Occupational Therapy
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Springfield College offers multiple pathways for you to pursue a career in the field of occupational therapy. As a student in the Health Science: Pre-Occupational Therapy program you will have the option to continue on to a graduate level program in occupational therapy.
During the undergraduate portion of the program, you will engage in courses and practica required for the occupational therapy degree, the health science degree, and the College's general education requirements. Upon successful completion, you will have the option to pursue either Springfield College's entry-level MSOT or OTD program.
- BS: Graduates will receive a BS in Health Science: Pre-OT
- BS to MSOT: Graduates will receive a BS in Health Science: Pre-OT and a MS in Occupational Therapy in 5 and a half years
- BS to OTD: Graduate will receive a BS in Health Science: Pre-OT and a OTD in 6 years
Students can select which entry-level degree option (MSOT or OTD) they would like to pursue after the first year of graduate study (fourth year of program). Graduates of the MSOT or OTD program will be eligible to take the board exam, become licensed, and work as an occupational therapist.
Graduate classes, held on campus, are followed by 6 months of full-time fieldwork in at least 2 settings. With hundreds of full-time fieldwork sites across the country, the Springfield College Occupational Therapy programs offer a wide range of experiences working with people with differing disabilities and conditions, using different treatment approaches, in various practice settings.
What job can I get with a degree in Occupational Therapy?
Our Pre-Occupational Therapy pathway is more than an academic program—it's your strategic first step toward a meaningful healthcare career. This specialized pathway is designed to prepare you for advanced study and a dynamic career in occupational therapy, providing the critical foundation for graduate-level success. We provide the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional connections to help you transform your passion into a powerful career of helping others.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
With Springfield College's Master or Doctorate degree, 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.
Some occupational therapists work with children in inpatient, outpatient, or educational settings. They may provide early intervention therapy to infants and toddlers or work with school-aged children to encourage engagement, such as participating in academic activities.
Therapists who work with older adults help clients live independently and improve their quality of life. They assess clients’ abilities and environment and make recommendations to improve the clients’ everyday lives. For example, therapists may identify potential fall hazards in a client’s home and recommend their removal or help clients attend social outings.
Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. They often help older adults who need assistance. Under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner, home health aides may be allowed to give a client medication or to check the client’s vital signs.
