Exploring Online Master's Programs in Occupational Therapy

Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin’s master of occupational therapy program gives students a strong theoretical knowledge base and multiple opportunities to use that knowledge on real patients, from children to adults. To get the expertise they need to work with patients, students take classes that cover functional anatomy, clinical reasoning, occupational health and wellness, and patient advocacy.

After that, students demonstrate what they learned during fieldwork experiences at healthcare facilities. The program is taught in a blended format, meaning students have a mix of online and in-person courses.

Applicants can choose from three tracks:

• The accelerated track, which is typically for high school students who want to combine their bachelor’s and master’s studies
• The bridge track, for those currently working as certified occupational therapy assistants
• The post-baccalaureate track, for students who already have a bachelor’s degree

To be admitted to the Concordia University Wisconsin program, applicants are expected to have at least a 3.0 GPA and coursework in biology, anatomy and physiology, and statistics with at least a B average.

Barry University

The occupational therapy MS program at Barry University is a combination of distance and face-to-face education, where students take some classes online and then meet for in-person instruction at the Miami Shores, Florida, campus two weekends each month. The curriculum includes classwork on neuroscience, assessments, interventions, healthcare law and ethics, and leadership and management.

After classes are completed, students go on to participate in full-time fieldwork at a skilled nursing or rehabilitation center for 12 weeks. During this time, students build their observation, assessment, interviewing, critical thinking, and activity analysis skills.

To be admitted into this program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, at least a 3.2 grade point average, and at least a grade of B in anatomy, physiology, psychology, kinesiology, and sociology prerequisites. Also, applicants are expected to complete at least 40 hours of volunteer work or observation at an occupational therapy clinic to prove that they have familiarized themselves with the realities of the profession.

Elmhurst University

The Elmhurst University master of occupational therapy can be completed in two years. Students learn how to collaborate with other medical professionals, integrate theoretical principles to provide appropriate treatments, work based on the legal and ethical standards of the field, and use occupational therapy techniques to provide care to individuals or groups.

Classes teach planning an intervention in several contexts, including when working with patients who have mental health issues, acute physical health challenges, learning disabilities, and chronic pain. To reinforce these principles, prospective Elmhurst students must participate in a fieldwork experience in which they get supervised practice working with patients.

To be admitted, Elmhurst requires that applicants have a bachelor’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA and gives preference to applicants with a composite verbal plus quantitative GRE score of 300 plus a writing score of 4. Also, students should earn at least a B- in prerequisite courses, which include statistics, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and anatomy and physiology.

1. Hands-on training

Some people may be reluctant to enroll in occupational therapy degree online programs because they mistakenly believe they will not get the hands-on training they need to prepare for this career. However, these programs provide the best of both worlds: Not only can students enjoy the benefits of taking online classwork, but they also get the opportunity to regularly receive in-person instruction leading up to their required fieldwork training.

2. Flexibility

Although students are required to get some of their instruction on campus, online programs allow them to gain the theoretical knowledge they need in sessions conducted online. In addition, these schools have in-person sessions that may be conducted during evenings or weekends, giving students the flexibility to juggle this coursework with their other obligations.

3. Affordability

Online schools are an affordable option because students may be charged per credit hour, which can significantly drive costs down. Eliminating debt relieves a major point of stress for students, meaning they can focus on their classes and not worry as much about their funds.

Research Methods

This course provides a look at the principles that are used when conducting qualitative or quantitative occupational therapy research. Students learn how to develop research questions and then devise a study that answers those questions, collect and interpret data, and report on findings. Also, the class provides an understanding of how to evaluate published research and apply it to an occupational therapist’s own work.

Occupational Development Across the Lifespan

Students in this class learn the occupational developments that take place throughout a person’s life, from the cradle to the grave, such as motor, social, emotional, and cognitive changes. Also, the course provides an understanding of what is considered normal and abnormal development during each stage of life.

Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy

This class focuses on the nervous system and how it functions, develops, and behaves when someone has a neurological disorder. Specifically, students learn about the physiological and anatomical workings of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems.

Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology

This class covers clinical anatomy and kinesiology from an occupational therapy perspective. Students learn about different types of musculoskeletal conditions and how to treat them.

Occupational Therapy Fieldwork

After students complete their coursework, they are required to participate in clinical experiences to apply the principles they learned to a real work setting. During this time, students gain practical skills under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Some programs also require the completion of a research project.

Gerontology

This specialization is for those who want to work with older patients who may have mobility and cognitive challenges or are recovering from medical events like a fall or stroke. People who complete this concentration may go on to work with patients in various clinical settings, such as nursing homes or in patients’ residences.

Pediatrics

Those who want to provide services to children can enroll in this specialization to learn how to work with young patients. Coursework covers childhood development, human embryology, and pediatric trauma.

Mental Health

In this concentration, prospective occupational therapists who want to use their expertise in a mental health setting learn to conduct cognitive assessments and provide psychosocial occupational therapy interventions.

Stroke Rehabilitation

People who want to specialize in providing treatment to stroke survivors can enroll in this concentration to learn the best practices. Occupational therapists can get the Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) credential.

Rural Populations

This specialization provides a look at how occupational therapists can best treat those in rural communities who may have limited access to healthcare services.