Occupational Therapy
Beginning in the Fall of 2019, traditional weekday students will enter the Entry Level OT Program that begins with attainment of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science. In their junior year, students will select either the Masters of OT or the OTD graduate track.
Since the first ACOTE accreditation in 1985, the occupational therapy department has been preparing occupational therapy practitioners to utilize theory-based, occupation-focused assessment and intervention strategies to assist the individual in improving functional performance. Recently, the curriculum has been refined with an increased focus on occupations, evidenced based practice, community leadership and dynamic reasoning to promote professionals who provide meaningful and effective OT practice. Upon successful completion of the Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Science (OS) degree, students will continue into the Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree track or the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree track.
Upon completion of the entry level degree and passing the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists examination, graduates can expect to practice successfully in a variety of traditional and non-traditional health care delivery settings with clients across the lifespan.
ACOTE
Accredited
100
Pass Rate 2020
100
Graduation Rate
Class of 2019
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Science (OS) degree, students will continue into the Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree track or the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree track.
The MSOT degree is completed in 5 years.
Upon completion of the entry level degree and passing the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists examination, graduates can expect to practice successfully in a variety of traditional and non-traditional health care delivery settings with clients across the lifespan.
The Weekend Program is designed to meet the needs of the adult learner. The Program meets every other weekend during the semester. Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during the fall, spring and summer terms. The Program brings together students from a wide diversity of undergraduate majors and backgrounds. A number of local motels and hotels exist for overnight housing. The program can be completed in just three years.
The OTD program is focused on academic growth in clinical practice areas of occupational therapy, and promotes intellectual discourse through both program content and format. Evidence based practice, a strong component of the curriculum, requires advanced critical thinking and a thorough understanding of research. The inclusion of clinical practice, analysis of evidence, and the skills to develop and lead programs that serve others results in both enhanced professional expertise and valuable services to our communities.
The Post-Professional Masters in Occupational Therapy is designed as a 30 credit graduate program with two tracks, an interdisciplinary and pediatric concentration. Students in all tracks of the program will complete a total of 30 graduate credits.
Program Options
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- Entry-Level OT Program: Masters and Doctoral
- Weekend Entry-Level Masters Program
- Post-Professional Doctoral Program
- Post-Professional Master's Degree Program
OT Programs
- Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Program: Masters and Doctoral
- Weekend Entry-Level Master's Program
- Post-Professional Doctorate Program
- Post-Professional Master's Degree Program
Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Program: Masters and Doctoral
Weekend Entry-Level Master's Program
Post-Professional Doctorate Program
Post-Professional Master's Degree Program
Overview and Highlights
- Misericordia University Occupational Therapy Department has been providing excellent occupational therapy education for over 30 years
- Traditional Weekday Entry Level BS in Occupational Science (BS in OS) and MSOT Program for traditional students graduating from high school. Five (5) year program to become an entry level occupational therapist.
- Non-traditional Weekend Entry Level BS in OS and MSOT Program for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than occupational therapy. Three (3) year program to become an entry level occupational therapist.
- Traditional Weekday Entry Level BS in OS and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Program for traditional students graduating from high school. 6.33 year program to become and entry level occupational therapist.
- Post Professional OTD for individuals who are currently practicing as occupational therapists.
- Two student organizations, including the Misericordia University Student Occupational Therapy Association and Pi Theta Epsilon, the Occupational Therapy honor society
- Alumni serve as occupational therapy leaders in clinical practice, research, professional associations, and administration.
NBCOT Pass Rate
Pass rates are reported for all schools online on a state by state basis. Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at the NBCOT School Stats page.
The 2020 pass rate for the Misericordia University OT entry level program was 100%.
2019 - pass rate 100%
2018 - pass rate 100%
2017- pass rate 98%
2016- pass rate 100%
2015- pass rate 100%
2014- pass rate 98%
2013- pass rate 100%
2012- pass rate 97%
Scroll down to learn more about the OT Program Outcomes.
Student Opportunities
Explore Your Future
It Starts At The Arch
Gianna Bach
Gianna Bach
Misericordia University’s occupational therapy (OT) department has provided me with more opportunities, support, and resources than I could have imagined. The professors are all so invested in our learning process, and personal and professional development.
Logan Zeitler
Logan Zeitler
The program truly set out a path for success for me, both professionally and personally. The level of professionalism and preparedness to enter the field of OT that this school fostered in me is second to none.
Lori Charney, OTD, OTR/L - Department Chair
Lori Charney, OTD/OTR/L
Chair, OT Dept.
MUOT offers 2 different points of entry into the profession: Master of Science in OT or Occupational Therapy Doctorate. You are welcomed into our program as a freshman and start working with OT professors to develop your skills through our many faculty led clinics and our robust selection of OT service opportunities.
Student Testimonials
You won't want to miss the "OT Rap" created and performed by current OT students
OT Service Trips
OT Service:
Local to Global
Did you know OT students and faculty at Misericordia are among the most active providers of service on campus? We take seriously the four charisms of the Sisters of Mercy - mercy, service, justice, and hospitality, and try to make them come alive, each in our own way, locally, regionally, and globally. Here are a few of many examples: MU OT students and other majors regularly travel the globe to provide service in locations such as Jamaica, Peru, Guyana, and Honduras. Some of these longer trips carry course credit. The trip to Honduras is an OT course.
OT INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRIP TO JAMAICA
In 2016 occupational therapy faculty and students from Misericordia University traveled to Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston Jamaica, as part of a class experience, to provide service and training to clients and staff at two homes for severely disabled children. This activity is part of a three part partnership between several universities, Mustard Seed Communities, and a group of therapists who provide pro-bono services worldwide, known as Therapy Missions. MU is one of three universities in this partnership.
OT Service Photo Gallery
International Service Trip to Jamaica 2015
OT students Amanda Casem and Mary Boyle work with a staff member and a child on a sensory mat built and donated by the class.
OT student high-fiving a child during a Service Trip to Jamaica in 2015
MU students at St. John Bosco Boys' Home in Jamaica, Mandeville, West Indies
City Mission, Schenectady, New York.
A remarkable large shelter for the homeless.
Misericordia University students Mary Hawes, Bangor, Pa., left, and Bethany Empfield, Shavertown, Pa., right, assist with one of the indoor events at the Hazleton Area School District's 4th Annual Winter Olympics at Eagle Rock Resort. The two were among 40 sophomore occupational therapy majors who volunteered their time for the outing for special needs children.
There were plenty of smiles as Misericordia University students Katie Kelly, Honesdale, PA, and Emily Iseminger, Wyalusing, Pa., and Maria Weidemoyer helped out on the sledding run during the Hazleton Area School District's 4th Annual Winter Olympics for special needs children at Eagle Rock Resort. They were among 40 sophomore occupational therapy majors who volunteered their time for the event.
OT Program Outcomes
Occupational therapists work in a wide variety of settings and with age groups from birth through older adulthood. Employment settings include school systems, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, day care centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, prisons, home health agencies, private practice, educational institutions, early intervention programs, and dozens of other sites.
83,200
Median Pay (2017)
Request Information
- Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program
- Weekend Entry-Level Master's Program
- Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
- Post-Professional Master's Degree