Three ways to earn your Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Messiah University

Occupational Therapy degree paths

Master of

Three ways to earn your Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Messiah University Understanding your undergraduate academic pathways to a career in occupational therapy

messiah.edu/MOT

Inside this booklet, you can explore your academic pathways to earn your Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Messiah University:

Occupational Therapy Accelerated Program Early Assurance Program: Master of Occupational Therapy Post-Baccalaureate Option Each path provides a program summary, completion timeframe, the criteria required to be admitted and links to visit our website to learn more.

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For questions related to the accelerated and early assurance programs, please contact:

For general information related to the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Messiah University, please contact:

Scott Kieffer

Leah Smock

call: 717-766-2511, ext. 2633 email: kieffer@messiah.edu

call: 717-796-1800 ext. 2350 email: lsmock@messiah.edu web: messiah.edu/MOT

Occupational Therapy Pathways Occupational Therapy Accelerated Program

Early Assurance Program

Post-Baccalaureate Option

as a high school senior:

as a messiah junior:

as a messiah senior:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale • 1170 SAT or 24 ACT • Complete undergraduate application by Jan. 15 • Interview with faculty

• Select any major

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Complete prerequisites courses

• Complete at least 40 observation hours

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 by junior year

• Obtain three

• Complete at least 40 observation hours

including one from an OT

while at messiah:

• Major in applied health science or psychology • Complete all prerequisites at Messiah with a C or better • Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher • Complete graduate application

by July 15, year two • Complete at least 40 observation hours • Obtain three recommendations, including one from an OT • No GRE • No OTCAS application

recommendations,

• Obtain three

• Complete prerequisites courses

recommendations,

• Take GRE

including one from an OT

• Fulfill OTCAS

• Complete graduate application by Dec. 15

requirements by Nov. 1 • Interview with faculty

• Interview with faculty

Learn more on page 5

• No GRE • No OTCAS application Learn more on page 4

Learn more on page 4

A career in occupational therapy 3

Occupational Therapy Accelerated Program Program summary Messiah’s five-year accelerated program is designed for academically qualified first-year students who are committed to becoming occupational therapists. The program allows entering first-year students to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree at Messiah University in less time than would be required to complete both of these degrees separately. New admits will be accepted directly from high school.

Students who pursue this accelerated program earn either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in applied health science with a preoccupational therapy concentration, or a B.S. in psychology.

Completion timeframe to MOT degree

Criteria This program admits up to 30 total new students each fall (between the B.S. in applied health science – pre-OT and the B.S. in psychology).

Five years You will obtain a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree during your fourth year of study and a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from Messiah University at the end of your fifth year of study.

Minimum high school entry requirements:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (Grades of A or B in all high school science and math courses)

• Minimum 1170 SAT or 24 ACT

• High school students must apply to Messiah University by Jan. 15.

• Interview required for acceptance into the program

messiah.edu/OTAP

Early Assurance Program: Master of Occupational Therapy Program summary This program is designed for students who are committed to becoming an occupational therapist. It allows Messiah University juniors, who fulfill the program’s requirements, to obtain guaranteed acceptance for admissions into Messiah’s Master of Occupational Therapy program.

Completion timeframe to MOT degree

Criteria

Typically six years

• Messiah University students must complete all application requirements (which can include the future course of study to fulfill prerequisites and their academic degree) with the graduate application. The deadline for all application materials is Dec. 15 of your junior year.

Criteria to be considered for the Early Assurance Program:

Four years to complete your bachelor’s degree and two years to complete your MOT degree at Messiah University.

Up to 10 Messiah juniors may be accepted for early assurance for any given MOT cohort.

