Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Programs and Admission

Professional Program:

M.S. Program for students with an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than OT.

A two-academic-year program consisting of a minimum of 55-61 credits, plus 24 credits (6 months, full-time) of internship.

Post professional program:

M.S. Program for students with an undergraduate degree in OT.

A one-academic-year program consisting of a minimum of 30 credits. May require additional semesters depending on structure of program.

Program Overview

The goal of the Master of Science program is to prepare students for leadership roles as occupational therapists in a variety of healthcare arenas. Students are prepared to successfully address the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century's changing healthcare environment.

The program focuses on preparation for a broad-based, advanced-generalist practice. Its comprehensive nature provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support people of all ages, who have special needs, in addressing daily challenges related to their life roles and to assist them to maximize their independence.

The program is based on a framework that includes experiential learning within individual and teamwork contexts. Specifically, learning focuses on developing strong communication skills, respectful interactions, inclusive leadership skills, and the ability to characterize and solve open-ended problems from an empirical standpoint. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work in traditional and innovative practice environments. Students are also well prepared to matriculate into a doctoral program.

The design of the OT curriculum reflects the mission of the University and the OT Department, as well as the philosophical foundations of the profession. The ongoing interaction between the Department's research, outreach/service, and teaching activities is central to our curriculum. OT faculty and staff involvement in a number of local, regional, national, and international research and outreach/service activities has directly influenced curriculum design in both content and methods.

The Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) serves professional and post-professional students. The two-track graduate program addresses students’ educational needs whether they have a bachelor’s degree in OT or another discipline. Students with a B.S. in a discipline outside of OT will follow a standard program of study. Students with a B.S. in OT will be allowed to create an individualized program of study with their adviser which will include components of the standard program as well as post-professional options such as Independent Study, Supervised College Teaching and Advanced Practicum.

Character Requirements for CSU Fieldwork & NBCOT Certification

Students must pass criminal background checks, drug screening and health/immunization requirements in order to be eligible to enroll in Level I OT Fieldwork and Level II Fieldwork and complete the MSOT program. Contact the department head if you have questions about the criminal background check process to meet fieldwork requirements. Students must also pass similar requirements imposed by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ( NBCOT ) in order to sit for the NBCOT exam.

Students are encouraged to participate in NBCOT's Early Determination Character Review (http://www.nbcot.org/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=77&z=15 ) prior to applying to the program. Students who have additional questions or would like additional information, may contact the Regulatory Affairs Department at NBCOT, located at 800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 .

Requirements for OTR Certification

To practice occupational therapy, students must pass NBCOT's national certification exam. After successful completion, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Many states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Exam and continuing education requirements that are unique from state to state.

Additional information about occupational therapy can be obtained by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association at 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220 , Bethesda , MD 20824-1220 , phone (301)652-2682 or the web site www.aota.org .

The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220 , Bethesda , MD 20824-1220 , (301)652-2682. Visit www.aota.org for additional information. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is the credentialing agency responsible for the development and implementation of the certification process for OT practioners.

* Please note: You will need a recent version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print this document.

For additional information, please contact Linda McDowell (mcdowell@cahs.colostate.edu), Graduate Admissions Coordinator, at 970-491-6243.