Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Occupational Therapy, Master of Science

Program Description

The Entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program prepares students for a professional career focused on helping people achieve skills and utilize resources to live independent and meaningful lives. The MSOT degree is a full-time Cohort Program. Students within a specific cohort matriculate together and are expected to take the same courses every semester and to complete the requirements of the program at the same time. MSOT students are assigned to specific sections and are given their class schedule by the department. One cohort of 66-69 students is admitted per year, and the program starts every spring semester.

Academic Advisement

Interested students should contact the Department of Occupational Therapy at (310) 243-2726 or visit https://www.csudh.edu/ot/ for program specific details, application, and additional information.

Pre-Admission Disclosure for Academic Programs Leading to Licensure or Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from Heather Kitching: WH A320 - (310) 243- 2726.

Accreditation

The MSOT Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. TEL: (301) 652-AOTA.

Certification

Graduates of the MSOT Program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapists administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this examination, the graduate will be an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).

Licensure

Graduates wishing to practice in the state of California must apply for a state license to practice. A state license is based on successful completion of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

Credentialing Requirements

A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the certification examination administered by the NBCOT or to attain state licensure. NBCOT's certification examination application contains character review questions that must be answered by all exam candidates applying for the certification examination. Applicants who answer "yes" to any of these questions must submit an explanation and official documentation regarding their background to NBCOT's Regulatory Affairs Department at the time of application to take the examination. This information will be reviewed by the NBCOT on an individual basis prior to determining exam eligibility.

An individual who is considering entering an educational program or has already entered an educational program can request an early determination review to have their background reviewed prior to the application for the certification exam. If you have additional questions or would like additional information, you may contact the Credentialing Services at NBCOT, located at One Bank Street, Suite 300, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878; TEL: (301) 990-7979. Email: info@nbcot.org