Occupational Therapy (MSOT) | Springfield College

Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

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

To explore Springfield College occupational therapy (OT) program performance data, visit the NBCOT school performance page.

And, be sure to check out the occupational therapy 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

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
Register

Occupational Therapy in-Person Information Session
Wednesday, April 10 at 6 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 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.  

"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, Graduate Class of 2024
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
“To the students considering the Occupational Therapy program at Springfield College, you will not find a more structured program with the hands-on experiences at any other school. It provides a great learning experience and an environment that supports success and relationship building within the profession." Joseph Biagiotti '23, Graduate Class of 2025
Joseph Biagiotti - 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)

Apply through OTCAS

Applications for the OTD must be submitted through OTCAS.

In order to be considered, applications must be complete in OTCAS by the June 18 program deadline. Materials required are: Personal Statement, Resume, Official Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation. 

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, 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 staff in 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
    6116 Executive Boulevard
    Suite 200
    North Bethesda, MD 20852-4949

  • Website
Accreditation

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

  • 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 New Health Sciences Center at Springfield College

The new Springfield College 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.

An architect's rendering of the health science center at Springfield College

Fellowships & Scholarships

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

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

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