MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (MOT)

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Due to our fall 2008 class filling early, the fall 2008 MOT application cycle has closed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Students entering the MOT program for Fall 2008 are guaranteed a fixed tuition rate for the entire program, if regular progression through the curriculum is maintained.

Samuel Merritt College welcomes the opportunity to help you learn more about our Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Please review the prerequisite information as well as the Frequently Asked Questions. We would welcome additional questions or the opportunity to meet with you for an individual counseling appointment.

Please contact:

Che Abram, Assistant Director of Admission

510.869.8984

cabram@samuelmerritt.edu [1]

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The MOT is an entry-level master's degree designed for someone who has already earned a baccalaureate with a major in any area. To be considered for an inter­view for the MOT program, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a baccalaureate and all prerequi­sites from an accredited institution
• Suggested minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 semester units
• Suggested minimum science GPA of 2.6
• GRE and/or MAT scores are not required for Fall 2008
  
• The need for the TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by the applicant on the ap­plication for admission. If required, a score of 100 (Internet Based Test) must be achieved and official score results must be provided.
• Evidence of 40 to 70 hours (minimum) work or volunteer experience demonstrating an under­standing of the occupational therapist's role and maturity in career choice.
• Two letters of reference: one from a registered Occupational Therapist.

ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES

These prerequisites (semester units) must be com­pleted prior to entry with a grade of

"C-" or better:

English Composition/Critical Thinking................6 units

General Psychology...........................................3 units

Abnormal Psychology........................................3 units

Developmental Psychology................................3 units

Statistics...........................................................3 units

Sociology, Anthropology or Ethnic Studies.........3 units

Skills or Crafts*..................................................3 units
(Three Dimensional: beading, ceramics, sewing, tile mosaics, etc.)

General Biology.................................................3 units

Human Anatomy°...............................................3 units

Human Physiology°...........................................3 units

Basic or Introductory Physics°...........................3 units

Public Speaking°...............................................3 units

* In lieu of a course, students may submit a portfolio documenting extensive skill and participation in a particular craft area.

° Courses are highly recommended but not required.

APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
To be considered for an interview, the following items must be sent in one envelope with your application:

• Copies of all college transcripts (unofficial copies are fine for the initial review of the application; official transcripts will be required at a later date)
• $50 non-refundable fee
• Completed goal statement
• Completed prerequisite worksheet (part of the application)
• Letters of reference: Two letters are required. One must come from an occupational therapist who supervised you as a paid or volunteer worker in an active clinical setting. The other letter must be from someone who can judge your academic skills and character. Forms have been provided for your use.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
The application filing period extends from November 1 through July 31, on a space available basis, for the next fall enter­ing class. Applications received prior to February 1 will receive early consideration and review. Applications are processed on an on-going basis. If you are in question as to whether or not applications are still being considered for the fall term, please contact the Office of Admission.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
The application for admission is available for viewing and printing here.

Graduate Application [2]

You must have Adobe Acrobat [3] installed in order to view and print the application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: When is the deadline for applying?

A: The application filing period extends from November 1 through July 31 on a space available basis for the next fall enter­ing class. Applications received prior to February 1 will receive early consideration and review. Applications are processed on an on-going basis.

Q: Is an interview required?

A: The personal interview is an important part of the admission process and is required of all ap­plicants. Phone interviews may be considered for applicants living a distance from campus.

Q: When does the program start?

A: Admission is for the fall term.

Q: How long is the program?

A: The full-time program is five consecutive se­mesters in length (including summers) plus a six-month internship.

Q: Is there a part time program available?

A: Most students attend the program full time, although there is a part time option available. Please call the Office of Admission to discuss this option.

Q: Who accredits the program?

A: Samuel Merritt College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501. 510.748.9001. The Accrediting Commission is an institutional ac­crediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation. The MOT pro­gram is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The American Occupational Therapy Association may be reached at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220, 301.652.2682.

Q: What does it cost?

A: Tuition information is listed here [4] .

Q: Is there financial aid?

A: Yes is the short answer. The Financial Aid Office will work individually with accepted applicants to arrive at a plan that insures financial aid needs are met in a manageable way. Generally payment on student loans is deferred while you are enrolled in the MOT program. While on the six-month intern­ship students remain eligible for financial aid that does not affect award levels or deferral status of student loans, even for those who receive a sti­pend. Of note is the College's student loan default rate of <1%, a very low rate compared to national data, indicative of the financially rewarding jobs found by our graduates.

Q: What is the pass rate on the national licensure exam?

A: Our students do exceptionally well on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), with an average 97% pass rate over the past three years.

Q: Can I visit Samuel Merritt College?

A: We hold a Preview Day every fall and spring and those dates are made available on our website. Please also watch the website for additional op­portunities to visit the campus and learn more about the MOT program.

Q: May I have an individual academic counseling appointment with an Admission Counselor?

A: We would recommend exactly that. Please call us to schedule an individual appointment. Please be sure to bring copies of all college level transcripts with you.

MOT Fall 2008 Statistics
(statistics are based on attending and waitlisted students)