M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
Masters of Occupational Therapy
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MOT program at Missouri State University is a 24-month (7-semester length) program, typically completed by full-time students. It is an entry-level degree, meaning it prepares individuals with a bachelor's degree in any field to become licensed occupational therapists. The program emphasizes a blend of didactic coursework, experiential learning, and rigorous fieldwork education. It is designed to provide students with the training and insight necessary to help people regain strength, mobility, and independence, fostering a strong sense of community engagement and service-learning throughout the curriculum.
ACOTE Accredited: Yes, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at Missouri State University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). This accreditation is crucial as it ensures the program meets national standards for quality and prepares graduates to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. Successful completion of the NBCOT exam allows graduates to become an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). State licensure, which is required to practice, is typically based on the results of this certification examination.
Curriculum: The MOT curriculum is comprehensive, integrating foundational knowledge with advanced practice skills. It covers essential areas such as human occupation, neuroscience, clinical biomechanics, and various therapeutic skills for both adult and pediatric populations. Key courses often include "Applied Research Methods in Healthcare," "Community and Health Practice in Occupational Therapy," "Cognition and Occupations Through the Lifespan," and "Environmental Adaptations and Assistive Technology." The program also incorporates coursework in management and policy in occupational therapy practice. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to fieldwork education, with Level I and Level II fieldwork seminars and immersive experiences, where students apply their didactic knowledge in real-world clinical settings.
Research Focus: The MOT program at Missouri State University integrates scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice throughout its curriculum. Students are trained to critically appraise evidence to determine the best course of treatment for their patients. Required coursework in "Applied Research Methods in Healthcare" equips students with the skills to understand and contribute to occupational therapy research. While the primary focus is on preparing competent practitioners, the program's mission emphasizes "scientific inquiry" and "evidence-based practice," encouraging students to approach their clinical work with a research-informed mindset. Faculty members are often active in clinical practice and research, guiding students in understanding and utilizing current and emerging trends in the industry.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the MOT program, primarily facilitated through its extensive fieldwork education component. Students gain hands-on training in diverse clinical and community settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, private practices, and community organizations. This experiential learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop clinical reasoning skills, and build professional networks with practicing occupational therapists. The program's commitment to community engagement means students often participate in service-learning opportunities, providing valuable experience while contributing to local communities. The faculty, being doctorally prepared and actively involved in clinical practice, bring current industry trends and insights directly into the classroom, further bridging the gap between academia and practice.
Global Perspective: The Master of Occupational Therapy program at Missouri State University fosters a global perspective by educating "holistic, reflective occupational therapy practitioners who understand the complexity of occupation and value its role in the promotion of health and wellness" for diverse populations. While not explicitly focusing on international health as a separate track, the curriculum incorporates themes such as "cultural humility" and "cultural and contextual influences" on health and occupation. This emphasis prepares graduates to work effectively with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds and to understand the social determinants of health across different contexts. The universal principles of occupational therapy, combined with an appreciation for diversity, enable graduates to contribute to improving health outcomes in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world, whether in local underserved communities or in potential global health initiatives.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) from Missouri State University prepares graduates to become licensed occupational therapists, a profession with a robust and growing demand. The program's comprehensive curriculum, coupled with extensive fieldwork, ensures that graduates are well-equipped to empower individuals across the lifespan to engage in meaningful daily activities, adapting to challenges posed by illness, injury, or disability. The hands-on, client-centered approach of the MOT program directly translates to impactful careers in a variety of healthcare and community settings.
Clinical Occupational Therapist: This is the most common and direct career path, where graduates assess, treat, and rehabilitate patients across various settings. This can include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. OTs help clients with daily living activities, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and adaptation to their environment.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist: Specializing in working with children, these OTs address developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and physical disabilities. They help children develop skills for play, learning, and self-care, often working in schools, specialized clinics, or early intervention programs.
Geriatric Occupational Therapist: Focused on the aging population, these OTs help older adults maintain independence and quality of life. They address issues related to aging, such as fall prevention, cognitive decline, arthritis management, and modifications for aging in place, often working in nursing homes, home health, or community senior centers.
Mental Health Occupational Therapist: OTs in mental health settings help individuals with mental illnesses or psychosocial challenges develop coping strategies, manage daily routines, and improve social participation. They work in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and forensic settings.
Rehabilitation Specialist (Physical/Neurological): These OTs work with individuals recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other physical disabilities. They focus on restoring function, teaching compensatory strategies, and adapting environments to maximize independence, typically in acute care hospitals or specialized rehabilitation centers.
Hand Therapist (with specialized certification): Occupational therapists can specialize in treating conditions of the hand and upper extremity. While this often requires additional certification (CHT), the MOT provides the foundational knowledge for this highly specialized and in-demand area, working in outpatient clinics or orthopedic settings.
School-Based Occupational Therapist: Working directly within educational systems, these OTs help students with disabilities participate fully in their school environment. They address fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory regulation, attention, and social participation, collaborating with teachers and parents.
Assistive Technology Specialist: OTs with an interest in technology can specialize in identifying, recommending, and training clients on the use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and alternative communication methods to enhance function and independence. This can involve working for technology companies, rehabilitation centers, or independent consulting.
Ergonomics Consultant: Occupational therapists can apply their knowledge of human-environment interaction to workplace settings, assessing and modifying workstations and tasks to prevent injuries and improve productivity. They advise companies on creating safer and more efficient work environments.
Community Health Worker/Program Developer: Leveraging their understanding of population health and community engagement, OTs can work in public health agencies or non-profit organizations to develop and implement health promotion and prevention programs, particularly for underserved populations or specific community needs.
