An Occupational Therapy Masters Program that Fits Your Needs
Prepare for a dynamic career in a growing field. The job outlook for occupational therapists has never been better. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Elizabeth Wanka, program director, talks about what makes Elmhurst’s MOT program unique.
A master’s degree in occupational therapy (OT) from Elmhurst University will prepare you for professional entry-level practice as an occupational therapist. Designed for students who are new to the field of OT, Elmhurst’s graduate program combines rigorous academic coursework with service learning, practical experience in the field, and collaborative research on campus.
Program Format
The MOT program is offered in a hybrid format combining online learning with on-campus classes in Chicago’s western suburbs. You can complete the master’s degree in 24 months of full-time study.
Academic Standing and Progression Policies
Students in this program are accountable for all standards and policies stated in the Student Academic Policies and Procedures manual below.
Accreditation
The Elmhurst University entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is acoteonline.org.
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 this 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.
In accordance with Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards, the Elmhurst University pass rate data for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam is published below. Additional 2020 pass rate data is available online.
NBCOT Exam Rate for Elmhurst MOT Graduates
| Graduating Class | Year of Exam | Number of Students | Number of Successful Pass | NBCOT Rate Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2018-2019 | 18 | 18/18 | 100 |
| 2019 | 2019-2020 | 20 | 20/20 | 100 |
| 2020 | 2020-2021 | 24 | 24/24 | 100 |
| 2021 | 2021-2022 | 23 | 23/23 | 100 |
| 2022 | Jan.–Dec. 2021 | 21 | 21/21 | 100 |
| Matriculation Year | Graduation Year | Graduation | Retention Rate Percentage | Graduation Rate Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2020 | 24/24* | 100 | 100 |
| 2019 | 2021 | 24/24 | 100 | 100 |
| 2020 | 2022 | 23/24 | 95.8 | 95.8 |
| 2021 | 2023 | TBD/24 | TBD | TBD |
| 3-Year Total | 98.6 | |||
*Includes three students who were delayed due to COVID-19 considerations and graduated.
Elmhurst University evaluates all applicants and administers all its policies regarding admission, education, and school activities without regard to race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.
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