HTML Preview Occupational Therapy Graduate School Personal Statement page number 1.
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Entry Level MSOT
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF
The entry-level MSOT degree is designed to enable students who possess a baccalaureate degree to learn
the knowledge, skills and values to become a successful entry-level professional occupational therapists.
The design of the curriculum is firmly embedded in the mission of Alvernia University and the values of
American Occupational Therapy Association. These create a foundation for values-centered education that
enables graduates to serve others and adopt positions of ethical leadership.
ACADEMIC QUALITY
The entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational
Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449;
phone number 301-652-2682 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates are eligible to sit for
the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board
for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of the NBCOT exam, the
individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Most states require licensure in order to
practice; state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. All course
work must be completed within 24 months of the start of the first level II fieldwork placement. A felony
conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification exam or attain state licensure.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Evidence of completion of the following course work with a grade of “C” or higher
- A minimum of six (6) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of human anatomy and
physiology with a lab component.
- A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of introduction to sociology
or anthropology.
- A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of introduction to psychology.
- A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of lifespan development or
developmental psychology.
- A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of abnormal psychology.
- A minimum of three (3) semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of statistics.
These credit hours must be completed prior to full matriculation into the program.
• Official transcript(s) indicating the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited
4-year college or university.
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree is required.
• Transcripts from all institutions of 2- or 4-year colleges or universities the applicant has attended.
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers or supervisors familiar with the
applicant’s professional or service experiences. These may be from religious or community leaders but
not relatives or personal associates.
• A two-page personal statement that summarizes the value of the program of graduate study for the
applicant’s personal and professional development.
• Scores submitted from a graduate entrance exam such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). This requirement will be waived for Alvernia alumni, and other
students who have earned a bachelor’s degree within 5 years prior to submitting an application.
• Additional evidence for success as a graduate student such as academic or professional awards,
special certificates, continuing education, or completion of specialized examinations (not required
but encouraged).
• Evidence of an observation of occupational therapy practitioners working in a clinical setting is
recommended but not mandated.