Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2024-2025 Graduate Academic Catalog
Description : The philosophy of Gwynedd Mercy University ’ s MSOT Program is to provide an education that is centered on Mercy beliefs and the educational philosophy of the occupational therapy profession . We believe in a developmental and integrative occupational therapy education that will : challenge students ’ knowledge and understanding of the complexity of occupation and disability ; examine the profession ’ s domain in traditional and emerging practice areas ; and foster the skills to using 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 enroll 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 38 graduate credits over a one-year period of study .
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 .
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 seven program learning outcomes of the MSOT program are as follows : PLO1 : Apply the use of foundational knowledge of practice , critical and creative thinking , effective communication , teamwork , and problem solving to effectively function as an intra- and inter- professional team member . PLO2 : Design and implement client-centered practice that is inclusive of client cultural values , beliefs , needs , and abilities . PLO3 : Develop effective use of the occupational therapy process to design and implement occupation-
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