Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Springfield College

Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Program Contact

Scott McNeil
Program Director, Chair, and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Department of Occupational Therapy
(413) 748-3785
smcneil3@springfield.edu

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full or part time
  • Full time complete in 2.5 years
  • Part time complete in 3.5 years
Paying for Your Education
Program Outcomes
Career Opportunities

Explore our FAQs

Considering a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy?

Within the first year of the program, MSOT students may transition to the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Springfield College pending availability

BS to MSOT Option

Are you looking for our undergraduate pre-occupational therapy program? Springfield College also offers a BS in Health Science: Pre-OT to MSOT you can complete in five and a half years. 

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Upcoming Events

Occupational Therapy In-person Information Session
Wednesday, December 4 at 6 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Wednesday, December 11 at 6 p.m.
Register

OT Activities of Daily Living (ADL) labs in the Health Science Center.

In the Springfield College MS in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), you’ll engage in a mix of classroom, laboratory, group projects, and fieldwork experiences. As a student, you will become practiced in entry-level occupational therapy theory, evaluation and treatment techniques, clinical reasoning, research, teaching skills, management, and teamwork.

With the opportunity for flexible scheduling, the Occupational Therapy program is ideal for any student. You’ll gain experience working under the direction of trained therapists in two full-time fieldwork rotations. These experiences will help you build essential technical and clinical skills, critical problem-solving techniques, leadership skills, and self-confidence and professional identity. And, with more than 300 affiliated fieldwork sites across the country, you’ll be able to do something you love—all while giving back to your community. 

Graduates of the MSOT program will be eligible to take the board exam, become licensed, and work as an occupational therapist. 

Employment opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to increase 12% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With a degree in Occupational Therapy, you can have an in-demand and fulfilling career. Our graduates work at schools, universities, government agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community-based settings, and in many other settings across the country.  

What job can I get with a degree in Occupational Therapy?

A degree in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College opens up a world of rewarding career opportunities. As an occupational therapist, you can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. You'll have the chance to help individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life through customized therapeutic techniques.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Occupational Therapist
$96,370
Median Salary
11%
Job Projected Growth
16,800+
Job Projected Openings

Occupational therapists work with people who have permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, and may need help with daily tasks. They recommend options and show clients how to use appropriate adaptive equipment, such as leg braces, wheelchairs, and eating aids. These devices help clients live their lives more independently.



Orthotists and Prosthetists
$78,100
Median Salary
15%
Job Projected Growth
1,400+
Job Projected Openings

Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt musculoskeletal devices for patients who have disabling conditions. These devices include artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. These workers may specialize in either orthotics or prosthetics, or they may do both. Orthotists work with patients who need medical devices, such as braces and splints, that provide support to a body part. Prosthetists work with patients who need artificial limbs or other body parts.



Rehabilitation Counselors
$44,040
Median Salary
2%
Job Projected Growth
1,600+
Job Projected Openings

Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently. They work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.


"My time at Springfield College will have such a positive impact on my future not only as an OT from an academic standpoint, but the College as a whole has truly taught me the meaning of giving back to one’s community, and living by the spirit, mind, and body mantra, as all of those components uniquely make up each individual." Erin Ferris G'24
Erin Ferris
"Occupational Therapy is an amazing program and there are so many opportunities at Springfield College outside of just the Health Science program that will help to make you the best you can be." Sarah Bannon, G’23
Sarah Bannon Springfield College

How to Apply:

Prerequisite Courses

The prerequisite courses include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology, I and II courses with labs (must be taken within the past 5 years) (6-8 credits)
  • Natural science course with lab (3 to 4 credits)
  • Abnormal Psychology course (3 credits)
  • Lifespan Development/Developmental Psychology course (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Sociology or Anthropology course (3 credits)
  • English and writing intensive courses (6 credits)

Admission Requirements

1. Complete either of the following:

  • Apply through OTCAS: Completed applications and requirements must be submitted through OTCAS.

OR

  • Apply using our online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.

2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.

3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.

4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education

    c/o American Occupational Therapy Association
    7501 Wisconsin Avenue
    Suite 510E
    Bethesda, MD  20814

  • Website
Accreditation

Springfield College's entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is accredited and OTD has been granted pre-accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Image
ACOTE Logo

 

  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

    12 South Summit Avenue
    Suite 100
    Gaithersburg, MD 20877

  • (301) 869-8492 (fax)

  • Website
Certification and Licensure

Graduates of the program will be 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 exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require 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 Brown Cooper Health Sciences Center at Springfield College

The Springfield College Brown Cooper Health Sciences Center empowers transformative approaches to education, career enhancement, service, research, and leadership in healthcare. The Center builds on the success of the School of Health Sciences, and ensure its standing as the leading choice for the finest students, faculty, and staff.

Springfield College Health Science Center on Monday, October 16, 2023.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.