The entry level Master's Program in Occupational Therapy, leading to a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) is for college graduates who wish to become occupational therapists but do not have work experience in the field of occupational therapy. The program, which requires completion of 14.5 units of Occupational Therapy coursework, is two academic years in length plus a minimum of six months of full-time fieldwork experience.
There are three phases to the Occupational Therapy course of study: pre-professional, professional, and field experience.
The pre-professional phase occurs prior to enrollment in the program. During this phase, applicants complete Occupational Therapy program prerequisites.
During the professional phase, students complete the required Occupational Therapy coursework.
The fieldwork experience phase consists of completion of at least six months of full-time practice under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist in a medical center, school, or health care facility. Following completion of the fieldwork experience, students are eligible to take the written national certification examination. In states with occupational therapy licensure laws, passing the national examination is accepted as evidence of competence to practice.
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
This graduate degree has existed at Puget Sound for more than 25 years. It was established at a time when it was critically important to test and verify the theoretical foundations and practical techniques of occupational therapy using rigorous, systematic methods of study. The need for such an emphasis today is no less. The health care system requires evidence of effective therapeutic outcomes, and the need to promote evidence-based practice is stronger than ever before. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies are taught and valued in the program. Puget Sound graduates will have exceptionally strong abilities to critique all types of existing research, and to implement a worthwhile research study that contributes to the professional literature.