Occupational Therapy

Sarah Smidl, Graduate Program Coordinator
ssmidl@radford.edu

Graduate Program

The Master of Occupational Therapy program prepares students for professional careers as occupational therapists in a variety of healthcare and community settings. We offer two pathways to obtain a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree across two campus locations (Radford and Roanoke). Both of our pathways lead to an entry-level degree in Occupational Therapy within 2 ½ years of full-time study. The profession of occupational therapy is concerned with promoting health and well-being through the inclusive engagement in occupations, which are the activities adults and children engage in on a daily basis (e.g. getting dressed, driving, playing, socializing, etc.). Occupational therapists are concerned with enabling people of all ages and abilities to participate in daily life meaningfully by minimizing the barriers that may impact such participation.

Students are admitted to the M.O.T. program once each year and begin their course work in the fall semester. Completion of the degree requires seven consecutive terms (including Summer Session III) of full-time didactic and clinical study. In the last two semesters, students complete two full-time clinical placements in a healthcare or community setting under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

Traditional MOT Track (for those entering the profession)

Our in-person traditional track offers full-time and part-time study options at our Radford and Roanoke sites for those seeking a degree in occupational therapy for the first time. One cohort per campus location is admitted each fall. The MOT degree is earned in 7 semesters of full-time study.

Hybrid OTA to MOT Bridge Track (for OTAs seeking an MOT degree)

Our hybrid OTA to MOT bridge track is designed for licensed occupational therapy assistants to further their education and become occupational therapists. We offer a hybrid model of instruction for OTAs with at least one year of experience and a B.S. or B.A degree from an accredited institution. One cohort is admitted each fall and the MOT degree is earned in 7 semesters. Credit for work experience is offered.

Accreditation, Certification and Licensure

The M.O.T. program at our main campus location in Radford was approved in 2008 by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and initially accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association in 2011. In April of 2019, the MOT program at our Roanoke location (Radford University Carilion) was fully accredited as an additional location and in 2023 the RU MOT program was granted permission to add a hybrid OTA to MOT Bridge Track with an additional cohort. ACOTE can be contacted by mail at 7501 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814 or by telephone at (301) 652-6611. The Council’s web address is: www.acoteonline.org Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR).In addition, most states, including Virginia, require a license to practice, which are issued based on a passing score on the NBCOT exam. Prospective students who have any criminal or professional record are encouraged to utilize NBCOT’s early determination and associated character review in order to determine whether eligibility to take the exam at the end of the program may be in jeopardy. NBCOT’s web address is https://www.nbcot.org/.

Admission Requirements

In-Person Track

Admission requirements for admission to the M.O.T. program, In-Person Track are as follows. The Master of Occupational Therapy In-Person Track application deadline will be published on the program’s website and on OTCAS by July of each year.

Required GPA of 3.00 of undergraduate and/or graduate coursework
Grades of “B-” or better in the following courses:
Cultural Anthropology (3 credits) OR Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)
Human Physiology (3-4 credits)
Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
Life Span Growth and Development (3 credits)
Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

MOT application materials along with instructions can be found on the program website at https://www.radford.edu/programs/mot-grad.html. Tuition information can be found on the Bursar’s website at https://www.radford.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/index.html.

Individuals interested in applying to the M.O.T In-Person Traditional Track should ensure that the following materials are received by the deadline date of November 1:

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work;
A professional resume describing past and current educational and employment experiences;
A two-page Statement of Purpose; This is your opportunity to tell us why you want to earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University. In a two-page essay, discuss the development of your interest in occupational therapy, how your observation experiences have informed your understanding of occupational therapy as a profession and the people occupational therapists work with, and your aspirations and goals for a career as an occupational therapist.
Two letters of recommendation from instructors or employers;
Observation Hours - Minimum of 20 hours with an occupational therapy practitioner (OTR or COTA), 40 hours preferred; in at least two different practice settings. Experience with diverse populations and settings – (Experience with diverse populations and programs is highly recommended in the form of work and/or volunteer experiences with individuals encountered in occupational therapy practice).

Applications for admission to the M.O.T. In-Person Traditional Track are reviewed by the Admissions Committee of the department. Candidates who have submitted a complete application and meet prerequisite requirements may be contacted to schedule a mandatory virtual interview. Final admission decisions are announced in January/February.

Admission Requirements: Hybrid Bridge Track

Admission requirements for admission to the M.O.T. program, O.T.A to M.O.T. Bridge Track are as follows:

Required GPA of 3.00 of undergraduate and/or graduate coursework
Grades of “B-” or better in the following courses:
Cultural Anthropology (3 credits) OR Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)
Human Physiology (3-4 credits)
Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
Life Span Growth and Development (3 credits)
Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

Application materials, information about tuition and fees, specific program requirements, and instructions for application are described in the Department of Occupational Therapy website at https://www.radford.edu/programs/mot-grad.html.

Individuals interested in application to the M.O.T program should ensure that the following materials are received by the deadline date of April 1:

A completed application in OTCAS, the OT common application service (portal opens in late July);
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work;
A professional resume describing past and current educational and employment experiences;
A typed Statement of Purpose: this is your opportunity to tell us why you want to earn the Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Radford University. In a two-page (double-spaced) essay, discuss the development of your interest in occupational therapy, how your education, fieldwork, and professional experiences as an occupational therapy assistant have informed your understanding of occupational therapy as a profession and the people occupational therapists work with, and your aspirations and goals for a continuing career as a health-care professional with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree;
Two letters of recommendation: request letters from college professors, employers, or others who have worked with you in a professional capacity (no personal references, please). The letters should describe your academic skills, general work behaviors, and the personal qualities one needs to be a competent health-care professional;
A letter from an employer attesting to your credentialing in good standing as an occupational therapy assistant, with a minimum of one year full-time work experience

Applications for admission to the M.O.T. program are reviewed by the Admissions Committee of the department. Candidates who have submitted a complete application and meet prerequisite requirements may be contacted to schedule a mandatory virtual interview. Admission decisions are announced