Program Overview

Occupational Therapy Program Overview

The Department of Occupational Therapy offers an entry-level Master of Science (MS-OT) and an entry-level Clinical Doctorate Degree (OTD) in Occupational Therapy, as well as an online Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology.

Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy

The Master's Degree prepares students for entry-level occupational therapy practice. Students gain the knowledge and skills to work with people of all ages to enable their participation in desired activities within their natural environments.

Accreditation

The occupational therapy master's degree program at the University of New Hampshire is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Certification and Licensure

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 individual will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice. State licenses are usually based on the successful results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Admission Requirements

Professional Master's Program in Occupational Therapy

• Duration: 2 years
• Applicants need a minimum overall grade point of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework and the following prerequisite courses:
  • Human anatomy and physiology (two courses with labs)
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Clinical Kinesiology
  • Human development (one lifespan development course that covers infancy to senior adults, or two courses, one child and one adult development course)
  • Statistics
  • Medical Terminology (only required for applicants beginning the program in 2023)
  • Abnormal Psychology (only required for applicants beginning the program in 2023)
• Applicants must complete and submit the Prerequisite Verification Form with their application.
• Priority for admission will be given to applicants with all prerequisite courses completed.
• Prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of the Professional Master's Program.
• Three letters of reference must accompany the application, including:
  • Two letters addressing the applicant's educational abilities/performance from academic faculty
  • One letter addressing the applicant's interpersonal/communication skills as observed in a volunteer or paid-employment setting
• Decisions are made as applications are received.
• Admission to the occupational therapy program is a competitive process and not all qualified students are admitted.
• Applicants will be notified of admission by mid-March.