M.S. in Occupational Therapy

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum academic requirement is a bachelor's degree with an equivalent GPA of 60% or above.                                                                                                                                                          

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.5 with no individual band score less than 7.0 is  required.

   • TOEFL iBT: The minimum required score for the TOEFL iBT is 100. 

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 75 on the PTE is accepted.

   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 100 on the DET is accepted.

3. Standardized Tests (GRE/GMAT):

   • GRE: A minimum GRE score required is 290.

The University of South Alabama (USA) offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to international students to help make their education more affordable. These scholarships are competitive, and eligibility criteria may vary. 

1. Global USA Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for incoming undergraduate international students. Eligibility is based on academic merit, and students must maintain a minimum GPA to renew the scholarship each year.

2. International Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate international students with outstanding academic records. The award amount varies and is based on academic achievement.

3. International Freshman Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is for first-time, degree-seeking international undergraduate students. It is merit-based and awarded based on academic performance.

4. International Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students at USA have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which may include a stipend and tuition remission. These positions are available in various academic departments.

5. International Student Retention Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to assist continuing international students in their academic pursuits. Eligibility is based on maintaining a minimum GPA and active involvement in campus activities.

6. Graduate Fellowships: USA offers a range of graduate fellowships that provide financial support to outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master's or doctoral programs.

7. External Scholarships: International students may also explore external scholarship opportunities, both from their home countries and international organizations, to fund their education at USA.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may change from year to year.

The University of South Alabama (USA) offers a prestigious Master of Science (M.S.) program in Occupational Therapy, preparing students for a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare. Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping individuals of all ages regain independence and improve their quality of life. Graduates of this program have a wide range of promising career prospects in the field of occupational therapy.

1. Occupational Therapist (OT): Graduates are well-prepared to work as licensed occupational therapists in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and schools. They assess clients' physical and mental abilities and design personalized therapy plans to help individuals regain functional independence.

2. Pediatric Occupational Therapist: Some graduates specialize in pediatric occupational therapy, working with children to address developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, and other challenges that impact their daily lives. They often work in schools, pediatric clinics, and early intervention programs.

3. Geriatric Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists can choose to work with older adults in settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They focus on enhancing seniors' abilities to perform activities of daily living independently.

4. Hand Therapy Specialist: Graduates with a special interest in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation can pursue careers as certified hand therapists (CHTs). They work with clients who have hand injuries, surgeries, or conditions, helping them regain hand and arm function.

5. Mental Health Occupational Therapist: Some OTs work in mental health settings, assisting individuals with mental health challenges to develop coping skills, improve daily functioning, and participate in meaningful activities. These therapists often work in psychiatric hospitals or community mental health centers.

6. Home Health Occupational Therapist: Home health OTs provide therapy services to clients in their homes. They adapt home environments and provide training to help individuals safely and independently perform daily activities in their familiar surroundings.

7. Rehabilitation Facilities: Graduates can work in rehabilitation facilities, helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or strokes. They play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, focusing on regaining functional independence.

8. School-Based Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists can work in educational settings, collaborating with teachers and other professionals to help students with disabilities or special needs develop the skills necessary to succeed in the classroom.

9. Research and Academia: For those interested in research, careers in academia or research institutions are viable options. Graduates may conduct studies to advance the understanding of occupational therapy practices and outcomes.

10. Consultation Services: Occupational therapists often provide consultation services to organizations, advising on how to create accessible and accommodating environments for individuals with disabilities.