Occupational Therapy

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.

The Misericordia University Occupational Therapy department offers unique programming in which students entering as freshman have the opportunity to choose between a Masters of OT or OTD in the graduate phase of the program.

Traditional students start as freshman and will attain their BS in Occupational Science in 3.5 years. Traditional students, in good academic standing, are guaranteed a seat in the graduate phase of the program and have their choice of pursing either the MSOT (1.5 years) or the entry level OTD degree (2.5 years).

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.

OT Video

Check out the below video and learn what is special about both the OT program at MU and its students.

Mission
Accreditation Status

Mission

The mission of the Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia University is to provide an educational environment that reflects values and attitudes of justice, mercy, service, hospitality, and dignity in order to promote development of highly skilled professionals who are culturally competent, ethical, innovative, responsible, and involved occupational therapists serving diverse communities. We strive to emphasize quality graduate education through the use of evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning to achieve client-centered outcomes. Our graduates will be prepared as leaders to work interprofessionally and advocate for health maintenance and promotion within changing environments.

Accreditation Status

Entry Level MSOT Accreditation Status: The Occupational Therapy Department has received full accreditation status for the professional entry-level Master of Science program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education through the 2029-2030 academic school year. The occupational therapy program at the university has been fully accredited since 1985, the year of the first graduating class in OT. Students must complete Level II fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

The program is accredited by ACOTE - Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929, phone: 301-652-AOTA. .

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral (ELOTD) Program Accreditation Status: The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is . The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national 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; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Students must complete Level II fieldwork and experiential requirements within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.

ACOTE

Accredited since 1985

Pass Rate 2021

Graduation Rate
3-Year Average (2019-2021)

OT Jamaica Trip 2015 — 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.

Learn More

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 (Misericordia University is no longer accepting applications for this program).

OT Programs

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Program: Masters and Doctoral

The Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia University is excited to announce that ACOTE has granted candidacy status for the entry level OTD program. MU OT faculty are well positioned to offer the entry level doctorate since they have experience teaching in the post professional OTD for 10 years. This is an exciting opportunity as MU OT is one of the first Universities in the area to provide this level of entry level education for occupational therapists.

The application process is the same for both options. All students admitted into either option will obtain their Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Science after 3.5 years.

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.

The MSOT degree is completed in 5 years and entry level OTD program is six years (plus a summer session) in length that combines the foundation of a liberal arts education with professional occupational therapy coursework to produce a holistic practitioner who has a strong background in the use of occupation and critical inquiry skills to the benefit of both clients and the profession.

Course Sequence

Click here to view the course sequence of the entry level masters program.

Click here to view the course sequence of the entry level OTD program.

Click here to view the tuition and fees.

Contact Information

For Admissions Information

Dr. Joseph Cipriani, OT Professor and Week-day Admissions Coordinator
570-674-6412

For Transfer Information
Patti Ross, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions
570-674-8183

Weekend Entry-Level Master's Program

The Weekend Program is designed to meet the needs of the adult learner. The Program meets in a hybrid format during the semester (four weekends on campus and three or four weekends in an online synchronous format) 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. Some courses include the use of Blackboard as a distance learning component, with reduced face-to-face meeting time. 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.

Three Year Entry-level BS to MS Program

To view the curriculum sequence, please click on the appropriate link below.

For students entering Fall 2020 and beyond:

Click here to view the Weekend Program Course Sequence.

Click here to view tuition and fees.

Contact Information

For Admissions Information
Maureen Sheridan
(570) 674-6451

OT Weekend Program Director
Dr. Orley Templeton
(570) 674-8154

Post-Professional Doctorate Program

Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

The Occupational Therapy Department has received approval from the Middle States Association and has received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program.

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 Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia University is recognized as an educational leader in the occupational therapy professional community. As one of the first academic institutions to offer an Entry Level Masters degree the Department also offers innovative post professional pediatric programs and a Weekend College program. The OTD degree continues this future oriented perspective integral to our new University status. The degree is designed to provide occupational therapists with advanced clinical, practice management, teaching, and administrative skills. The program emphasizes integration of theory and practice, professional and clinical skills, critical self-assessment, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, advocacy and health policy. The post professional program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills that practitioners bring from clinical practice and life experiences. Program graduates should qualify for upper level management positions in a diverse range of practice environments and will be poised to become leaders in the profession.

Why a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy?

OTD graduates are agents of positive change, social responsibility, and ethical care who are prepared for major career advancements. With a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, you can choose from a variety of available career paths such as:

Influence public policy with knowledge of how occupation impacts health
Start your own business or private practice
Develop programs that will enable occupational therapists to be responsive to public health concerns of the 21st century

Why Misericordia?

Relevant: Course work is focused on clinical practice concerns with choice of Pediatric or Adult/Geriatric specialization. Content immediately applicable to clinical practice.

Innovative: Up to six (6) credits from the Post Professional Pediatric Certificate are transferable. Courses are on-line with on campus time limited to 2 days per semester.

