional master’s program, such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, and it doesn’t disrupt your work or family commitments.
An online master’s degree program allows you to study without resigning from work, commuting, or relocating to move closer to campus.
To further your career, consider earning your online Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
What career pathways await Master of Occupational Therapy Degree holders?
A master of occupational degree can equip you with knowledge and skills for various roles and responsibilities in the healthcare industry. These are the most promising career options for Master of Occupational Therapy graduates:
- An Occupational Therapist specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of injured or physically impaired individuals.
- A Clinic Director takes on a managerial role as an experienced occupational therapist with supervisory and systems management skills.
- A college instructor imparts theoretical and practical knowledge of Occupational Therapy to aspiring occupational therapists.
- An ABA Therapist works to improve specific behaviors of those with developmental or behavioral challenges.
- A Rehabilitation Manager is in charge of the rehabilitation department of a big healthcare organization.
- Pediatric occupational therapists apply their occupational therapy knowledge and skills to individuals not older than 18 years of age.
- A career in special education can afford many opportunities to assist children with Autism or Speech/Language issues.
Key Takeaways
- Online Occupational Therapy programs instruct students on how to assist patients battling disabilities or illnesses. They help them manage everyday life skills.
- Online learning is the way to go… for busy professionals who need to earn a graduate degree. Online Occupational Therapy degrees provide flexibility and convenience for prospective students.
- The Occupational Therapy profession can be lucrative and is most definitely rewarding.
- When searching for the right program for you, only consider an accredited occupational therapy program for the best education.
- If you enjoy working within the field of organizational leadership, consider earning an online Master’s of Occupational Behavior and Development degree.
