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2016-2017 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
University of Pittsburgh
   
2016-2017 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 29, 2024
 
2016-2017 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)


The Department of Occupational Therapy now offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program.

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree program is only available to candidates with a University of Pittsburgh Freshman Occupational Therapy Guarantee who began undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh in Fall of 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016.  Candidates with Freshman Occupational Therapy Guarantee status should contact the Department of Occupational Therapy at OTpitt@shrs.pitt.edu or 412-383-6620.

Degree Requirements


The entry-level MOT Program is a two-year professional course of study requiring 78 credits, including fieldwork education.

Certification


Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT). After successful completion of this examination, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, most states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may prevent a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain a state licensure.

Curriculum and Course Descriptions


There are a total of 78 credits for the MOT Program and a minimum GPA of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale) is required for graduation. Most courses in the MOT curriculum require the successful completion of one or more prerequisite courses (see individual course descriptions for prerequisites).

Plan of Study

Term 1* - Summer Term - 7 Credits
Term 2 - Fall Term - 15 Credits
Term 3 - Spring Term - 15 Credits
Term 4 - Summer Term - 6 Credits
Term 5 - Fall Term - 15 Credits
Terms 6 & 7 - Spring and Summer Terms - 20 Credits***

 

* Term 1 begins in early June.
** Includes laboratory component with associated fee.
*** Fieldwork A and B must be completed within 3 years of completing didactic coursework. A misdemeanor or felony charge or conviction may affect a student’s ability to complete courses with a fieldwork component.

PLEASE NOTE: The MOT Program requires that students complete fieldwork education at facilities external to the University of Pittsburgh and such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance, and a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in fieldwork education. Additionally, to become licensed, many states inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Academic Standards


In addition to following University-wide academic rules and regulations as detailed in the General Academic Regulations section of this Catalog, the MOT Program is regulated by the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Academic Standards, as well as the departmental Student Manual.

MOT Student Manual - 2016



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