Master of Arts - Occupational Therapy (MAOT) Bridge Program
Program Description
The OT Bridge Program is designed for practicing Occupational Therapy Assistants to build upon their existing knowledge and experience. This 56-credit program is taught in a flexible, hybrid format and requires only one in-person lab per semester for the first three semesters, allowing students to continue their personal commitments while completing their degree in less time. The labs will be located in Dallas and Houston, Texas.
As an OTA coming into our program with previous education in occupational therapy language, clinical observations, therapeutic use of self, and occupational therapy treatment, our curriculum is designed to focus on the educational gap between the two practitioner levels - OTA to OTR - and targets the core competencies needed to pass the NBCOT exam.
The St. Kate’s MAOT Bridge program will help you:
- Advance your leadership and advocacy skills
- Advocate for social justice and our profession
- Understand how to read and apply research for evidence-based practice
- Prepare to pass NBCOT Occupational Therapy exam
MAOT Bridge Program Mission
Consistent with the missions of the University, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences, and the Graduate College, the mission of the Masters of Arts in Occupational Therapy Bridge Program is to support experienced occupational therapy assistants in advancing their knowledge, clinical skills, and professional identity to become occupational therapists. Drawing on the clinical reasoning skills developed as occupational therapy assistants, the bridge program advances leadership and advocacy skills, while emphasizing evidence-based practice and professional collaboration. Graduates are prepared to lead, advocate for social justice, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Accreditation
The occupational therapy master’s degree Bridge Program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates 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. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork within 18 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program. For more information, contact ACOTE at: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
Certification
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) conducts a national certification program. To be certified as a registered occupational therapist (OTR), a person must be a graduate of an accredited program and pass a national certification examination, which is administered by the NBCOT. Completion of all academic, thesis/project, and fieldwork requirements is necessary to be eligible for the examination. When graduates apply to take the certification examination with NBCOT, they will be asked questions related to the topic of felony convictions. A felony conviction may have a potential impact on a graduate's eligibility for certification and credentialing. A student who is concerned about whether something in their background could affect eligibility to sit for the national certification examination can request an Early Determination Review directly from NBCOT. For more information, visit the NBCOT website at http://www.nbcot.org/early-determination
The NBCOT website is www.NBCOT.org.
In addition, all states have licensure for occupational therapy. In these states, it is mandatory to have a current occupational therapy license to practice. All states use the NBCOT examination as part of the qualifications for a license/registration.
Essential Functions and Technical Standards
A practicing occupational therapist must be physically, cognitively, emotionally and mentally capable to meet the rigorous demands of clinical practice. The Description of Essential Functions and Technical Standards defines the essential functions and technical standards that OT students must meet in order to successfully progress through the program. All students must be capable of meeting these requirements or similar with or without reasonable accommodation.
The Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (MAOT) Bridge program is available for Occupational Therapy Assistants seeking to advance their careers by building upon their existing knowledge and experience. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with lecture-based instruction taught exclusively online. This program prepares students to be certified as a registered occupational therapist (OTR).
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| OCTH 6015 | Foundations | 2 |
| OCTH 6025 | Bridging the Gap: Evolving from OTA to OT | 3 |
| OCTH 6035 | Neuroscience | 3 |
| OCTH 6055 | OT Process: Evaluation of Older Adult Population with Lab | 4 |
| OCTH 6065 | Child Development | 2 |
| OCTH 7115 | Mental Health & Wellness | 3 |
| OCTH 7125 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| OCTH 7135 | OT Process Evaluation of Adults w/Lab | 4 |
| OCTH 7140 | Kinesiology & Human Movement | 3 |
| OCTH 7145 | Hand Therapy | 1 |
| OCTH 8215 | Leadership, Management, and Advocacy | 3 |
| OCTH 8225 | Research | 3 |
| OCTH 8230 | Assistive Technology | 3 |
| OCTH 8240 | Program Development | 3 |
| OCTH 8245 | OT Process: Evaluation of Pediatrics w/Lab | 4 |
| OCTH | Level I Fieldwork | 5 |
| OCTH | Seminar: Feedback & Mentorship | 1 |
| OCTH | Level II Fieldwork | 5 |
| OCTH | Seminar: Transitioning to OT | 1 |
| Total Credits | 56 | |
All students will follow the degree plan listed below regardless of which semester they begin the program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| OCTH 6015 | Foundations | 2 |
| OCTH 6025 | Bridging the Gap: Evolving from OTA to OT | 3 |
| OCTH 6035 | Neuroscience | 3 |
| OCTH 6055 | OT Process: Evaluation of Older Adult Population with Lab | 4 |
| OCTH 6065 | Child Development | 2 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| OCTH 7115 | Mental Health & Wellness | 3 |
| OCTH 7125 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| OCTH 7135 | OT Process Evaluation of Adults | 4 |
| OCTH 7140 | Kinesiology & Human Movement | 3 |
| OCTH 7145 | Hand Therapy | 1 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| OCTH 8215 | Leadership, Management, and Advocacy | 3 |
| OCTH 8225 | Research | 3 |
| OCTH 8230 | Assistive Technology | 3 |
| OCTH 8240 | Program Development | 3 |
| OCTH 8245 | OT Process: Evaluation of Pediatrics | 4 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| OCTH | Level I Fieldwork | 5 |
| OCTH | Seminar: Feedback & Mentorship | 1 |
| Semester 5 | ||
| OCTH | Level II Fieldwork | 5 |
| OCTH | Seminar: Transitioning to OT | 1 |
| Total Credits | 56 | |