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 (or tracks) 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 MOT 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.

Residence MOT Track (for those entering the profession)

Our residence 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 BS or BA 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.

Admission Requirements

Deadlines and Application Procedures

The application deadlines will be published on the program’s website and on OTCAS (Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service) for each track by July of each year.
- The OTCAS application portal can be accessed by following this link: https://otcas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login
- MOT application materials and tuition information can be found on the program website at https://www.radford.edu/programs/mot-grad.html.

Application Pre-Requisites (GPA & Courses)

GPA of 3.00 is recommended; GPAs of 2.75-2.99 will be considered but acceptance will have a contingency of B or better in 1st semester 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 Submissions

All applicants must submit:

A completed application in OTCAS, the OT Centralized Application Service (portal opens in late July);
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work;
Personal Statement (included in OTCAS requirements);
Professional resume describing past and current educational and employment experiences;
Two letters of recommendation from instructors or employers (not personal references)

Additional Application Requirements (based on tracks)

MOT Residence track applicant additional requirement:

Observation hours with an occupational therapy practitioner (OTR or COTA). We do not have a specific minimum hour requirement. We feel observing in a variety of occupational therapy settings is beneficial.

OTA-MOT Bridge track applicant additional requirement:

Letter from an employer attesting to your credentialing in good standing as an occupational therapy assistant, with a minimum of one year work experience

Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements

Program Director

Amy M Wix, OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor, online DOT Program
540- 985-8594 (Office)
304-575-1245 (Cell)
awix@radford.edu

Mission

The mission of the Radford University Carilion Occupational Therapy program is to develop post professional occupational therapists that are leaders in the field.

Goals/Outcome

Upon completion of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, the graduate will be able to:

Apply and integrate occupation based models and theories in professional practice settings.
Implement and integrate evidence based models of practice in general and specialty areas.
Analyze and address issues related to participation, rights and culture of all individuals and communities.
Employ effective collaborative leadership skills across practice settings.
Explore issues and solutions related to clinical education and supervision.
Conduct a research study/ scholarly project and disseminate results to a professional audience.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT) will complete and submit their application through the online Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS).

Completed Jefferson College OTCAS application
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy ( Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree OT must also hold a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related Field of Study)
Copy of current licensure as an OT
Resume or CV
Interview (on-line)
Essay on how you plan to utilize the DOT degree
Three references
Official transcripts from every institution you have attended

Program Requirements

The DOT Program does require that students own a computer; and have wi-fi/internet capabilities, communication, tests and assignments often utilize e-mail and Blackboard. Students do need access to a computer with Microsoft Word & Internet access during the semester.

Graduation Requirements

All courses listed in the DOT Program of study should be taken in the sequence as listed. ALL courses must receive a passing grade (B- or better) in order to continue enrollment . Students are required to successfully complete the first year of study before advancing 70 to the second year. The summer session is considered part of the first year. Students enrolled in the DOT Program must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Students who fail to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. A student may receive a grade BELOW a “B -” in only two (2) courses throughout their entire enrollment in the DOT program as long as a GPA of 3.0 is maintained.. Upon receiving the third grade Below a “B -” the student will be immediately dismissed from the program. A student dismissed from the program is not eligible to reapply to this program. Student may require CITI training, based on their research project design.

Programs

Master’s

A degree represents the academic level of a program and the general category into which it falls. For example: Master of Arts, Master of Science, etc. At Radford University, the term “Arts” in a graduate degree generally implies a language and thesis requirement. The minimum number of semester hours for a Radford University graduate degree is 30.

Occupational Therapy, M.O.T.

Doctoral

Occupational Therapy, O.T.D.