• 3.5/4.0 overall GPA

• Complete a minimum of 40 observation hours in two areas of occupational

therapy practice

• Obtain three recommendations, including one from an occupational therapist

• Interview required for acceptance into the program

messiah.edu/EAPMOT

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Messiah’s Master of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Post-Baccalaureate Option Program summary This academic path is well suited for students who are interested in occupational therapy but may want more flexibility in their undergraduate education. Messiah University can help prepare you for a graduate program in occupational therapy through a personalized advising pathway within any major you choose. Some of the more widely selected majors include applied health science, psychology (B.A. or B.S.), human development and family science, and biology. You will work one on one with our dedicated pre-health advisors to develop an academic and career path that matches your interests and skills and to help ensure you complete the prerequisite courses and application materials required for acceptance into graduate school.

Completion timeframe to MOT degree Typically six years Four years to complete your bachelor’s degree and two years to complete your MOT degree at Messiah University.* *Students who pursue this option may also apply for admission to occupational therapy degree programs other than Messiah’s, but completion timeframes will then vary by specific program.

Criteria This is a very competitive program and acceptance into Messiah’s MOT program is not automatically guaranteed. The specific admissions requirements and prerequisite courses for Messiah University’s accredited MOT program may be found at messiah.edu/MOT. Messiah also prepares students for acceptance into other top-rated OT schools. While specific admissions requirements vary by school, you will likely be required to take the following courses to be able to apply to a graduate program in occupational therapy: Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Statistics and Medical Terminology.

messiah.edu/Pre-OT

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Applied Health Science Accelerated Sample Course Progression Course #

Course Name FALL YEAR 1

IDFY 101

First Year Seminar*

BIOL 185

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

APHS 170

Course #

Course Name SPRING YEAR 1

3

IDCR 151

Created and Called for Community*

3

4

BIOL 186

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

4

Concepts of Conditioning

2

Varies

Second Language (first or second year)

3

PSYC 101

Introduction to Psychology*

3

COMM 105

Oral Communication*

3

Varies

First Language

3

PSYC 209

Life Span Development

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

Credits

15

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

FALL YEAR 2

Credits

3

16

SPRING YEAR 2

APHS 215

Chronic Disease and Exercise

3

BIBL 20X

Knowledge of the Bible* (first or second year)

3

STAT 269

Statistics*

3

HIST XXX

History* (first or second year)

3

CHEM 103

Chemical Science

4

Varies

Art, Music or Theatre (first or second year)

3

APHS 220

Health Promotion Management

3

PSYC 319

Abnormal Psychology

3

Varies

Third Language or Cross Cultural* (second or third year)

3

BIOL 189

Genetics for Health Professionals

3

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

16

ATHT 203

Medical Terminology and Topics

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

FALL YEAR 3

2

17

SPRING YEAR 3

NUTR 222

Nutrition Theory

3

THEO 2XX

Christian Beliefs (second or third year)

3

APHS 301

Exercise Physiology

4

APHS 325

Applied Human Physiology

3

ENGL XXX

Literature*

3

IDS XXX

Ethics/Pluralism/World Views* (third or fourth year)

3

RELI/PHIL

Religion/Philosophy* (first or second year)

3

APHS XXX

APHS Elective

3

IDNW XXX

Non-Western Studies (second or third year)

2-3

Varies

Free Elective

Varies

Free Elective

1

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

18

16-17

SUMMER YEAR 3

FALL YEAR 4

Starting in Summer Year 3, students begin graduate occupational therapy courses. All course work will be completed at Winding Hill. From a registration/financial aid perspective, students maintain undergraduate status.

OCCU 501

Foundations of Occupational Therapy

3

OCCU 505

Applied Anatomy

3

OCCU 505L

Applied Anatomy Lab

0

OCCU 508

Enabling Occupations

3

TOTAL CREDITS APPLIED TO BOTH PROGRAMS

3

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

9

OCCU 524

Theoretical Perspectives in OT

3

OCCU 526

Analysis of Occupation

3

OCCU 510

Evidence-Based Inquiry

3

OCCU 535

OT Process: Psychosocial Practice

4

OCCU 535L

OT Process: Psychosocial Practice Lab

0

OCCU 544

Therapeutic Techniques

3

OCCU 544 L

Therapeutic Techniques Lab

TOTAL CREDITS APPLIED TO BOTH PROGRAMS

0

16

At the completion of Fall Year 4, students will have completed all 123-124 credits for their undergraduate degree in Applied Health Science.

