Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog
the occupational therapy process to support the occupational needs of individuals, groups, communities, and populations across multiple practice areas. We believe in reinforcing the philosophical and applied tenets of the foundations of professional practice, occupational science, client-centered practice, occupation-based practice, evidence-based practice, and professional development throughout our didactic and fieldwork curriculum.
The curriculum design of the MSOT Program is intended to prepare students as generalists with a broad exposure to the traditional and emerging needs of individuals, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan. There are two tracks to complete a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Gwynedd Mercy University: the OCT MS Dual track and the OCT MS track. The course sequence for both tracks are listed in the curricular sheets section of the graduate catalog.
OCT MS Dual Track A select number of Gwynedd Mercy University undergraduate students who completed their degree requirements for a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Science will be enrolled as a graduate student to complete the degree requirements for a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. This track is comprised of 3 terms and 39 graduate credits over a one-year period of study. This year of study is also referred to as professional year II or PY2 for the Occupational Science graduates.
OCT MS Track A select number of post-baccalaureate students will enroll as a graduate student to complete the degree requirements for a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. This track is comprised of 6 terms of 77 graduate credits over a two-year period of study,, also referred to as professional years I and II or PY1 or PY2.
Preparation for Professional Licensure: Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by 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 of the MSOT program are as follows:
PLO1 Analyze the dynamic relationship between human occupation and health, apply theoretical and evidence-based knowledge to promote client-centered and occupation-based practices to improve individual and community health and wellbeing outcomes. PLO2 Promote servant leadership by understanding and prioritizing the needs of diverse individuals, groups, and communities to achieve meaningful occupational participation and occupational justice. PLO3 Engage in scholarly inquiry and evidence-based practice by integrating research, practice expertise, and client perspectives to inform and guide occupational therapy interventions and improve client outcomes across multiple contexts of service delivery. PLO4 Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills by integrating theoretical knowledge, evidence-
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