MAEd in Reading/Literacy
Maryville University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, offers a Master of Arts in E...
Master Of Occupational Therapy
St. Louis, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Maryville University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, offers a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program through its Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions. This post-baccalaureate master's degree is designed to prepare students as entry-level occupational therapy practitioners, empowering individuals to live independently and participate meaningfully in life's activities. The program is recognized for its student-centered, technology-forward learning environment and its commitment to developing well-rounded OT clinicians, educators, managers, researchers, and advocates. Maryville offers two routes of entry: a Freshman Direct Entry program that combines undergraduate and graduate education, and a Graduate Admission route for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and necessary prerequisites.
Curriculum: The MOT curriculum at Maryville University is rigorous and comprehensive, designed to instill foundational knowledge, develop practice skills, and foster professional readiness. While specific credit hours may vary slightly, the program generally covers key areas such as applied human anatomy, foundational neuroscience, occupational therapy processes and skills, health conditions, occupational evaluation and intervention, and occupational therapy research. A strong emphasis is placed on project-based learning and practical skills development. Students gain significant hands-on experience through required fieldwork experiences, which are crucial for applying theoretical knowledge in diverse clinical settings. The curriculum also integrates inter-professional collaboration, preparing students to work effectively as part of healthcare teams.
Research Focus: Maryville University's MOT program incorporates a significant research focus, preparing students to engage in evidence-based practice and contribute to the profession's knowledge base. The curriculum includes dedicated coursework, such as "OT Research," which equips students with the skills to understand, analyze, and apply research findings to their clinical practice. The program emphasizes a research-focused course of study that allows students to explore evidence-based OT practice through various projects. This focus ensures that graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also critical thinkers who can evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adapt their practice based on the latest scientific evidence.
Industry Engagement: Maryville University's MOT program boasts robust industry engagement through its extensive professional partnerships and diverse clinical fieldwork opportunities. Students complete multiple fieldwork experiences in various settings and with diverse populations, gaining invaluable real-world experience. Maryville partners with numerous corporate and civic organizations in the greater St. Louis region and beyond, including major hospitals and healthcare systems like St. Luke's Hospital, SSM Health, Barnes-Jewish, and Mercy. These partnerships provide students with hands-on involvement in real-world projects and contribute to Maryville's impressive career outcomes rate for graduates, which is often reported at 98% or higher. Faculty who are active practitioners also bring current industry knowledge directly into the classroom.
Global Perspective: The MOT program at Maryville University inherently fosters a global perspective by preparing occupational therapists to work with diverse populations and understand varied cultural contexts impacting health and occupation. The program's goal to provide an inclusive and student-centered learning experience inherently includes awareness of the varied needs of clients from different backgrounds. While the primary focus is on practice within the United States, the principles of occupational therapy are universally applicable. Maryville also highlights exciting opportunities for students to study abroad through its Global Education Program, including partnerships with schools in Scotland and England. This provides students with exposure to different healthcare systems and cultural perspectives, enriching their understanding of global health and human occupation.
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 92 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 62 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Maryville University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make higher education more affordable and accessible. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and talents of its global student community, Maryville provides merit-based and need-based scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Maryville University are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable for multiple years provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Maryville offers exclusive scholarships tailored for international students to encourage global diversity and inclusion. These scholarships support students from various countries and academic disciplines, promoting cultural exchange and enriching the university community.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Maryville University provide scholarships targeted at students enrolled in specific programs such as business, nursing, education, and technology. International students pursuing degrees in these areas can apply for additional funding opportunities aligned with their fields of study.
A Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Maryville University is a highly impactful and in-demand degree, preparing graduates to become compassionate and skilled professionals dedicated to helping individuals live independently and participate meaningfully in daily activities.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist: A significant number of OTs specialize in working with children. They help infants, toddlers, and school-aged children overcome developmental delays, disabilities (like autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy), or injuries to improve their play, school performance, self-care skills (dressing, feeding), and social participation. They often work in schools, early intervention programs, or specialized pediatric clinics.
Adult Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist: Graduates work in acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, or outpatient clinics, helping adults recover from injuries, illnesses (like stroke, spinal cord injury), or surgery. They focus on restoring function in daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and returning to work or leisure pursuits.
Geriatric Occupational Therapist: With the aging population, there is a strong demand for OTs in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care. They help older adults maintain independence, manage chronic conditions, prevent falls, adapt to age-related changes, and engage in meaningful activities to improve their quality of life.
Home Health Occupational Therapist: These OTs provide services directly in clients' homes, assessing their living environment and helping them adapt to it. They teach strategies for daily living tasks, recommend adaptive equipment, and ensure safety within the home for individuals with various physical or cognitive limitations.
Mental Health Occupational Therapist: OTs in mental health settings (psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers) help individuals with mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia) develop coping skills, manage daily routines, improve social interactions, and engage in productive and leisure activities.
Hand Therapist/Upper Extremity Specialist: Some OTs pursue additional certification to specialize in conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. They work with patients recovering from fractures, nerve injuries, arthritis, or repetitive strain injuries, providing specialized rehabilitation to restore fine motor skills and function.
Low Vision Specialist: These OTs work with individuals with visual impairments to maximize their remaining vision and adapt their environment to perform daily tasks more effectively. They might recommend optical devices, lighting adjustments, or organizational strategies.
Driving Rehabilitation Specialist: OTs in this specialized field assess a person's physical, cognitive, and visual abilities related to driving. They provide training and recommend vehicle modifications to help individuals with disabilities or medical conditions drive safely and independently.
Assistive Technology Specialist/Consultant: OTs with expertise in assistive technology help individuals with disabilities select, adapt, and use technology (e.g., communication devices, computer access tools, mobility aids) to enhance their independence and participation in various life roles.
Occupational Therapy Educator/Supervisor: Experienced MOT graduates can advance into roles as clinical supervisors, fieldwork coordinators, or even university lecturers/instructors (often requiring additional qualifications or experience) to train and mentor the next generation of occupational therapists.