SPRING YEAR 4

SUMMER YEAR 4

Starting in Spring Year 4 students will be considered full-time graduate students.

OCCU 602

Level I Fieldwork: Adult Practice

1

IPEC 500

Interprofessional Education (IPE) Seminar

1

OCCU 605

OT Process: Adult Practice

4

OCCU 530

Research Methods and Design

3

OCCU 605L

OT Process: Adult Practice Lab

0

OCCU 553

Common Conditions in OT Practice

3

OCCU 615

Adaptations and Assistive Technology

3

OCCU 555

Neurological Conditions in OT Practice

4

OCCU 615L

Adaptations and Assistive Technology Lab

OCCU 555L

Neurological Conditions in OT Practice Lab

0

OCCU 562

Level I Fieldwork: Pediatric Practice

1

OCCU 565

OT Process: Pediatric Practice

4

OCCU565L

OT Process: Pediatric Practice Lab

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

0

16

FALL YEAR 5

SPRING YEAR 5

OCCU 572

Level I Fieldwork: Community Interventions

2

OCCU 583

Cultural & Global Considerations

2

OCCU 573

Health Promotion in OT: Community Interventions

2

OCCU 586

Spirituality, Meaning and Health in Occupation

2

OCCU 623

Administration, Management and Leadership

3

OCCU 622

Fieldwork Level II-A

OCCU 625

OT Process: Older Adult Practice

4

OCCU 625L

OT Process: Older Adult Practice Lab

0

OCCU 630

Research Seminar

3

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

14

SUMMER YEAR 5 OCCU 632

Field Work Level II-B

OCCU 636

Enrichment Seminar

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

6

0

8

6 1

7

At the completion of Summer Year 5, students will have completed all 80 credits for their Master of Occupational Therapy degree.

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

6

10

Psychology Accelerated Sample Course Progression Course #

Course Name FALL YEAR 1

PSYC 101

Introduction to Psychology

PSYC 099

Writing for Psychology

IDFY 101

Course #

Course Name SPRING YEAR 1

3

PSYC 209

Lifespan Development

3

1

IDCR

Created and Called for Community*

3

First Year Seminar*

3

PHL/RELI

Philosophy or Religion Elective*

3

MATH/CIS/STAT

Math/CIS/Statistics*

3

Varies

Second Language

3

COMM 105

Fundamentals of Oral Communication*

3

BIOL 258

Human Biology

Varies

First Language

3

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

Credits

Credits

3

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

16

16

SPRING YEAR 2

FALL YEAR 2 PSYC 271

Statistical Methods in Psychology

3

PSYC 272

Research Methods in Psychology

3

PSYC 350

Biological Bases of Behavior

3

PSYC 226

Social Psychology

3

BIBL 2XX

Encountering the Bible/OT/NT*

3

PSYC 204

Cognition

3

Varies

Third Language or Cross Cultural*

3

IDXX XXX

Ethics/World Views/Pluralism*

3

BIOL 185

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

4

BIOL 186

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

4

ATHT 201

Medical Terminology

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

16

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

FALL YEAR 3

2

18

SPRING YEAR 3

PSYC 441

History of Systems

3

PSYC 351

Sensation and Perception

3

PSYC 494

Psychology Seminar

3

PSYC 319

Abnormal Psychology

3

PSYC 408

Experimental Psychology (fall only)

3

Varies

Literature Meeting QuEST*

3

IDNW 2XX

Non-Western Studies*

2-3

Varies

Art, Music, Theatre or Dance Meeting QuEST*

3

THEO XXX

Christian Beliefs*

3

HIST XXX

History Meeting QuEST*

3

WELL XXX

Wellness Course*

1

Varies

Elective

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

15-16

SUMMER YEAR 3

17

FALL YEAR 4

Starting in Summer Year 3, students begin graduate occupational therapy courses. All course work will be completed at Winding Hill. From a registration/financial aid perspective, students maintain undergraduate status.

