Master of Occupational Therapy

All applicants to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program must meet the following criteria:

• Earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution -OR- current enrollment in a BSRS degree program at Concordia University Wisconsin
• Cumulative GPA, from all attended institutions, of 3.0 or higher
• 8 semester credits of Human Anatomy & Physiology, from a Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology department with a lab component, completed with a grade of B or better in each course
• 3 semester credits of Statistics, completed with a grade of B or better
• Ability to perform the essential functions of an occupational therapy student as found here: Essential Functions

Applicants will also be required to submit the following:

• Official college transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, which address potential for academic success as an occupational therapist
• Written essays

All accepted students will be required to submit a $500 tuition deposit within four (4) weeks of acceptance to hold their spot in the program. Learn more about our expected OT tuition and fees here.

Please contact Graduate Admissions for the current admissions deadline.

• St. Norbert College
• Viterbo
• Michigan Technological University
• PIMA
• Bryant & Stratton
• Portage Learning

A unique feature of CUW's MOT program is the ability to choose which entry-level degree to pursue after you start. Students in the MOT program explore the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree during the second semester. At that time, students are given the choice to continue in the MOT program or apply to the OTD program. Entrance requirements for the OTD program include the following:

• Cumulative OT GPA of 3.0 or better
• Semester GPA of 3.0 or better in all completed semesters
• Current enrollment in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program
• No current or past professional or academic probation (students may still apply if they have received a warning)
• Completion and timely submission of all application documents

Students who apply to the OTD program will be evaluated by OTD faculty to determine eligibility and appropriate fit for the OTD program. If accepted to the OTD program, students should anticipate completing additional doctoral-level assignments and coursework, in addition to paying one additional semester of tuition.

International applicants who would attend on a student visa and whose native language is not English must show proficiency in the English language. The test score cannot be more than two years old at the time of application. The minimum TOEFL score is 89. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. The minimum Duolingo score is 120. There are no exceptions to the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo requirement for the OT program. International applicants will be admitted through the CUW International Office, and are subject to International Office policies, in coordination with graduate admissions.

All students are required to complete the Essential Functions of an Occupational Therapy student, without or with accommodations. 

Click here to access the Occupational Therapy Program Essential Functions

Students entering the Occupational Therapy program will need access to a computer that meets the following requirements. We highly recommend purchasing a laptop for portability. Please note: some of these requirements are slightly different than the general university tech requirements due to the required software in OT courses.

Occupational Therapy Technology Requirements

Optional, but recommended:

• USB Flash Memory Storage Device or External USB hard drive for data daily backup
• Antivirus and Malwarebytes (Windows does come with free Anti-virus)

Please Note:

• Chrome Books, iPads, tablets, or similar units are useful tools but do NOT meet all course requirements
• For Mac users that need access to Windows, click here for BootCamp setup instructions

 

Face-to-face track

The face-to-face track of the MOT program has a Spring term start, meaning courses begin in January, according to the university academic calendar. The program is offered in a hybrid format with classes meeting 1 time per week and the remaining course content and activities occurring in asynchronous format online. When not on-campus, students should expect to complete coursework independently and collaboratively online during the remainder of the week. Select courses throughout the program will be offered solely online in which students are expected to learn collaboratively. The program runs year-round, with full Spring, Summer and Fall terms. Students can complete the program in 24 months.

Students in the face-to-face track should anticipate having in-person class Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am - 5:00pm on CUW's Mequon campus. Wednesdays may have required participation in school activities, such as Level I Fieldwork experiences, Interprofessional Education (IPE) and cross-cohort mentorship, and must maintain a level of flexibility in scheduling. Some class requirements may be completed off-campus at designated community locations. Students will be responsible for transportation to all off-campus community locations.

Fieldwork experiences

There are 2 types of fieldwork experiences in occupational therapy education: Level I and Level II. Level I experiences are designed as brief exposures to a variety of practice settings and populations. All students must complete a Level I experience in behavioral/mental health. Students may choose to take up to 2 additional Level I experiences during the program. These additional opportunities will vary from semester to semester.

Upon completion of didactic coursework, all students will complete two 12-week Level II Fieldwork placements. These consist of full-time, hands-on experiential learning at community sites, under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Through Level II placements, students will develop knowledge and skills in 2 different practice settings to continue preparation for the national licensure exam. CUW’s Academic Fieldwork Coordinator works to secure sites in each student’s geographic area of preference.

