Established in 1994, the graduate program in Occupational Therapy graduated its first class in August, 1996. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in occupational therapy and often progress rapidly to leadership positions in the field. The program offers a rigorous education in both the basic sciences and in occupation-based practice. Occupational therapists must learn to participate collaboratively with other health care professionals. For this reason, core courses are shared with students in the physical therapy programs. Learning to communicate with other health care providers is important in preparation of building teamwork.
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Student working with a client in the SMU Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic.
Faculty and students making hand splints. |
Why Choose Occupational Therapy at Samuel Merritt University…
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The total number of graduates who passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination as first-time new graduate test takers for 2009–2011 was 74 out of 94, which is a pass rate of 79% (of 94 test takers, 74 passed on the first attempt). During the three year period, the program had 102 graduates. For our most recent year, 2011, the pass rate for first time test takers was 92% (of 37 test takers, 34 passed on the first attempt). The total number of graduates for 2011 was 31.
Accreditation of the Program
The MOT program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
Address : 4720 Montgomery Lane
P. O. Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
(301) 652-2682
Last Accreditation Visit : 2008
Next Visit : 2018
Please review this website for details regarding admission to the MOT program at Samuel Merritt University. If you have specific questions about prerequisites or applying for admission, please contact us and we will be happy to help you. The Admission Counselor who works most closely with the MOT program is:
Rosa Alvarado, Admission Counselor
Email:ralvarado@samuelmerritt.edu
The postmark application deadline is November 1. Applications may be filed beginning two months prior to the application deadline, keeping in mind that it is to your advantage to include as many available grades as possible with the application for admission. For example, with the postmark deadline of November 1 for fall entry, you should wait to submit an application until your summer grades are available. After the deadline, applications may be accepted on a space available basis. Contact the Office of Admission for further information once the deadline has passed.
Reflecting back on my education and experiences at Samuel Merritt University, I am confident that I chose the right program that challenged me to grow and provided me with a strong foundation of skills. Specifically, The Master of Occupational Therapy program helped me develop a strong scientific background with an intensive focus and hands-on approach in Anatomy and Kinesiology. I also gained invaluable skills and experiences working with clients in the community under the supervision of skilled professors. Having the opportunity to treat clients for up to 12 weeks allowed me to apply the concepts learned in class and develop strong documentation skills. As I complete my last level II Fieldwork, I feel confident in knowing that I can tackle any obstacle that comes my way and grateful to have the opportunity to apply my skills to improve the lives of others through such a rewarding profession.
