Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Program Overview
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program
The Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) is designed to prepare students for a career in occupational therapy.
Program Outcomes
The program focuses on fieldwork performance, degree completion, and NBCOT certification.
- Fieldwork Performance: Each student is evaluated by the supervisor using AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) after completing each full-time (Level II) fieldwork experience.
- Starting with the Class of 2021, students were evaluated on the updated FWPE with a passing score of 111.
- For the Columbia University Occupational Therapy Class of 2024, the average score on all Level 2 fieldwork experiences is 128.
- Degree Completion: Full-time students typically complete their academic and fieldwork requirements within 24-27 months.
- The class entering in the Fall of 2018 was the last class who could elect the three-year part-time program.
- Students in the Dual Degree (MS/MPH) program typically complete their academic and fieldwork requirements within 36 months.
- NBCOT Certification: Students are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam only after successfully completing all required coursework and fieldwork.
Degree Completion Rates
The following indicates the percentage of students who successfully completed their program as intended:
| Graduating Class | Number of Students | Number of Students Who Graduated Within Expected Time Frame | Percentage Who Graduated Within Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2024 | 54 | 51 | 94% |
| Class of 2023 | 55 | 54 | 98% |
| Class of 2022 | 54 | 54 | 100% |
| TOTAL | 163 | 159 | 98% |
NBCOT Examination Results
The results of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination for Columbia University are as follows:
| Graduating Class | Number of Test Takers | Passing Percentage | National Passing Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2024 | 52 | 96% | 91% |
| Class of 2023 | 58 | 100% | 94% |
| Class of 2022 | 58 | 98% | 95% |
| Total | 168 | 98% | 93.3% |
Employment
The vast majority of employers of graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with the graduates' skills, including:
- Critical thinking skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to function as a team member
- Ability to work with families and caregivers
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Responsiveness to supervision
- Overall professionalism
Most graduates are either offered employment from their fieldwork site or find employment within one month of looking. The program prepares students for a successful career in occupational therapy.