OCCU 501

Foundations of Occupational Therapy

3

OCCU 505

Applied Anatomy

3

OCCU 505L

Applied Anatomy Lab

0

OCCU 508

Enabling Occupations

3

TOTAL CREDITS APPLIED TO BOTH PROGRAMS

2

TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS

9

OCCU 524

Theoretical Perspectives in OT

3

OCCU 526

Analysis of Occupation

3

OCCU 510

Evidence-Based Inquiry

3

OCCU 535

OT Process: Psychosocial Practice

4

OCCU 535L

OT Process: Psychosocial Practice Lab

0

OCCU 544

Therapeutic Techniques

3

OCCU 544 L

Therapeutic Techniques Lab

TOTAL CREDITS APPLIED TO BOTH PROGRAMS

0

16

At the completion of Fall Year 4, students will have completed all 123-124 credits for their undergraduate degree in Applied Health Science.

SPRING YEAR 4

SUMMER YEAR 4

Starting in Spring Year 4 students will be considered full-time graduate students.

OCCU 602

Level I Fieldwork: Adult Practice

1

IPEC 500

Interprofessional Education (IPE) Seminar

1

OCCU 605

OT Process: Adult Practice

4

OCCU 530

Research Methods and Design

3

OCCU 605L

OT Process: Adult Practice Lab

0

OCCU 553

Common Conditions in OT Practice

3

OCCU 615

Adaptations and Assistive Technology

3

OCCU 555

Neurological Conditions in OT Practice

4

OCCU 615L

Adaptations and Assistive Technology Lab

OCCU 555L

Neurological Conditions in OT Practice Lab

0

OCCU 562

Level I Fieldwork: Pediatric Practice

1

OCCU 565

OT Process: Pediatric Practice

4

OCCU565L

OT Process: Pediatric Practice Lab

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

0

8

0

16

FALL YEAR 5

SPRING YEAR 5

OCCU 572

Level I Fieldwork: Community Interventions

2

OCCU 583

Cultural & Global Considerations

2

OCCU 573

Health Promotion in OT: Community Interventions

2

OCCU 586

Spirituality, Meaning and Health in Occupation

2

OCCU 623

Administration, Management and Leadership

3

OCCU 622

Fieldwork Level II-A

OCCU 625

OT Process: Older Adult Practice

4

OCCU 625L

OT Process: Older Adult Practice Lab

0

OCCU 630

Research Seminar

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

6

10

3

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

14

SUMMER YEAR 5 OCCU 632

Field Work Level II-B

OCCU 636

Enrichment Seminar

TOTAL GRADUATE CREDITS

6 1

7

At the completion of Summer Year 5, students will have completed all 80 credits for their Master of Occupational Therapy degree.

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Our campus Located in suburban, south-central Pennsylvania, Messiah University is situated on 471 scenic acres. Whether you’re taking a stroll along the picturesque Yellow Breeches Creek that runs through campus, listening to a lecture in one of our state-of-the-art academic buildings, watching a soccer game at our outdoor sports complex, hanging out at a concert in our student union or simply enjoying the beauty of campus, you’ll be sure to feel at home.

Facilities designed for OT Students in our graduate program in Occupational Therapy complete their course/lab work at Winding Hill, Messiah University’s 37,000-square-foot educational center, offering a technologically advanced, custom-designed learning environment, including:

• Full-size apartment with universal design for activities of daily living (ADL)

• Pediatric lab with sensory integration equipment, climbing wall and indoor play gym

• Large musculoskeletal lab that simulates a rehabilitation environment

• Fully equipped cadaver lab for students to engage in hands-on learning 20_1209