Excellent Faculty: Courses are taught by full-time nationally respected doctorally prepared faculty as well as clinical faculty specialists.

Great Value: Convenient location 2 hours from Philadelphia and NYC in a safe, comfortable setting. Small class size with personalized attention, reasonable fees and class schedules designed for working therapists to allow for continued full-time employment.

Curricular Synopsis

The OTD curriculum is composed of 24 credits of "core" courses that address the competencies required of leaders and advocates in the profession. These courses address advanced theory, advanced research, program development and evaluation, occupational science, and public policy and advocacy. Capstone coursework requires the integration of these content areas into a clinical project, which is formally evaluated and presented through professional presentation and/or publication. Each student also completes 9-12 credits in either a pediatric or geriatric specialization, for a total of 33-36 credits for the doctoral coursework.

Program Delivery:

A combination delivery model of face-to-face and distance learning is used. Classes meet on campus one weekend day at the beginning and end of each semester.
The program is designed to be completed part-time (2 classes per semester) over a two year tri-semester period.

The OTD program goals are focused in areas of research, advanced practice, leadership and administration. Graduates will:

be proficient in critically appraising, applying and contributing to evidence that supports occupation-based practice.
synthesize and apply advanced theoretical concepts and clinical skills in selected areas of practice.
enhance their leadership and advocacy skills to promote occupational participation in light of human dynamics and private & public policy influences.
design and administer effective, fiscally responsible client-centered programs.

Routes of Entry

Applicants with either an ELM degree in OT or a post professional Masters degree in another field will complete the following course sequence (33 credits). Applicants must have the equivalent of OT 520 (Research Methods) as a prerequisite.

Applicants to the OTD Program, if admitted, are expected to enroll in the OTD core courses as identified in the Program Sequence. If an applicant is considering the OTD, but wishes to request a revision to this curricular sequence (ie: one course per semester), they must indicate this in their application materials. Priority will be given to applicants who can commit to progressing through the program in the recommended Program Sequence. Those applicants that wish to be considered for a revised curricular sequence may be admitted to the program, but will be enrolled in courses each semester on a space available basis, which may significantly lengthen the curriculum sequence. The OTD Program is committed to meeting the individual needs of students whenever possible.

Contact Information

For Admissions Information
Maureen Sheridan
(570) 674-6451

Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L
Associate Professor
570-674-6399

Post-Professional Master's Degree Program

Misericordia University is no longer accepting applications for this program. 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. These credits will be distributed among the following categories:

Theory and Core: 9 credits
Research: 9 credits
Concentration: 12 credits
This program is offered primarily in distance and intensive on-campus (5 day experiences) formats.
The concentration courses can be taken in a pediatric or interdisciplinary track. The pediatric track includes courses currently being offered in the Post-Professional Pediatric Certificate Program. This allows for students who are interested in later applying for the Masters Degree to transfer their graduate credits from the certificate program into the Post Professional Masters Degree program. The interdisciplinary track includes courses from a variety of departments including education, nursing, and organizational management

Post Professional MS Program

30 Credit Program
An applicant who holds a baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy from a regionally accredited college or university must have Statistics as a prerequisite.

Coordinator of the Post-Professional Programs
Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L Associate Professor 570-674-6399 or email

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

For Admissions Information
Maureen Sheridan
(570) 674-6451

Coordinator of the Post-Professional Programs
Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L
Associate Professor
570-674-6399

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 an associate's or 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 2021 pass rate for the Misericordia University OT entry level program was 98%.

2020 - pass rate 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

MSOTA - Student Occupational Therapy Association

MSOTA, the University award winning organization, stands for the Misericordia Student Occupational Therapy Association! One of the most active and service-oriented clubs on campus, MSOTA has a long list of activities including service projects and fundraising events to benefit local community and non-profit organizations. MSOTA holds service projects and fundraisers to benefit the Special Olympics, Ruth's Place, Relay for Life and the CEO Food Bank among others.

Dr. Cheryl Jayne is the MSOTA club advisor.

David A. Evans Color Run

color run participants — MSOTA members and Dr. Dawn Evans at the David A. Evans Color run!

MSOTA celebrates Occupational Therapy Month

ot month students — MSOTA members celebrated OT Month at Misericordia

MSOTA OT Month Speaker Night

Pi Theta Epsilon

Pi Theta Epsilon, meaning advancement in occupational therapy, is Misericordia University's occupational therapy honor society. This honor society is a national organization which recognizes the academic accomplishments of hardworking occupational therapy students. It also promotes research and scholarship among students as a means to advance the field of occupational therapy. Members of MU's Pi Theta Epsilon engage in a number of scholarly, as well as, service-oriented activities.