Building community

Students are assigned an academic advisor from the OT faculty at the start of the program. Starting in the first term, students will be involved in our interprofessional community Clinic, which serves clients across the lifespan. As students progress through the program, their involvement and autonomy in evaluation and treatment of clients will increase. The OT program has embedded a student mentorship model for students to work with others in their track as both mentor and mentee. CUW OT students can be involved in student and professional organizations, the Pi Theta OT honor society, and faculty-mentored research opportunities. CUW’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) events encourage students to work through real-world scenarios with a team of future health professionals.

Continue to doctorate

Students in the MOT program have the opportunity to explore the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree during the second term of the MOT program. Students can stay in the MOT program or apply to the OTD program at that time.

Traditional entry to the occupational therapy program

This traditional entry to graduate school is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in any subject area and are prepared to complete their MOT in 2 years or OTD in less than 3 years.

Apply Here Through OTCAS

Accelerated entry to the occupational therapy program

This fast-track entry to CUW’s occupational therapy program is designed for high school graduates eager to pursue both their bachelor’s and graduate degrees (MOT or OTD) in occupational therapy in less than 5 years. Students spend 5 semesters working on completion of CUW core courses and the major courses for the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) degree. Beginning in spring of junior year, students begin graduate level courses in a hybrid format.

Students who begin their undergraduate career as a freshman in Concordia University Wisconsin’s Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science (BSRS) program may apply to the MOT program during the spring of their sophomore year.

Interested high school students will apply to CUW for the BSRS program and must meet entrance requirements for the university. To be accepted to the MOT program, students must earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA while at CUW, earn a grade of B or higher in 8 credits of Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 1801, BIO 1802and/or RSC 3020) taken at CUW, and earn a grade of B or higher in 3 credits of Statistics or Evidence-Based Practice and Basic Statistics (RSC 2010).

Guaranteed direct admit

Applicants with a high school GPA of 3.2 who apply and submit the tuition deposit prior to December 1st are considered for guaranteed direct admission. Those who meet these requirements will be reviewed and ranked according to GPA. The top 30 applicants will receive guaranteed status for the MOT Program. In order to maintain guaranteed status and to be accepted to the MOT program, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative CUW GPA, earn a grade of B or higher in 8 credits of Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 1801, BIO 1802 and/or RSC 3020) taken at CUW, and earn a grade of B or higher in 3 credits of Statistics or Evidence-Based Practice and Basic Statistics (RSC 2010).

Students transferring into CUW’s BSRS program will not have guaranteed status for the MOT program but can declare ‘pre-OT’. Transfer students must complete at least 36 credits at CUW to be given priority in the MOT admission process and must include the following courses taken at CUW, as well as meet all other admissions requirements:

BIO 1801 Anatomy and Physiology I

BIO 1802 Anatomy and Physiology II

RSC 3020 Advanced Anatomy

OTA to OT Bridge

The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program - Bridge track is designed for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with at least one year of experience.

Students in the MOT program - Bridge track can expect to complete coursework in a blended format. Coursework starts in the fall term and runs year round with full-time fall, spring and summer terms. Students should expect to complete coursework asynchronously online every week, with some group work expected. Select courses throughout the program will be offered solely online in which students are expected to learn collaboratively. Students should anticipate traveling to CUW's Mequon campus approximately once a month (18 times) for in-person learning experiences. Classes run Friday 12 pm-9 pm and Saturday 8 am-5 pm with a one-hour break each day. Students will be responsible for transportation to all off-campus community locations. Students are responsible for all costs associated with traveling to campus, including housing and meals. Due to the courseload of the MOT program, it is not recommended for students to work full-time.

Fieldwork experiences

There are 2 types of fieldwork experiences in occupational therapy education: Level I and Level II. Level I experiences are designed as brief exposures to a variety of practice settings and populations. All students must complete a Level I experience in behavioral/mental health. In the Bridge track, this is often completed via telehealth. Students may choose to take up to 2 additional Level I experiences during the program. These additional opportunities will vary from semester to semester.

Upon completion of didactic coursework, all students will complete two 12-week Level II Fieldwork placements. These consist of full-time, hands-on experiential learning at community sites, under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Through Level II placements, students will develop knowledge and skills in 2 different practice settings to continue preparation for the national licensure exam. CUW’s Academic Fieldwork Coordinator works to secure sites in each student’s geographic area of preference.

