Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 198
Preparation for Professional Licensure: Graduates of the dual degree 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 this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered( OTR). In addition, all states require licensure 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. ACOTE accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the NBCOT ® certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Program Learning Outcomes: The five program learning outcomes for the Occupational Science Program are as follows: PLO1 Analyze the relationships between occupation, health, and well-being. PLO2 Evaluate the biological, social, cultural, and institutional influences of occupational balance and occupational participation. PLO3 Defend occupational justice and the human right to access and participate in meaningful occupations that supports well-being and participation. PLO4 Examine the value and significance of occupations, as experienced and interpreted by an individual as an occupational being. PLO5 Analyze how identities are constructed through doing as well as how individual and collective identities contribute to our sense of being, belonging, and becoming.
For major requirements: See Program Handbook and curriculum sheets. Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression, and Retention
Admission criteria for entry into the Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Science Program are based on one of three paths of entry.
Traditional Freshmen Admission: High school seniors should achieve a 3.1 high school GPA on a 4-point scale— standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT are optional— and complete an interview with the Program Director.
Internal Transfers: Current GMercyU students who would like to apply for a change of major to Occupational Science need to complete a change of major application and email it Dr. Thomas Mernar, Program Director of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Programs at mernar. t @ gmercyu. edu. To be eligible for a change of major to Occupational Science, students must have completed 24 or more credits at Gwynedd Mercy University, maintained a cumulative GPA of a 3.1 or greater, submitted the change of major application and completed an in-person interview with Dr. Thomas Mernar, Program Director. Having earned an overall GPA of 3.1 or greater does not guarantee acceptance of a change of major to Occupational Science.
External Transfers: Pending availability, a limited number of students from other academic institutions may be eligible to transfer directly into the Occupational Science major if the if they have completed 24 or more credits, maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.1 or greater, completed an external student transfer