Pi Theta Epsilon MVP Award — Misericordia University's Psi Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon earned the **Most Valuable Player Award** and placed *fourth* in the nation as part of the national St. Catherine Challenge that raises money for the American Occupational Therapy Foundation's research grants.

intercollegiate speaker series — Intercollegiate Speaker Series

PI Theta Epsilon conducted these additional fund raising and service projects in 2015-2016:

Fall Prevention
Flea Market
AOTA Webinars
Fundraising
St. Catherine's Challenge- fundraiser for AOTF (American Occupational Therapy Foundation)-Nationally ranked 5th out of all the schools that participated
Classic Car Show

Cougars for Autism Awareness

On Campus Clinics

Fall Prevention Workshops

Sensory Social Summer Camp

The Misericordia University Occupational Therapy Department holds a Sensory Social group for children with Autism. The group is an occupational therapy sensory social group designed for children between 5 and 12 years of age. During the intensive summer camp, children are engaged in carefully designed play-based activities to promote sensory regulation and improve social skills with similar aged peers. Dr. Lori Charney, OTR/L and Dr. Orley Templeton, OTR/L along with Masters degree students from the Occupational Therapy Program facilitate the group. The group is held for 3 weeks in the summer.

Lego-Based OT Group

Explore Your Future

It Starts At The Arch

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

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.

Robert Kennedy

What makes the Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia stand out above the rest? The number one reason I will tell you is that our faculty is superior. They care so much about our academic as well as our personal well-being. Our success is their number one priority. Our professors want to know us. They impart to us the feeling and sense of family, and that we are not merely just students who are a number like many larger schools. In our department everyone knows your name. Our professors take notice when we are having a rough week and will reach out to make sure we are okay. They want to ensure that not only are we succeeding in the classroom, but we have a good occupational work/leisure balance. Our program is staffed with some of the most knowledgeable and insightful professors there are. They push us to go beyond our comfort zones to learn the necessary skills to be the best therapists possible. Their doors are always open in Passan Hall, and we are encouraged to pop in and talk to them. With the constant support of our professors, and that little bit of extra motivation from them, I feel that Misericordia has prepared me to be the best possible Occupational Therapist. I will be able to bring creative ideas, the best knowledge, and the determination to be as successful as possible. For that, I am forever thankful to our faculty. We are one big family and are all MU OT Proud.

Kelsey Hadsall

Over the last 4 years, Misericordia University Occupational Therapy Department has always encouraged me to aim high, engage in new learning opportunities and believe in my abilities as a student. The OT department has opened so many doors to my learning that I am forever thankful for. I have engaged in incredible opportunities such as completing my Level I Fieldwork right here on campus at our very own Sensory Social Camp, allowing me to fulfill my passion for pediatrics, while also embracing a new-found path for research through the Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship. None of these opportunities would have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of our faculty and staff members. Our professors have such as passion for their student’s success. Their doors are always open, they want to help when you need it and they want to see you succeed as students and future OT’s. I truly believe that the opportunities MUOT has provided me with along with the constant support and guidance from my professors has prepared me for my career as a future OT. The MUOT experience is one like no other, we are an OT family, and I will always be thankful for the people, the experiences and the knowledge this program has provided me, allowing me to grow into the student I am today!

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.

Pass Rates

Pass rates are reported for all schools online on a state by state basis. Select Pennsylvania, OT Masters-Level Programs, and 2020 for the most recent results! The 2020 pass rate for the Misericordia University OT entry level program was 100%.

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 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%

Career Placement

Job Outlook

Current Salaries

Graduation Rate

Occupational Therapy Graduation Rates for the past 3 years are presented in the table below. Graduation rates are based upon the number of students who complete the professional phase of the OT Entry Level Weekday BS/MS Program and the OT Entry level Weekend MS Program. The professional phase of the Weekday program begins at the start of the Junior (third) year and continues through the end of the Graduate (fifth) year. The professional phase of the Weekend program begins at the start of Year 2 and continues until the end of Year 3.

Graduation rates for the past 3 years were:

Entry Level 5-year Weekday BS/MS in Occupational Therapy Program

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2019	44/44	100%
2020	48/44	92%
2021	42/40	95%
Total	134/128	96%

Entry Level 3 Year Weekend MS in Occupational Therapy Program

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2019	19/19	100%
2020	15/13	87%
2021	18/18	100%
Total	52/50	96%

Weekday and Weekend Entry Level Occupational Therapy Program

Graduation Years	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2019, 2020, 2021	186/178	96%

Total Graduation Rate for Weekday and Weekend Entry Level Occupational Therapy Programs for the past 3 years = 96%

87,480

Median Pay (2020)

100

Job Placement Rate

Connect with the OT Dept.

Lori Charney OTD, OTR/L, Department Chair
(570) 674-3330 lcharney@misericordia.edu

Meet the OT Faculty & Staff

Visit the Misericordia University OT Department on Facebook!

Occupational Therapy

Overview and Highlights

Gianna Bach

Logan Zeitler

Lori Charney, OTD/OTR/L Chair, OT Dept.

OT Program Outcomes

Lori Charney, OTD/OTR/L
Chair, OT Dept.