Building community

Students are assigned an advisor from the OT faculty at the start of the program. Starting in the first term, students will be involved in our interprofessional community clinic, which serves clients across the lifespan. As students progress through the program, their involvement and autonomy in evaluation and treatment of clients will increase. The OT program has embedded a student mentorship model for students to work with others in their track as both mentor and mentee. CUW OT students can be involved in student and professional organizations, such as the Pi Theta Epsilon OT honor society, and faculty-mentored research opportunities.

Option to complete doctorate

Students in the MOT program explore the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree during the second term. At that time, students are given the choice to continue in the MOT program or apply to the OTD program.

Applicants holding a completed bachelor's degree must apply for direct admission to the MOT program - Bridge track.

Entrance Requirements

• Proof of 1 year of employment as a COTA
• Earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher including:
  • 8-semester credits of Human Anatomy & Physiology, from a Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology department with a lab component, completed with a grade of B or better in each course
  • 3-semester credits of Statistics, completed with a grade of B or better
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions of an occupational therapy student as listed on the admissions tab 
• Applicants for the MOT- with Bachelor's Bridge Track must submit an online application through the OTCAS System. 

Apply Here Through OTCAS

Applicants whose highest degree is an associate degree must first apply for the BSRS Bridge program. During the first semester of the BSRS Bridge program, students will apply to the MOT Program. 

Apply Here BSRS

• Create an account
• The "Academic Program" will be Bridge BSRS - Occupational Therapy
• Fill out the form and submit your online undergraduate application

Program data specific to Concordia University Wisconsin on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Exam can be found here.

Graduation Outcomes

Graduation Year	Program Graduates	Graduation Rate
2021	84*	127%
2022	62	86%
2023	31	79%
Total	177	97%

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had 21 students who had a delay in fieldwork placements. These students graduated in 2021, which accounts for the graduation rate over 100%.

Note: In 2022, we graduated our first entry-level OTD cohort. Nine students are counted as starting the MOT program with their cohort but are not counted in the MOT graduation rate because they applied and were accepted to the OTD program. 

• Demonstrate advocacy skills to be an effective change-maker in surrounding communities 
• Facilitate the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in various community settings. 
• Combine theory, evidence, and clinical reasoning in a reflective process of evaluation, intervention, and targeting of outcomes. 
• Intentionally make clinical decisions using Christ-centered values. 
• Effectively and efficiently solve occupation-based problems 
• Competently prepared for direct access. 
• Develop leadership skills 
• Effectively communicate and collaborate in a variety of communities 
• Demonstrate professional behaviors while using knowledge-based skills for the effective practice of occupational therapy. 

Graduates of the program may 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 this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states required licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

The following table outlines the potential cost of attendance for a student in the MOT Program. These costs are subject to change based on cost of textbooks, change in textbooks, and/or change in fee amounts from the University. Students in the accelerated track may have additional fees while finishing the undergraduate degree. Information about these fees may be obtained from the undergraduate billing.

Please note all accepted students will be required to submit a $500 tuition deposit within four (4) weeks of acceptance to hold their spot in the program.

*Tuition is based on students who begin in the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Tuition increases each academic year, typically by 3-5% and is released for publication in June.

**The textbook & material cost is an estimate based upon current requirements and could change while enrolled in the program if a required textbook changes. Students are independently responsible for purchasing their textbooks, which could increase or decrease the total cost. Due to the use of a three term (fall, spring, and summer) academic calendar, textbooks may be purchased during the summer instead of fall or spring, which would change the cost per term of textbooks.

Note: students who bring a car to campus will be required to register their vehicle and pay vehicle registration fees as determined by the university. Further information can be found at: https://www.cuw.edu/life/campus-safety/parking-vehicle-registration.html

Travel costs will vary from student to student within our tracks. All students will have a one-week residency during Summer 2, which could include transportation, housing and food costs. Students will also accrue travel costs for the Level II Fieldwork as placements can be located as much as an hour away via car. 

Students in the Bridge Track should plan for travel to campus 4 times during Semesters 1, 2, 3 & 4, as well as 2-3 times during the first and third summers. This travel will include, at minimum, one overnight stay and all travel-related costs, including gas, car rentals, airfare, and food. Students may need to plan for travel costs to get to our Community Clinic sites located off-campus.