The Occupational Therapy Department at Misericordia University is excited to announce that ACOTE has granted candidacy status for the entry level OTD program. This means that the first class to enter into the entry level OTD program will be freshman entering during the fall semester of 2019. 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 Misericordia University Occupational Therapy department will be accepting applications for the Occupational Therapy Program for students entering in the Fall of 2019.

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

The Misericordia University Occupational Therapy department has decided to offer the option to pursue the MSOT OR ELOTD for students entering in the Fall of 2019. Students will not need to make the decision if they want to pursue the MSOT or ELOTD until their Junior year.

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.

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

Contact Information

For Admissions Information
Maureen Sheridan
(570) 674-6451
msheridan@misericordia.edu

OR

OT Weekend Program Director
Dr. Gwen Bartolacci
(570) 674-6257
gbartolacci@misericordia.edu

Weekend Program Description

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.

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:

Nontraditional Entry Level Master of Occupational Therapy Program Weekend Format

For students entering Fall 2019 and prior:

Three year entry level BS to MS weekend for students entering fall 2019 and prior.

Please Note: Classes meet on-campus for eight weekend sessions during the fall and spring semesters and seven weekend sessions during the summer session. Some courses include the use of Blackboard as a distance learning component, with reduced face-to-face meeting time.

Admission Criteria:

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, or if English is not the primary language spoken in your home, you must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The following are the minimum score requirements: Internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT): The Internet-based TOEFL has four subsections, with a grading scale for each section from 1 to 30 (30 being the highest score). Misericordia University will look closely at the score for each section rather than the total score.

The minimum scores for each section are as follows:

• Writing: 22
• Speaking: 22
• Reading: 22
• Listening: 22

Students should indicate on the registration form that they wish the test results to be sent directly to Misericordia University. The TOEFL code for Misericordia University is 2087.

Prerequisite courses: The application must include official transcripts for the following prerequisite courses:

1. BIO 211 A&P I (with lab)
2. BIO 212 A& P II (with lab)
3. Math 115
4. Physics 117 (with lab)
5. PSY 290 Psychopathology (Abnormal Psych)

Prospective students must have a baccalaureate degree in another discipline. Students should not apply if they have not completed their degree. Official transcripts must state "Degree Conferred".

Students with a diverse background of extracurricular activity, leadership positions, and appreciation for the relevance that occupation plays in their individual lives and who meet the following criteria will be considered for the Occupational Therapy Program. The requirements are:

1. A Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline from an accredited program with a minimum of a 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average
2. Two letters of reference (at least one from an occupational therapist is highly recommended)
3. 6-8 hours of documented service in a health care setting with an occupational therapist
4. Submission of a 500 word, typed statement of personal and professional goals
5. Successful interview with an occupational therapy faculty member
6. Certified occupational therapy assistants must submit evidence of current NBCOT certification.
7. Technical competency in using Word, Excel, and an electronic classroom is an expectation for all new students.

Interviews are conducted several times yearly.

Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Contact Information

For Admissions Information
Maureen Sheridan
(570) 674-6451
msheridan@misericordia.edu

OR

Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L
Associate Professor
570-674-6399
emclaughlin@misericordia.edu

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.

*OTD 650 Capstone may be taken during Summer Year 1 or Fall, Spring Year 2. All courses are 3 credits.

Students with a bachelor's degree should apply for the Post-Professional MS degree.

For admissions criteria click here.

Click here for OTD Course Descriptions

Post-Professional Master's Degree Program

Contact Information

For Admissions Information
Maureen Sheridan
(570) 674-6451
msheridan@misericordia.edu

OR

Coordinator of the Post-Professional Programs
Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L
Associate Professor
570-674-6399
emclaughlin@misericordia.edu

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

Click here for Post-Professional Masters Degree Course descriptions.

Ellen McLaughlin, EdD, OTR/L Associate Professor 570-674-6399 or email emclaughlin@misericordia.edu


Frequently Asked Questions

For Post-Professional Masters Degree admissions criteria click here.

Entry Level OTD Course Descriptions and Sequence - for students entering Fall 2019 and beyond

MSOT Course Descriptions for students who entered Fall 2018 and prior

The revised MSOT curriculum for students entering Fall 2019 and beyond will be posted soon. Please check our website for updates.